What Is a MODD File?

This article explains what a MODD file is and how to use one on your computer.

What Is a MODD File?

A file with the MODD file extension is a Sony video analysis file, created by some Sony camcorders. They're used by Sony's PlayMemories Home (PMH) program to manage the files once they've been imported to a computer.

MODD files store things like GPS information, time and date, ratings, comments, labels, thumbnail images, and other details. They're normally accompanied by MOFF files, THM files, images, and M2TS or MPG videos.

The file might look something like filename.m2ts.modd to indicate that it describes details on an M2TS file.

How to Open a MODD File

MODD files are generally associated with videos imported from Sony camcorders, so the files can be opened with Sony's PlayMemories Home (PMH). Sony's PMB (Picture Motion Browser) works, too, but it's only relevant if you already have the program because it was discontinued in 2014, so there isn't a download link available.

The PMH tool creates MODD files when it groups together still images or when the software imports AVCHD, MPEG2, or MP4 video files.

How to Convert a MODD File

Since MODD files are descriptive files used by PlayMemories Home, and aren't the real video files taken from the camera, you can't convert them to MP4, MOV, WMV, MPG, or any other file format.

You can, however, convert the actual video files (the M2TS, MP4, etc.) to these formats with a video file converter program or web service.

Although it won't be of much use with the software mentioned above, you might also be able to convert a MODD file to a text-based format like TXT or HTM/HTML, using a free text editor.

Still Can't Open It?

If the programs above aren't helping you open the file, there's a good possibility you're just misreading the file extension. Some files use a suffix that closely resembles "MODD," but that doesn't necessarily mean they're related or that can open with the same software.

MDD is one example. These files obviously look an awful lot like MODD files, just without one letter. If you have a MOD file, it won't open with the MODD openers from above but instead requires a program like Autodesk's Maya or 3ds Max since some MOD files are Point Oven Deformation Data files used with those applications. Others might be used with the MDict dictionary software.

If it's not clear already, the idea here is to double-check the file extension that's appended to your specific file. If it truly reads .MODD, then you may need to try using those programs above once more, since those are the applications that use MODD files.

Otherwise, research the actual file extension to see which programs were built specifically for opening or converting the file you have.

Why PMH Creates MODD Files

Depending on the version of Sony's PMH software that you're using, you may see hundreds or even tens of thousands of MODD files stored alongside your image/video files. The software creates MODD files for every video and image that runs through it so that it can store date and time information, your comments, etc. This means they're most likely created each and every time new media files are imported from your camera.

While there is a real reason for the software to use these files, it's completely safe to remove the MODD files if you want to—you don't have to keep them on your computer if you don't plan to use the PlayMemories Home program to organize your files. 

If you do delete the MODD files, PMH will just regenerate them the next time it imports files from the camera. One option that might work to prevent new MODD files from being created is to open the program's Tools > Settings menu option and deselect Import with PlayMemories Home when a device is connected from the Import tab.

However, if you have no use for the PlayMemories Home program, you can just uninstall it to prevent any more MODD files from being created.