Welcome to Nodo¶

Nodo is a procedural 3D modeling application built on node-based workflows. Create complex geometry through visual programming - no coding required.

What is Nodo?¶

Nodo lets you create 3D models by connecting nodes in a graph. Each node performs an operation (create a sphere, transform geometry, combine shapes), and the connections define the workflow.

Why Node-Based Modeling?¶

• Non-Destructive - Change any parameter at any time
• Procedural - Models update automatically when you adjust inputs
• Flexible - Infinite combinations of nodes and operations
• Expression-Driven - Use math to drive parameters dynamically

Quick Links¶

Getting Started¶

New to Nodo? Start here:

1. Installation - Download and install Nodo
2. Quick Start - Your first model in 30 minutes
3. Interface Overview - Learn the UI
4. Tutorials - Step-by-step projects

Core Features¶

40 Procedural Nodes¶

Organized into 8 categories:

• Generators (6) - Create primitives (Sphere, Box, Cylinder, Torus, Grid, Line)
• Modifiers (5) - Extrude, Subdivide, Smooth, Noise Displacement, Bevel (basic)
• Transform (6) - Transform, Array, Copy to Points, Mirror, Scatter, Align
• Boolean & Combine (5) - Boolean, Merge, Split, PolyExtrude, Remesh (stub)
• Attributes (6) - Wrangle, Attribute Create/Delete, Color, Normal, UV Unwrap
• Groups (7) - Group Create, Blast, Sort, Group Promote/Combine/Expand/Transfer
• Deformers (3) - Bend, Twist, Lattice
• Utilities (5) - Switch, Null, Output, File (import), Export

:octicons-arrow-right-24: Full Node List

Expression System¶

Every parameter supports mathematical expressions and references:

// Simple math
$radius * 2 + 1

// Trigonometry & functions
sin(45) * $amplitude

// Reference other nodes
ch("../Sphere/radius") * 2

// Reference graph parameters
$master_scale * 1.5

:octicons-arrow-right-24: Expression Guide

Graph Parameters¶

Create master controls that drive multiple nodes:

• Define once, use everywhere with $param_name syntax
• Build responsive, data-driven models
• All parameter types: Float, Int, Bool, String, Vector3
• Expression support with math functions (sin, cos, sqrt, etc.)
• Auto-complete for parameters and functions

:octicons-arrow-right-24: Graph Parameters

Real-Time Viewport¶

See your geometry update instantly as you work:

• Multiple shading modes (wireframe, solid, combined)
• Display toggles via compact viewport toolbar
• Vertices, edges, vertex/face normals, grid, axes, point numbers
• Smooth camera navigation (orbit, pan, zoom)
• Instant feedback on all parameter changes
• Frame selected (F) and frame all (Home) shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Professional keyboard-driven workflow:

• Node Operations: Tab menu, Duplicate (Ctrl+D), Delete, Bypass (B), Disconnect (Shift+D)
• Edit Operations: Full clipboard support (Ctrl+C/X/V), Undo/Redo (Ctrl+Z/Shift+Z)
• Selection: Select All (A), Deselect (Shift+A), Invert (Ctrl+I), Frame (F/Home)
• Viewport: Wireframe (W), Normals (N/Shift+N), Grid (G)
• Help: Show shortcuts (Ctrl+/), Documentation (F1)

:octicons-arrow-right-24: Full Shortcuts

Example Workflows¶

Learn through hands-on tutorials:

Architectural Column¶

Create a classical column with base, shaft, and capital using Transform, Array, and Boolean nodes.

Procedural Patterns¶

Generate geometric patterns using Scatter, Copy to Points, and expression-driven parameters.

Game Asset Pipeline¶

Build optimized game-ready models with LOD control and export to common formats.

Documentation¶

For Users¶

• Getting Started - Installation and first steps
• Core Concepts - Understand procedural modeling
• Node Reference - All nodes documented
• Expressions - Math and scripting
• Workflows - Tutorial projects
• FAQ - Common questions

Reference¶

• Keyboard Shortcuts - Quick reference

Philosophy¶

Procedural First¶

Everything in Nodo is procedural. No manual mesh editing - instead, you define operations that can be tweaked, repeated, and reused.

Artist-Friendly¶

Node-based workflows are intuitive and visual. No programming required, but expressions are available when you need them.

Non-Destructive¶

Change any parameter at any time. Go back and adjust early operations without starting over.

Performance-Focused¶

Built on the Manifold geometry kernel for fast, robust boolean operations.

Use Cases¶

What Can You Build?¶

• Architectural Elements - Columns, arches, decorative details
• Game Assets - Props, environment pieces, modular kits
• Procedural Patterns - Tilings, lattices, ornamental designs
• 3D Printing Models - Parametric designs for rapid iteration
• Concept Art - Quick form exploration and variation

Export Formats¶

• OBJ - Widely compatible, good for texturing
• STL - 3D printing
• PLY - Vertex colors supported
• glTF - Modern format with materials

Support¶

Get Help¶

• Documentation - Complete guides and tutorials
• Support - Contact via the official website
• Feature Requests - Submit suggestions through the website

System Requirements¶

Minimum: - Windows 10 or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+) - Dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM - OpenGL 3.3+ graphics

Recommended: - Windows 11 or Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+) - Quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM - Dedicated GPU with 2 GB VRAM

:octicons-arrow-right-24: Full Requirements

Version¶

Current Version: Alpha Preview (November 2025)

Nodo is in active beta testing. Expect frequent updates and new features.

Recent Updates¶

• ✅ Full expression system with math functions and ch() references
• ✅ Graph parameters for master controls ($param_name syntax)
• ✅ Complete undo/redo support for all operations
• ✅ Professional keyboard shortcuts (M3.6)
• ✅ Viewport toolbar with display toggles
• ✅ Recent projects menu
• ✅ Connection selection and editing
• ✅ 40 procedural nodes across 8 categories
• ✅ Expression auto-complete and validation
• ✅ Circular reference detection

License¶

Nodo is open source software released under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Ready to Start?¶

Questions? Check the FAQ or contact support via the website.

Found a bug? Report it through the official support channels.

Happy modeling! 🎨