Flexible 3D modeller for a variety of use cases
November 30, 2021

Flexible 3D modeller for a variety of use cases

Stefan Boeykens | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Rhinoceros 3D

Rhino or Rhinoceros 3D is a general-purpose CAD system, which is targeted mainly at freeform 3D modelling. It is specialised in NURBS modelling, but it also has toolsets for Mesh Modelling and (recently) Subdivision Modelling. It is not aimed at one particular domain but is widely used for architectural design, industrial design and specialised domains, such as shipbuilding and jewellery design.

Pros

  • Freeform modeling.
  • Parametric design.
  • Import and export to other 3D software.

Cons

  • For pure 2D CAD drafting, other software may be more optimised.
  • DWG support is decent, but drawings don't always display like they do in AutoCAD.
  • Very extensive parametric models really slow down the software.
  • Grasshopper (visual programming).
  • Efficient and flexible CAD software that runs on macOS (as well as Windows).
  • Educational license never expires and allows commercial usage.
  • I have been quite successful in developing two video courses on Udemy for Rhino and Grasshopper.
  • I frequently use it instead of AutoCAD or SketchUp.
Rhino is a generic platform. For BIM, you can combine it with Revit or ARCHICAD or look for extensions, such as VisualArq or the GeometyGym extensions for Grasshopper. Due to its good interoperability, I often use it for reviewing AutoCAD drawings or converting 3D models. That said, the most efficient and fast mesh modeling for non-organic geometry is still SketchUp, due to its many smart approaches to automatic mesh cleanup.

Do you think Rhino 3D delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Rhino 3D's feature set?

Yes

Did Rhino 3D live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Rhino 3D go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Rhino 3D again?

Yes

One of the main highlights of Rhino is the built-in visual programming system "Grasshopper". It is widely used for parametric architectural design, by a variety of world-class architectural offices. It is also very popular within architectural schools and universities. Its usefulness has increased a lot by having add-ins, plug-ins, scripts, and integrations with Revit and ARCHICAD for BIM workflows.

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