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Rhino 3D

Professional 3D modeling and CAD software

Industry-standard 3D modeling and CAD software that creates, edits, and analyzes NURBS curves, surfaces, solids, meshes, and point clouds. Includes Grasshopper visual programming for parametric design and generative workflows.

Not publicly specified (self-funded, employee-owned) raisedMarket Leader
Founded 1998 · 700+ dealers, distributors, and training centers worldwide; used by major firms including Zaha Hadid Architects, NBBJ, Trahan Architects, and thousands of AEC professionals globally
Website →← All Tools
WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Architecture, engineering, and product design teams need powerful 3D modeling tools to create complex freeform geometry, parametric designs, and precise technical documentation. Manual modeling of complex surfaces and repetitive design elements is time-consuming.

The Solution

Rhino 3D provides precise NURBS surface modeling with support for unlimited complexity and degree. Grasshopper enables visual programming for parametric design, optimization, and generative workflows without coding knowledge.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
Desktop AppPlugin
Integrations
Revit (Rhino.Inside.Revit)AutoCAD (Rhino.Inside.AutoCAD)IllustratorBrisCADExcelUnreal EngineSketchUpBlenderNavisworksV-RayEnscape
Disciplines
Architecture, Structural Engineering, Mep Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering
Workflows
Visualization & Presentation
Project Phases
Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure, Mixed-Use, Industrial, Hospitality, Institutional
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:3D geometry concepts
Optional:Existing 3D models, Project files, Point cloud data, Reference images, Construction drawings
Formats:.3dm (Rhino native), .dwg, .dxf, .iges, .step, .stl, .obj, .fbx, .gltf, .usd, IFC, PDF, Image files (for reference)
Output
What you get
Format:Multi-format 3D model files and technical documentation
Fields:NURBS curves and surfaces, Solid 3D geometry, Point clouds and meshes, Technical drawings and 2D documentation, Renderings and visualizations, Parametric definitions (Grasshopper), Assembly models, Fabrication files
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Proprietary NURBS surface modeling engine; optional machine learning via plugins (Dodo: neural networks, gradient descent, optimization)
Accuracy:Arbitrary precision NURBS modeling (limited only by hardware); no mathematical accuracy limitations documented
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Not publicly specified (desktop software with optional cloud integration for Rhino Cloud)
Training:Not publicly specified; user data not mentioned as used for model training
Compliance:Privacy policy available on rhino3d.com, Data protection measures mentioned but no SOC 2, ISO 27001, or GDPR certifications explicitly stated
API
Integration
Endpoint:RhinoCommon SDK and Python API (https://developer.rhino3d.com/api/)
Method:Object-oriented .NET API (RhinoCommon) and Python libraries (RhinoScriptSyntax, RhinoCommon via IronPython/CPython)
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Complex freeform architectural surfaces and facades (Morpheus Hotel, parametric stadiums)
  • ·Parametric design and generative architecture using Grasshopper
  • ·From-sketch 3D modeling for concept development and design iteration
  • ·Technical documentation and 2D drawing extraction from 3D models
  • ·Point cloud to BIM conversion and Scan-to-CAD workflows
  • ·Fabrication file generation for CNC, 3D printing, and specialty construction
  • ·Integration with Revit via Rhino.Inside for dual BIM/generative design workflows
  • ·Furniture and product design with complex geometry
  • ·Site analysis and landscape design parameterization
  • ·Custom plugin development and scripting for firm-specific workflows
PRICING

Pricing

Free
90-day fully functional trial (no restrictions on trial features)
Pro
Student license: $195 USD; Commercial license: $995 USD (perpetual, includes current version updates and support; no subscription required)
Enterprise
Academic and institutional volume licensing available; contact for bulk pricing
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-02-01
Data Sources (11)
Fields Checked (20)
name, website, vendor, problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, maturityStage, yearFounded, customerBase, input-output-formats, useCases, pricing-commercial-student, api-documentation, features, grasshopper-capability, file-format-support
Not Found (10)
fundingTotal (self-funded), soc2-certification, iso27001-certification, gdpr-compliance-statement, data-retention-period, api-rateLimit (desktop app), webhook-support, machine-learning-training-use, specific-accuracy-metrics, enterprise-pricing-details
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.
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