With Rhino 9 now in public beta, many users are asking how it compares to the current Rhino 8 release. Here’s how the two versions stack up based on what’s confirmed so far — noting that the final feature set may still evolve before release.
Rhino 8: The Established Workhorse
Rhino 8 is the current, fully released version, and it’s a major step forward from Rhino 7. Key highlights include:
- ShrinkWrap — create a clean, watertight mesh around any geometry, ideal for 3D printing.
- SubD Creases — great for producing fillet-like features on subdivision surfaces.
- PushPull workflows — intuitive direct-manipulation modelling.
- Major Mac performance boost — a significant speed improvement for Mac users, addressing a long-standing gap with Windows performance.
- Improved drafting tools and a more customisable user interface.
- Faster render engine and new Grasshopper data types.
Rhino 8 is stable, well-supported, and the safe choice for production work today.
If your workflow depends on a specific older version instead, that's still covered — every current Rhino 8 licence includes access to legacy licence keys for Rhino 6 and Rhino 7, so you're not locked into the newest release just to get a licence.
Rhino 9: What’s Different
Rhino 9 is now in public beta, available to Rhino 8 licence holders. It builds on Rhino 8 with a strong focus on modelling precision, drafting capability, and performance.
Modelling and Editing
Rhino 9 brings substantial improvements to FilletEdge, BlendEdge, ChamferEdge, FilletSrf, and ChamferSrf — addressing corner-handling issues that have long frustrated Rhino 8 users. New commands like InflateCurves, SubD Knife, and SubDMatch expand what’s possible with SubD modelling. The new Selection Undo Stack and improved Boolean operations also target everyday workflow friction.
User Interface
Rhino 9 goes further than Rhino 8’s UI improvements with a new UVN Gumball mode for surface-aligned transforms, Multi-Surface PushPull, Global Edge Continuity controls, and further Gumball refinements.
Drafting and Documentation
This is arguably where the gap between the two versions is widest. Rhino 9 introduces an entirely new Markups annotation system, full GD&T symbol support, non-rectangular layout details, layout groups, a section style table, and significantly improved DWG import/export. Rhino 8’s drafting tools were improved over Rhino 7, but Rhino 9 represents a much larger leap for technical documentation and engineering workflows.
Performance
Rhino 8 already delivered a major performance boost, particularly for Mac. Rhino 9 continues this with further large-file handling improvements, smoother SubD display, and optimised display pipelines.
Side-by-Side Summary
- Stability: Rhino 8 — fully released and production-ready. Rhino 9 — public beta, treat with appropriate caution for production work.
- SubD tools: Rhino 8 has Creases; Rhino 9 adds Knife, SubDMatch, and smoother display.
- Drafting: Rhino 8 improved drafting; Rhino 9 adds Markups, GD&T, non-rectangular details, layout groups.
- Fillet/Chamfer tools: Rhino 9 brings major improvements over Rhino 8’s existing implementation.
- File compatibility: Rhino 9 improves DWG import/export beyond Rhino 8’s capabilities.
- Availability: Rhino 8 — available now. Rhino 9 — public beta, no final release date confirmed.
For more context on timing your purchase, read our article Should I Wait for Rhino 9?
Get Rhino from CADWAX
CADWAX supplies Rhino 8 licences and upgrade licences to individuals, studios, and institutions across the UK.
Contact us for advice on licence options and upgrade timing ahead of the Rhino 9 release.
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