In short
Rhino3D (Rhinoceros, or simply Rhino) is 3D modelling software by Robert McNeel & Associates. Rhino works with NURBS: mathematically exact curves and surfaces. That makes it popular in architecture, product and industrial design, boatbuilding and jewellery, wherever complex free-form shapes have to be modelled and produced precisely. Rhino runs on Windows and Mac.
- Precise free-form shapes, also suitable for production
- Exchange with other CAD and CAM software, for example via DWG, STEP, IGES and OBJ
- Grasshopper built in for parametric design and automation
- Extensible with plug-ins for rendering, analysis and fabrication
Updated on 22 October 2026
Rhino3D (or Rhinoceros, and often simply Rhino) is one of the many 3D modelling packages on the market today. But currently very popular in the world of design and architecture. Especially where non-standard geometry and data need to be processed. But what makes Rhino3D the favorite software for StudioFG and many others at the moment?
Working with Rhino3D has some important advantages:
- Compatible with many software packages.
Rhino is very good at exporting and importing many file types, including STEP, DWG, 3DS, SKP, STL etc. Because of this, it is often easy to switch and collaborate. - Nurbs modeling
Non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS) are the standard method of describing geometry in Rhino and form a very nice basis for smooth shapes. This is also optimal for exports to production and graphic work. In addition, Rhino works well with more traditional types of geometry such as polygon meshes. - Grasshopper built in as standard
Since Rhino 6, Grasshopper has been build in and can be used immediately. - Affordable
Rhino is relatively affordable compared to comparable high-end packages.
Want to learn Rhino3D?
StudioFG gives tailored Rhino3D training, in-house or online, built around your own projects. Or do you have a question about a project?