Heat Weight Kit for Modo

The Heat Weight Kit for Modo is an open-source plugin designed to simplify and automate skin-weight assignment using the heat method algorithm in Modo. Ideal for character rigging or automated deformation setup, this toolkit uses a heat‐based propagation method to generate smooth, natural weight distributions quickly.

This kit contains a direct moding tool and a procedural mesh operator for macOS and Windows.

👉 Source & updates: https://github.com/tazee/heat_weight

✨ Key Features

• Automatically assigns skin weights via the heat method algorithm across mesh vertices per connecting polygons
• Based on the geodesic distance from source, this tool sets weight values in the vertex map. The heat method computes the geodesic distance per connecting polygon part.
• Support single source or multiple sources
• Control influence by falloff shape or Modo falloff sub-tool.

The heat method computes the geodesic distances from the tail of each seahorses.

Example with multiple souces with Linear falloff shape on hippo.

Example with weight falloff + push mesh operator. The push expands the shape along the spring.

⚙️ Installation & Use

1. Click the Download button (enter $0 for free or choose optional tip)
2. Download the LPK file
3. Drag and drop into Modo to install
4. Restart Modo → Plugin appears under appropriate menu or Mesh Operator panel

🔄 If upgrading from an earlier version, please uninstall the old version first.

🧩 Compatibility & Requirements

• Tested with Modo 16.1v8 or later (adjust as applicable)
• Works with complex meshes, high polygon counts, and supports key-feature preservation
• For developers: full source code and build instructions available on GitHub

⚖️ License & Support

• License: GPL-3.0 — Free to use, modify and redistribute
• Source & issue tracking: https://github.com/tazee/heat_weight
• Support / Bug reports: Use the GitHub Issues tab

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This software is based part on CGAL (The Computational Geometry Algorithms Library):

Licensed under the GPL-3.0 license.

https://cgal.org

💖 Support the Project

This toolkit is provided fully free and open-source. If you find it useful, you can help by:

• Starring the GitHub repository
• Sharing it with peers or on social media
• Leaving a tip via Gumroad to support continued development
• Welcome your feedback in Gumroad Community