Rhino 3D ships with modelling tools that cover curves, surfaces, solids, SubD and Grasshopper. A plugin adds the capability a particular discipline needs: documentation in a BIM format, structural analysis, hydrostatics, CNC toolpaths or a rendering engine. The useful question is which stage of your work it changes.

Everything covered here runs inside Rhino, with one exception: MoI3D is a separate application. Plugins also need a Rhino licence to run, which is covered below.

Four checks before you choose

  • Which stage of the work it changes. Concept geometry, documentation, analysis, fabrication and presentation are distinct tasks. Choose the tool around the stage you want to develop.
  • Whether it is driven from Grasshopper. Karamba3D, Drakon3D, Geometry Gym and VisualARQ styles all build on definitions. If your work is parametric, that matters more than the length of a command list.
  • What it exchanges. IFC, a section table, a toolpath or an image file. The output format decides whether the result can leave Rhino and reach the next team.
  • Whether it extends Rhino or includes it. LandsDesign extends an existing Rhino installation. RhinoLands includes Rhino itself.

Architecture, BIM and landscape

VisualARQ adds architectural BIM objects to Rhino: walls, slabs, stairs, openings and curtain walls, with Grasshopper-driven styles, model-linked documentation, quantity reports and IFC exchange. See VisualARQ for architectural BIM.

LandsDesign adds terrain modelling, planting, hardscape and irrigation layout to an existing Rhino setup, together with landscape documentation. RhinoLands supplies the same toolset with Rhino included. See LandsDesign and RhinoLands.

Savanna3D is content rather than a tool: more than 1,600 architectural models in native 3DM format, with preset materials and parametric Grasshopper definitions, for furnishing spaces and building presentation scenes. See the Savanna3D block library.

Structural and engineering workflows

Karamba3D performs parametric finite element analysis inside Grasshopper. Beam and shell elements, nodal and line loads, multiple load cases and arbitrarily oriented supports are assembled from the same geometry, with displacement, material utilisation, cross-section forces and support reactions returned for reading. The Optimize Cross Section component automates section selection. See Karamba3D structural analysis.

Geometry Gym connects Rhino and Grasshopper with BIM authoring and structural exchange, carrying materials, properties and structural information alongside geometry, including IFC workflows. See Geometry Gym.

Marine and naval architecture

Nemo connects parametric hull geometry with sectioning, hydrostatics, resistance prediction and structural documentation. Free Designer tools cover NACA four- and five-digit profiles, hydrofoils, keels, rudders, propellers and sail plans. Licensed Analysis tools add the calculations, drawings and project outputs. Cross-section points export to Mars 2000 from Bureau Veritas. See Nemo marine design tools.

Orca3D covers hull design, hydrostatics, stability, and speed and power, evaluated inside Rhino as the model changes. See Orca3D marine design tools.

Surface modelling and reverse engineering

xNURBS generates NURBS surfaces from constraints. Boundary curves and edges establish the framework, internal points and curves control supported four-sided surfaces, and blends can hold G2 continuity with neighbouring geometry. The XNurbsSquare command sets surface degree and spans. See xNURBS surface modelling.

Cyberstrak adds freeform curve, NURBS surface and mesh tools, including reverse-engineering functions and shape analysis that updates as the model changes. See Cyberstrak.

MoI3D is a standalone NURBS modeller with a curve-led workflow, for designers who want a direct modelling application rather than an addition to Rhino. See MoI3D.

Fabrication and CNC

madCAM generates CNC toolpaths inside Rhino, with editions covering 3-axis, rotary 4-axis, indexed 5-axis and simultaneous 5-axis machining, connecting the design model to machining preparation in the same environment. See madCAM.

Presentation and animation

Bella Render is a spectral rendering system connected to Rhino, so geometry, cameras and material choices are developed in the modelling environment. See Bella Render.

Bongo adds animation to Rhino through keyframes, object hierarchies, path constraints and inverse kinematics, covering architectural walkthroughs, moving assemblies and product presentation. See Bongo.

Jewellery design

Drakon3D develops rings, settings and decorative elements through parametric builders and a gallery of reusable parts, with the relationships between components editable as a piece evolves. JewelBeetle adds jewellery-focused builders, gemstone placement, project organisation and rendering inside Rhino. See Drakon3D and JewelBeetle.

Does a plugin need its own Rhino licence?

In most cases, yes. A plugin runs inside Rhino, so a Rhino licence is required alongside it. RhinoLands includes Rhino. MoI3D is a separate application rather than a plugin. A plugin licence is separate from the Rhino licence it runs under, and several plugins can operate in the same Rhino installation.

Common questions

Do Rhino plugins need their own Rhino licence?

Yes, in most cases. A plugin runs inside Rhino, so a Rhino licence is required alongside it. RhinoLands includes Rhino. MoI3D is a separate application rather than a plugin.

Which plugin adds building information modelling to Rhino?

VisualARQ adds architectural BIM objects, model-linked documentation, quantity reports and IFC exchange. Geometry Gym connects Rhino and Grasshopper with BIM authoring and structural data exchange, also including IFC workflows.

Can Rhino plugins be used with Grasshopper?

Several are definition-driven. Karamba3D builds structural models from Grasshopper definitions, Drakon3D develops jewellery parametrically, Geometry Gym exchanges data through Grasshopper, and VisualARQ styles are created in Grasshopper.

How do I buy a Rhino plugin in the UK?

Choose the plugin around your intended work, the outputs you need and the Rhino setup you use. Editions, seat requirements and upgrade options differ between products. CADWAX can help you identify suitable software and licence options.

How CADWAX supplies plugins

Tell us what you design, the outputs you need and the Rhino setup you use. We’ll help you explore suitable tools, editions and licence options. The full list is on the specialist plugins page.

Related Reading

Choose a Plugin for Your Workflow with CADWAX

Tell us what you design, the work you want to develop and which Rhino setup you use. We’ll help you explore suitable plugin and licence options.

Contact CADWAX
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