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Rhino 3D

rhino3d.com

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Spec score 9.5 #1 of 147 in 3D modeling software

What it is

Rhino 3D is desktop software for Windows and macOS with listed capabilities for parametric modeling, animation, rendering, and 3D print export. The commercial Rhino 8 single concurrent-user license is listed at $995 a month, billed as a permanent license that does not expire. Licenses for 10 and 50 concurrent users are listed at $9,950 a month and $49,750 a month, respectively, also as permanent licenses. Student or faculty and school options are listed, with educational-status or school-licensing requirements. Commercial and student or faculty upgrade options are available, though evaluation versions cannot be upgraded. A free evaluation license costs nothing and lasts 90 days; saving and plugins stop working after that period. The listing describes Rhino 3D as paid while also indicating a free plan and free trial. Its maker is listed as founded in 1980 and based in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Spec sheet

What it does
Rhino is a 3D CAD application for creating, editing, analyzing, documenting, rendering, animating and translating NURBS, SubD, point-cloud and mesh geometry.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Free plan
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Support
Support resources include forums, telephone, email, live chat, tutorials, training classes and community sites, with support included in purchase price.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Headquarters
The company lists its Seattle, Washington office at 146 N Canal Street, Suite 320.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Founded
1980Read 28 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Maker
Robert McNeel & Associates, also identified as TLM, Inc., is privately held and employee-owned and was founded in 1980.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
3D print export
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Animation tools
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Compute API
Rhino.Compute exposes Rhino and Grasshopper SDK functionality through a stateless REST API that can run on Windows or Linux servers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
Compute scope
Compute provides access to more than 2,400 RhinoCommon calls plus geometry operations such as intersections, booleans, tessellation and mass properties.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
Core modeling
The software provides free-form modeling tools designed for accurate design, prototyping, engineering and manufacturing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Developer APIs
The developer platform includes RhinoCommon, Rhino.Python, openNURBS, RhinoScript, C/C++ plugin APIs and Grasshopper components.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
Developer SDK
RhinoCommon is a cross-platform .NET SDK for Windows, Mac, Rhino.Python and Grasshopper and is distributed as a NuGet package.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
Digital fabrication
ShrinkWrap can create watertight meshes around NURBS, SubD, meshes and point clouds for fabrication and 3D printing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Display
Rhino supports fast 3D graphics, unlimited viewports, clipping planes, named views, floating views and full-screen display.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Documentation
McNeel provides online and offline Rhino help, context-sensitive command help, learning materials and a dedicated developer documentation site.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
File compatibility
Rhino supports broad CAD, CAM, CAE, rendering and animation interoperability, including USD and glTF support in Rhino 8.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is included as a visual algorithm editor for parametric and generative design without requiring conventional programming.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
License management
Cloud Zoo is a free cloud licensing service that lets users associate licenses with accounts or teams and sign in on different devices.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Licensing model
Rhino licenses are permanent and have no subscription, maintenance or support fees.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Limit: learning curve and missing tools
G2 reviewers report a steep learning curve, dated or clunky drafting and BIM functions, limited native rendering and occasional file-compatibility problems.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: mobile viewer scope
iRhino reviewers have requested dimensions, editing, annotation, additional view modes and better handling of very large files; the app is primarily a viewer.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: onboarding and interoperability
GetApp reviewers mention a steep beginner learning curve, time-consuming detailed modeling, occasional accuracy issues and requests for better UI and integration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Mesh workflows
Mesh tools support import, export, editing, QuadRemesh and conversion between NURBS and meshes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Notable news
McNeel's March 2024 Rhino 8 announcement highlighted ShrinkWrap, SubD Creases, faster Apple Silicon and Metal performance, new Grasshopper components and a new script editor.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Open-source components
Compute is identified by McNeel as an open-source project based on Rhino.Inside technology.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
Package management
The Yak Package Manager lets users discover, install and manage Rhino plugins and Grasshopper components inside Rhino.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Parametric modeling
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Platform access
desktopRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Praise: collaboration
TrustRadius identifies versatile features, efficient parametric modeling with Grasshopper and lightweight models that integrate with other AEC software as recurring positives.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Praise: modeling flexibility
G2 reviewers repeatedly praise Rhino for precise NURBS modeling, complex geometry creation, broad plugin support and a user-friendly interface.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: versatility
Capterra/GetApp summaries say users value complex 2D and 3D modeling, precision, data import/export and Grasshopper integration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Python and C# scripting
Rhino 8 has a unified script editor with debugging, CPython 3, NuGet and PyPI package support, and plugin publishing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.6 out of 5 from 80 ratings for iRhino 3D.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Capterra
4.6 out of 5 from 92 reviews for Rhino 7.Read 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
4.4 out of 5 from 192 reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on TrustRadius
8.7 out of 10 from 55 reviews and ratings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Render engine
bothRead 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Revit integration
Rhino.Inside.Revit embeds Rhino and Grasshopper in Revit and exposes tools for connecting Rhino geometry with Revit workflows.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Self-hosting
Compute documentation covers local execution, Linux, Azure, AWS, HTTPS deployment and custom endpoints.Read 14 Oct 2026 · developer.rhino3d.com
System requirements
Rhino 8 supports Windows 10/11 and macOS 12.4 through macOS 27, with at least 8 GB RAM recommended; Linux and Windows Server are unsupported for the desktop app.Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com

Plans and prices

Commercial — Rhino 8 single concurrent user $995 a month Permanent license; does not expire 1 concurrent user Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Commercial — Rhino 8, 10 concurrent users $9,950 a month Permanent license; does not expire 10 concurrent users Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Commercial — Rhino 8, 50 concurrent users $49,750 a month Permanent license; does not expire 50 concurrent users Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Commercial upgrade — Rhino 8 single concurrent user $595 a month Evaluation versions are not upgradable 1 concurrent user Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Student or faculty — Rhino 8 single user $195 a month Proof of educational status required 1 user Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Student or faculty upgrade — Rhino 8 single user $95 a month Prior version license key required 1 user Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
School — Rhino 8, 30-user lab $975 a month School licensing; proof of status required 30 users Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Evaluation Free 90-day trial license; saving and plugins stop working after 90 days 90 days Read 21 Sep 2026 · rhino3d.com
Rhino 8 Evaluation Free 90-day evaluation Full version once · no credit card · saving and plugins stop after 90 days Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Rhino 8 Educational Single User $195, paid once permanent license Windows and Mac · one student or faculty member · non-transferable Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Rhino 8 Single-User Upgrade $595, paid once permanent upgrade license Upgrade from any older version · evaluation versions excluded Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com
Rhino 8 Single Concurrent User $995, paid once permanent license Windows and/or Mac · single concurrent user · support and service releases for current version included Read 14 Oct 2026 · rhino3d.com

Every Rhino 3D plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports Windows and macOS.
  • Includes parametric modeling and animation tools.
  • Rendering and 3D print export are listed.
  • Permanent commercial licenses do not expire.
  • A 90-day evaluation is available.

Limits

  • Commercial single-user license is listed at $995 a month.
  • Evaluation saving and plugins stop after 90 days.
  • Evaluation versions cannot be upgraded.

Who it suits

Rhino 3D suits desktop users who need parametric modeling, animation, rendering, or 3D print export on Windows or macOS. Student, faculty, and school options are listed for eligible educational users.

Rhino 3D in depth

Read the full write-up

Rhino 3D is desktop software for 3D modeling, with parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D-print export. It is best suited to designers and makers who need those capabilities on Windows or macOS. Its lasting commercial licenses are a clear advantage; the price makes the educational and 90-day evaluation options worth considering first.

Overview

Rhino brings modeling and several downstream capabilities into one desktop product. Commercial licenses do not expire, and concurrent-user tiers accommodate individuals as well as larger groups. That structure favors buyers seeking continued access over time, but the high initial cost is a meaningful commitment. The free evaluation offers a way to assess the product, though its limits make it unsuitable as a permanent no-cost option.

Key features

Parametric modeling: Supports parameter-driven work, a useful capability for designers whose models need to be built around adjustable parameters.

Animation and rendering: Animation tools and a render engine extend the product beyond model creation to presenting models.

3D-print export: Export support makes Rhino relevant to users who take designs toward 3D printing.

Pricing

Commercial Rhino 8 licenses are permanent and do not expire. The single concurrent-user license is $995 a month, billed as a permanent license, for 1 concurrent user. Teams can choose 10 concurrent users for $9,950 a month or 50 for $49,750 a month, also permanent licenses. These higher tiers scale the number of concurrent users, but their costs rise accordingly.

Existing-license holders have a commercial upgrade for $595 a month, for 1 concurrent user; evaluation versions are not eligible. Students and faculty can pay $195 a month for a single-user license, with proof of educational status required, or $95 a month for an upgrade, which requires a prior-version license key. Schools can get a 30-user lab license for $975 a month, with proof of status required. These educational options lower the price, but eligibility and upgrade conditions matter.

The free Evaluation costs nothing and lasts 90 days. After that, saving and plugins stop working, so it is a temporary evaluation rather than a continuing free plan.

Platforms

Rhino is desktop software for Windows and macOS. Those platforms suit desktop-based design workflows; users needing a mobile or web application should look elsewhere.

Who it's for

Rhino is a strong fit for designers and makers who need parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D-print export in one desktop product, and who value a license that does not expire. Students, faculty and schools have lower-cost options if they meet the relevant requirements. It is a weaker fit for buyers who need ongoing free access or cannot justify the commercial purchase.

Pros and cons

Pro: Permanent commercial licenses do not expire, avoiding a recurring renewal requirement for continued access.

Pro: Commercial tiers cover 1, 10 or 50 concurrent users, giving teams a choice of license scale.

Pro: Parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D-print export support several stages of design and presentation.

Con: The $995 a month single-user commercial price is a substantial commitment, even though the license is permanent.

Con: The evaluation ends after 90 days, and saving and plugins stop working, limiting its usefulness as a free fallback.

Con: Educational pricing requires proof of status, while upgrade prices come with separate eligibility conditions.

Alternatives

For jewelry-design buyers, compare Jewelry Design Software options, including 3Design CAD, which runs on Windows and macOS and has a free trial, with pricing and license options handled by a sales representative. CounterSketch is another paid Windows and macOS option with a free trial; its membership costs $349 a year.

TiaraCAD may suit Rhino 8 users seeking an additional tool: its TiaraCAD 2 for Rhino 8 users license costs $995 as a one-time purchase and requires a Rhino 8 license. For broader modeling comparisons, see 3D CAD Software, 3D modeling software and CAD software.

Other alternatives include Diatech Studio, Kerf, Pencil, ZBrush and Drakon.

Verdict

Choose Rhino if you need its combination of parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D-print export on Windows or macOS, and want a permanent commercial license. The lasting license and range of capabilities are its strongest case; the substantial price and sharply limited 90-day evaluation are the reasons to look elsewhere if you need a lower-commitment option.

Verdict

Rhino 3D lists modeling, animation, rendering, and 3D print export for Windows and macOS. Review the listed license terms carefully, including the evaluation limit and the commercial price.

Where Specifiction places it

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