What is Modo IDE?
Modo IDE is an open-source AI-powered desktop IDE that transforms the way developers interact with AI coding tools. Unlike traditional AI assistants that directly generate code from prompts, Modo introduces a structured planning phase: prompt → requirements → design → tasks → code. This ensures that AI-generated code is well-thought-out, reviewed, and aligned with project goals.
Key features include a spec-driven workflow where users create specifications in `.modo/specs/<name>/` as three Markdown files: requirements, design, and tasks. Users can initiate specs via `Cmd+Shift+S` or by selecting Spec mode in the session picker, choosing between feature or bugfix types and requirements-first or design-first workflows. The AI agent fills each document, and after user review, executes tasks one by one, marking them as pending, in progress, or completed. Tasks persist to disk, allowing users to close and reopen the IDE without losing progress. Each pending task has a clickable "▶ Run Task" button, and a "Run All Pending Tasks" button appears at the top for batch execution.
Modo also includes steering documents in `.modo/steering/` that inject project rules into every AI interaction, eliminating the need to repeat instructions. It supports `#[[file:path]]` references to link OpenAPI specs, GraphQL schemas, or any project documentation. Additionally, JSON configs in `.modo/hooks/` automate actions around the agent lifecycle with 10 event types such as `fileEdited` and `fileCreated`.
Built on top of the Void editor (a VS Code fork), Modo inherits AI chat, inline edit (`Cmd+K`), autocomplete, multi-provider LLM support, tool use, and MCP integration. It is MIT licensed, fully open-source, and available on GitHub. Ideal for developers who want more control and transparency in AI-assisted coding, Modo is perfect for complex projects requiring careful planning, code review, and incremental development. Use cases include feature development, bug fixing, and refactoring with a structured approach that reduces errors and improves code quality.
Use Cases
Key Features
spec driven workflow structured planning phase requirements first workflow design first workflow task persistence batch task execution steering documents AI agent reviewWho is it for?
developers, software engineers, AI tool users, open, source contributors, tech leads
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