Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MODO VS SketchUp

Compare MODO VS SketchUp and see what are their differences

MODO logo MODO

Modo by Foundry brings you the next generation of 3D modeling, texturing and rendering tools in a powerful integrated software package.

SketchUp logo SketchUp

3D for Everyone
  • MODO Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25
  • SketchUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-18

MODO features and specs

  • Comprehensive Modeling Tools
    MODO offers a wide array of modeling tools, including subdivision surfaces, N-Gons support, and versatile mesh editing options, enabling detailed and intricate model creation.
  • Intuitive User Interface
    The software's interface is known for its user-friendliness, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced modelers to navigate and find tools quickly.
  • Efficient Rendering Engine
    MODO possesses a high-quality rendering engine that can produce photorealistic images efficiently, providing robust support for various rendering requirements.
  • Powerful Animation and Rigging Tools
    MODO includes comprehensive tools for animation and rigging, allowing users to create complex animations and character rigs with relative ease.
  • Strong Community and Support
    The MODO community is active and supportive, offering a plethora of tutorials, forums, and user groups, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning.

Possible disadvantages of MODO

  • High Cost
    MODO is considered expensive, which might be a barrier for small studios or freelancers with limited budgets.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering advanced features and the full depth of MODO’s functionality can be challenging and time-consuming.
  • Performance Issues with Large Scenes
    Users have reported performance slowdowns when working with very large and complex scenes, which can hinder productivity.
  • Limited Integrations
    Compared to some other industry-standard tools, MODO has fewer native integrations with other software, potentially complicating workflows that rely on mixed-pipeline usage.
  • Sparse Advanced Tutorials
    While there are many community resources, finding advanced tutorials on specific MODO tools or features can sometimes be difficult.

SketchUp features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SketchUp has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible to beginners as well as professionals. Its simplicity helps users quickly learn the software without extensive training.
  • Extensive Library
    The 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-made models and components, enabling users to enhance their designs without having to create everything from scratch.
  • Versatility
    SketchUp is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, making it a versatile tool for various professionals.
  • Affordability
    SketchUp offers a free version that provides sufficient features for hobbyists and small projects. Paid versions are also relatively affordable compared to other professional CAD software.
  • Third-Party Extensions
    There are numerous plugins and extensions available that enhance SketchUp's functionality, allowing users to customize the tool to better fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of SketchUp

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While SketchUp is powerful for basic and intermediate designs, it lacks some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, which may be necessary for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    SketchUp can experience performance issues and slow down when handling very large or highly detailed models, which can be a limitation for projects requiring high detail.
  • Rendering Quality
    The built-in rendering capabilities of SketchUp are relatively basic. For high-quality, photo-realistic rendering, users often need to rely on third-party plugins like V-Ray or Lumion.
  • 2D Drawing Limitations
    SketchUp is primarily a 3D modeling tool and its 2D drawing capabilities are not as robust as specialized 2D drafting software, making it less ideal for creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
  • Interoperability
    Although SketchUp supports various file formats, there can be compatibility issues when integrating models with other CAD software, which may require additional conversion steps.

Analysis of MODO

Overall verdict

  • MODO is generally regarded as a good platform for digital marketing professionals seeking comprehensive solutions to manage and analyze their campaigns effectively. Its capabilities in data-driven insights and operational efficiency support its positive reception.

Why this product is good

  • MODO, offered through campaigns.foundry.com, is considered beneficial due to its robust set of features tailored for digital marketers and campaign managers. It provides advanced analytics, user-friendly interfaces, and seamless integration capabilities with various marketing platforms. These elements make it an attractive tool for optimizing campaign performance and enhancing ROI.

Recommended for

    MODO is recommended for marketing professionals, digital strategists, and advertising agencies looking for an all-in-one tool to enhance their campaign management and performance analytics. It's particularly suitable for those who require detailed reporting and integration with multiple marketing channels.

Analysis of SketchUp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SketchUp is a robust and versatile software for 3D modeling, especially in fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Its ease of use combined with advanced features makes it a valuable tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SketchUp is considered a good tool for various reasons. It offers an intuitive interface that is accessible to beginners while still providing powerful tools suitable for professional designers. The software supports a wide range of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality. Additionally, SketchUp has a large, active community that shares models, tips, and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and for experienced users to discover new techniques.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Product designers
  • Educators and students
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D modeling

MODO videos

MODO 13 - NEW FEATURES - REVIEW & REACTION

More videos:

  • Review - Why I Switched From Modo To Blender
  • Demo - IK Multimedia MODO DRUM: Review Walkthrough and Demo

SketchUp videos

SketchUp 2019 | My HONEST Review

More videos:

  • Review - Watch This Before You Get Started With SketchUp (2019 Update)
  • Review - SKETCHUP 2019 - REVIEW. REACTION. RANT.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MODO and SketchUp)
3D
26 26%
74% 74
3D Modeling
35 35%
65% 65
Architecture
0 0%
100% 100
Digital Drawing And Painting

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare MODO and SketchUp

MODO Reviews

10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
A 3-D modelling, sculpting, and texturing software that is acknowledged for its consumer-pleasant interface and recognition of productivity. Modo is a superb choice for artists who need a streamlined workflow for growing 3-D property.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
Carving its niche in the 3D industry as one of the Blender Alternatives, Modo presents a balanced suite that integrates Modelling, Texturing, and Rendering capabilities. With a strong emphasis on an intuitive workflow, Modo ensures that its powerhouse features are accessible without overwhelming newer users, making it an attractive option for both professionals and...
15 Best Maya Alternatives
The next Maya alternative on this list is Modo. It shares similarities with Maya in terms of 3D modeling, 3D rendering, and animation. Tagged the “starting point for creative exploration,” most users pick Modo over Maya for its ease of use.
15 Best ZBrush Alternatives 2022
Concept artists use Modo in film and game production, and you can also use them for creating 3D printable models. Foundry’s reputation for designing impeccable software for the creative industry means Modo is stable and reliable.
15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Modo will work very well for UV creation as it supports UDIM workflows. It also supports different shading systems, and there are several realistic materials in the software library you can use; all you have to do is drag and drop.

SketchUp Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
SketchUp offers a free web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscription plans: SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio – each tailored to provide increased functionality.
Source: aircada.com
10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
SketchUp is a user-friendly 3-D model software program that specializes in creating architectural and interior layout models. SketchUp is popular for its intuitive interface, speedy modelling gear, and massive library of extensions.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
2) Wide array of plugins: SketchUp's core functionalities can be vastly expanded through its rich ecosystem of plugins. Whether it's advanced Rendering, simulation, or specialised Modelling tools, there's likely a plugin available to cater to users' specific needs, ensuring that SketchUp remains versatile across diverse projects.
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
Sketchup is another popular interior design program. Sketchup is a professional and useful 3D design program. Even for specialists, the interface is rather sophisticated and takes some time to get used to. For a powerful 3D modeling experience, professionals use Sketchup.
Source: www.reddit.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
One of the advantages of using SketchUp is access to hundreds of expertly-developed extensions. These extensions are available in the SketchUp Warehouse and will save you the considerable time you would spend creating the products and models yourself.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SketchUp seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

MODO mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MODO yet. Tracking of MODO recommendations started around Mar 2021.

SketchUp mentions (5)

  • Google needs to create a product called Google Gone!
    What! It just switched owners, that's all. Go to sketchup.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • design build programs
    Not exactly sure what you're asking for but maybe.... SketchUp? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help for Mom's Condo
    I know sketchup.com a little and searched earlier for something, found https://www.closetfactory.com/entertainment-centers/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Basement remodel.
    I've heard good things about sketchup.com but it costs. If you are going to buy materials (cabinets, fixtures, etc) primarily form a single source I would check with them. I thought that Home Depot had a virtual design center, but it seems you need to physically go in. IKEA has a good design tool that I've used in the past - very advance and free. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • product dissapearing?
    There is no "license" for SU Pro. You use your email address and password that you used when you bought it. Have you installed the program? Log into sketchup.com with your user name and password. Then start SU on your computer. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing MODO and SketchUp, you can also consider the following products

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

ZBrush - ZBrush is a digital sculpting and painting software solution.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Cinema 4D - Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics and rendering application.

Sweet Home 3D - Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps to draw the plan of house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.

Autodesk 3DS Max - 3ds Max is software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Create stunning game enrivonments, design visualizations, and virtual reality experiences.