Luxology

Luxology was an American software company specializing in 3D graphics tools, best known for developing modo, a comprehensive 3D modeling, texturing, painting, and rendering application used in film, game development, and design visualization. The company aimed to provide artists with an integrated, fast workflow and a direct-manipulation interface that could support both individual artists and production pipelines.

Founded in the 1990s by a group of software developers, Luxology focused on delivering an accessible yet capable 3D package. Modo offered polygonal modeling, sculpting, UV mapping, texture painting, and a built-in renderer, with a streamlined interface and iterative workflows that appealed to freelancers and studios alike. Over successive versions, modo expanded to include advanced animation tools, scene assembly, and enhanced rendering quality, while maintaining a focus on speed and responsiveness.

In 2009 Luxology was acquired by The Foundry, a UK-based developer of visual effects software. After the acquisition, modo continued to develop under The Foundry, with further integration into its pipeline tools alongside Nuke, Mari, and Katana. The Luxology brand was retired, but its legacy lived on in modo’s design philosophy and its influence on 3D software workflows.