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CAD · head to head

Modo vs Creo

Modo logo

Modo

CAD

Creative 3D modeling and rendering

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Creo logo

Creo

CAD

Award-winning 3D CAD software

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Modo foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated; Creo every Creo user must buy a licence of the Creo Design Essentials package as a minimum before anything else can be added
  • They diverge on capability: Modo covers Polygon modeling, Creo covers Parametric modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Modo and Creo actually diverge.

Attributes where Modo and Creo differ
AttributeModoCreo
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxWindows
Founded19961985

Identical on both: starting price ($29/month), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Modo

  • Polygon modeling
  • Subdivision surfaces
  • Sculpting
  • UV tools
  • Procedural modeling
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • MeshFusion

Only in Creo

  • Parametric modeling
  • Direct modeling
  • Simulation
  • Generative design
  • Additive manufacturing
  • AR integration
  • Model-based definition
  • Windchill PLM

Both cover

  • License management
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Modo

  • Polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assetsnot Creo
  • Look development and rendering of product and character modelsnot Creo

Creo

  • Parametric 3D mechanical CAD for product and machinery designnot Modo
  • Mold design and mold machining workflowsnot Modo

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Modo

  • Foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
  • Support continues only until each customer's current contract term expires
  • Foundry does not guarantee that Modo will keep working on future operating system updates because no patches will be issued, and recommends customers migrate to alternative 3D workflows
  • Perpetual licences keep working but receive no further updates, bug fixes or support
  • The Modo forums closed in December 2024 and downloads, docs and the support knowledgebase were committed only until November 2025

Creo

  • Every Creo user must buy a licence of the Creo Design Essentials package as a minimum before anything else can be added
  • Capabilities such as the Generative Design Extension, Creo Simulation Live, Advanced Assembly Extension and GD&T Advisor are sold as separate paid extensions
  • Published prices in the PTC Store cover only Creo Design Essentials, the Creo Suites and select extensions; the other design packages require talking to sales
  • Buying an individual extension requires contacting a sales representative rather than self service

Pricing, plan by plan

Modo

$29/month
  • Indie$599/month
    • Full Modo
    • Revenue limit $100K
  • Modo$1898/month
    • Full commercial license

Creo

$29/month
  • Creo Elements/Direct$2310/month
    • Direct modeling
  • Creo Parametric$2310/month
    • Parametric modeling
    • Simulation
  • Creo+$2930/month
    • SaaS delivery
    • Real-time collaboration

Which should you pick?

Choose Modo if

  • You need polygon modeling.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want subdivision surfaces.
Modo review

Choose Creo if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want direct modeling.
Creo review

Questions people ask

Is Modo or Creo better?
Neither clearly leads. Modo starts at $29/month and Creo at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Modo or Creo?
Modo starts at $29/month and Creo at $29/month.
Does Modo or Creo run on more platforms?
Modo runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Creo runs on Windows.
What is Modo best used for?
Modo is most often used for polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assets, look development and rendering of product and character models. Of those, polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assets and look development and rendering of product and character models are not what Creo is typically brought in for.
What can Modo do that Creo cannot?
Modo covers Polygon modeling, Subdivision surfaces, Sculpting, UV tools. Creo covers Parametric modeling, Direct modeling, Simulation, Generative design. Both handle License management, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Creo: Does Creo offer a free trial or evaluation version?

Yes, PTC offers a free trial of Creo. Users can instantly access a fully functional trial of Creo. The page also provides a 30-day free trial option for both Creo and Creo+.

Source
Creo: What licensing options does Creo provide?

Creo supports flexible licensing options including on-premises solution and Creo+, a SaaS offering. Licensing tiers support solo designers, small teams up to 5 licenses, and growing teams with 5 or more licenses. PTC also offers a startup program with free or discounted access.

Source
Creo: Is Creo free for students and educators?

Yes, Creo is available for free to students and educators through PTC Education. Students and educators from grade school through university can get free access to Creo to learn advanced CAD capabilities.

Source
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