What is Rhino used for?

Rhino is NURBS-based 3D modeling software for industrial design, architecture, jewelry and other work needing precise free-form surfaces. It is a good fit for industrial designers modeling products, architects exploring parametric forms and jewelry designers working on fine details.

How much does Rhino cost?

Paid plans for Rhino start at $195 per seat as a one-time payment, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.

Is Rhino open source?

No. Rhino is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Rhino include FreeCAD and Blender.

What are some alternatives to Rhino?

Rhino competes with AutoCAD, SketchUp and Autodesk Fusion. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Rhino alternatives.

Rhino: features, pricing and alternatives

About Rhino

Rhino, also known as Rhinoceros, is a 3D modeling application built around NURBS geometry, which is a precise mathematical way of describing curves and surfaces. It is used in industrial design, architecture, jewelry design, marine design and many other fields that need accurate free-form shapes.

Rhino is widely extended through plugins, and its Grasshopper visual programming environment is popular for generative and parametric design. The vendor site could not be read when this entry was prepared, so confirm the current version, platforms and licensing on the Rhino website.

Rhino is proprietary software installed on the user's computer. It is relevant to designers and architects who need detailed surface modeling and customization through plugins and scripting.

Key features

NURBS-based free-form modeling
Precise curve and surface tools
Plugin ecosystem
Grasshopper parametric design
Import and export of many file formats

Good fit for

→Industrial designers modeling products
→Architects exploring parametric forms
→Jewelry designers working on fine details

Tags: 3d-modeling; nurbs; cad; industrial-design; architecture; parametric-design; design

Rhino: questions and answers

What is Rhino used for?: Rhino is NURBS-based 3D modeling software for industrial design, architecture, jewelry and other work needing precise free-form surfaces. It is a good fit for industrial designers modeling products, architects exploring parametric forms and jewelry designers working on fine details.
How much does Rhino cost?: Paid plans for Rhino start at $195 per seat as a one-time payment, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
Is Rhino open source?: No. Rhino is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Rhino include FreeCAD and Blender.
What are some alternatives to Rhino?: Rhino competes with AutoCAD, SketchUp and Autodesk Fusion. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Rhino alternatives.