Rhino, also known as Rhinoceros 3D, is a software focused on commercial 3D graphics and design use. It is designed to be full of 3D creation tools that allow you to design whatever you want and make it look as professional as you need it to be.
It is designed to be easy to use while still having commercial-grade applications so that anyone can design anything that they want. It can be used for creating art, getting a 3D layout of a home, or creating new tools and layouts.
About Rhino
Rhino is a CAD software. It was developed by a company known as Robert McNeed & Associates. What makes it different from other 3D software is the fact that it is based on the NURBS mathematical model, rather than polygon mesh.
This NURBS basis tends to make it easier to customize the architecture to your needs. You can also better use freeform design and curves.
This is what, in part, enables the software to be used for a wide range of industries including CAM, prototyping, 3D printing, reverse engineering, design, architecture, and multimedia.
In addition to their 3D software, they also work closely with Grasshopper to fit certain niches and to make complex shapes.
| Feature | Description |
| System Requirements | Rhine is available on Microsoft Windows, Bongo2, and macOS. |
| Date Released | It was first released in 1998, and aimed at architects. |
| Last Update | The most recent update was 7 and was released on December 8, 2020. |
| Rating | 4.4 on G2 |
| Uses | Rhino boasts the ability to do almost anything with its 3D software, such as animating, documenting, editing, creating, analyzing, and translating. It is said to have no limits on the complexity, degree, or size of your design except what your computer can handle. |
| Cost | Rhino costs $995 for macOS and Windows users and $495 for Bongo 2 users. If you have an old version, you can upgrade for $595 for Windows or macOS or $295 for Bongo 2. There are discounts for schools and students that are between $975 and $95. |
Rhino 3D Architectural Twisted Building With Floors and Skin
- How Many Videos: 8 lessons
- How Long: 30 minutes
- Level: Beginner
Though this tutorial sounds difficult, it is designed for beginners and takes you through every step of the process. Not only do you get to learn how to use Rhino, but you also get to jump right into designing a building.
You get to learn some pretty complex designs and processes pretty quickly, so although it is catered to beginners, it can be a little overwhelming for some.
Designing with Rhino 3D for Beginners
- How Many Videos: 17 lesson
- How Long: 3 hours and 55 minutes
- Level: Beginner
If you know a little about 3D modeling software, but don’t know how to use Rhino, this tutorial can be helpful. It walks you through basic modeling software features without bogging you down with the tiny little details. It also offers lightning-round practices so you can actually put what you learn to use.
Surface Modelling with Rhino 3D V6 (or V5) Level 1 & 2
- How Many Videos: 47 lessons
- How Long: 9 hours and 30 minutes
- Level: Intermediate
Once you understand the basics of how the Rhino software works and the commands you need for basic features, you are ready to start designing.
This tutorial walks you through some common features by designing three different types of bottles, with each one getting more complex. As the designs get more complex, so too do the features and steps you need to practice.
Rhino 3D Architectural Drawings Bathroom Design Draw any plan
- How Many Videos: 8 lessons
- How Long: 37 minutes
- Level: Intermediate
If you’ve used Rhino 3D a little, and understand the basics, but are not exactly sure how to make your idea a reality, this tutorial can help you out. It is focused more on the features you would need for architecture, but it can be useful for other purposes as well.
The tutorial is focused on Rhino 7, which is the current software as well, so you don’t have to worry about layout or software changes at all.
Rhino 3D (any version) Beginner Level to Advanced Level
- How Many Resources: 154 lessons
- How Long: 35 hours and 3 minutes
- Level: All levels
If you want to go from a complete newbie to an experienced Rhino user, this tutorial has you covered. It offers 35 hours of in-depth walkthroughs of the Rhino software, even walking you through how each toolbar works. Many of the lessons are short so you can review them as much as needed.
The Complete Rhino 3D Guide to Modeling & Design for Beginners
- How Many Videos: 98 lessons
- How Long: 7 hours and 34 minutes
- Level: Beginner
If you want one class that will work you through the entire tutorial on how to use Rhino 3D and give you a project to put the lessons to the test, you may enjoy this class. It is over 7 hours, but most of the lessons are short and cover a little information at a time.
Jewelry 3D modeling, Beginner friendly class- Learn Rhino and Zbrush modeling workflow
- How Many Videos: 15 lessons
- How Long: 57 minutes
- Level: Beginner
Most of the tutorials out there for Rhino are dedicated to architecture. This one manages to show you other features by walking you through a project on how to make jewelry.
Even if you aren’t planning on making jewelry, it can offer a new take on some of the features. It also walks you through how to import and use Zbrush after.
Rhino Grasshopper Tutorial (Beginner)
- How Many Videos: 1 lesson
- How Long: 54 minutes
- Level: Beginner
This tutorial shows you how to use the basics of Rhino Grasshopper and turn it into advanced works. This is a niche part of Rhino software and involves a more visual look at Rhino for those who benefit from that.
These can allow you to make bigger designs and repeating patterns easier as well, and allow for more complex designs with less effort.
Getting Started with Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino 3D) In an Hour
- How Many Resources: 9 lessons
- How Long: 1 hour and 6 minutes
- Level: Beginner
True to its word, this article walks you through the basics of the Rhino software in just over an hour so you can get ready and cracking in no time. It focuses on its uses for architecture and industrial design, but can still be useful for everyone.
Lands Design for Rhino tutorial
- How Many Videos: 11 lessons
- How Long: 3 hours and 2 minutes
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This tutorial is designed specifically for Lands Design and those working on their projects. However, it goes over an overview of the software and can walk you through how to model plants, create sites, and use documentation that can be useful for other purposes.
Best Rhino Tutorials FAQS
Is Rhino 3D Easy to Learn?
Rhino 3D does have some quirks that can trip beginners up, but overall it is easy to learn. This makes it fairly easy to transfer over from different software for 3D modeling or to be used by complete beginners.
Is Rhino Better Than SketchUp?
Rhino is often better for industrial design. While they can both be used for architecture, many people tend to prefer SketchUp for architecture.
However, Rhino has a lot more options for plugins and design, which gives people a lot more freedom than SketchUp. This means that while standard architecture may benefit from SketchUp, unique designs may benefit from Rhino.
Many big architecture firms still prefer to use Rhino over SketchUp because of its versatility.
Who Most Uses Rhino?
Rhino tends to be most used by architects and designers. Almost any designer can use Rhino, including graphic and industrial designers.
Because it gives you freedom with freeform and unique shapes, it works better than many software. It can do a lot more than simple boxes and extrusions and allows for something other than polygon meshes for design.