May 1, 2024
Updated July 10, 2025
11 minute read
Rhino is a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software application used for creating, editing, analyzing, rendering, animating, and translating 3D models. It is developed by Robert McNeel & Associates and is popular in the fields of architecture, engineering, product design, and shipbuilding.
What is Rhino?
Rhino is a versatile software that allows users to create complex 3D models with precision and accuracy. It offers a wide range of tools for surface modeling, solid modeling, and parametric modeling. Rhino also supports various file formats, including IGES, STEP, and STL, making it compatible with other CAD and CAM software.
Why Learn Rhino?
There are several reasons why someone might want to learn Rhino:
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Find a path to becoming a Rhino. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n6ogni/rhin
Reading list
We've selected 18 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Rhino.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Rhino, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques. It great resource for both beginners and experienced users.
Focuses on Grasshopper from an architectural perspective, guiding users through algorithmic ideas and handling geometries for design purposes. It complements the Rhino volume in the series and is particularly useful for those interested in generative design and complex form generation in architecture.
Specifically tailored for architectural design, this book introduces Rhino with a focus on practical knowledge and skills relevant to the field. It helps beginners understand the essential properties of Rhino for creating architectural forms and useful reference for architectural students and professionals using Rhino for mass modeling and design.
Provides an introduction to modeling objects with Grasshopper through a series of examples and tutorials. It covers both NURBS surface modeling and mesh manipulation techniques, offering another perspective on learning the fundamentals of visual scripting in Rhino.
Introduces effective methodologies for developing 3D modeling algorithms in Grasshopper, with a strong focus on data structures and their management. Understanding data trees and algorithmic thinking is crucial for complex parametric and generative design. It is particularly useful for the 'Working with Data' aspect of the topic.
Comprehensive guide to RhinoScript, Rhino's built-in scripting language. It great resource for users who want to automate tasks or create custom tools.
An earlier work by Arturo Tedeschi, this book was one of the first to focus specifically on parametric architecture using Grasshopper. It provides theoretical foundations and key techniques based on algorithmic modeling, making it a valuable resource for understanding the origins and fundamental approaches of parametric design in architecture.
A specialized book focusing on using Rhino for jewelry design and manufacturing. It covers advanced modeling techniques, manufacturing tolerances, and SubD modeling within the context of jewelry. is an excellent example of Rhino's application in a specific industry and is highly relevant for professionals in that field.
Focuses on creating realistic renderings and visualizations directly within Rhino using its built-in rendering tools and material creation. It practical guide for users who need to present their 3D models with high-quality visuals. It adds breadth to understanding the full capabilities of Rhino beyond just modeling.
Comprehensive guide to rendering with Rhino and V-Ray, a popular rendering engine. It great resource for users who want to create realistic images and animations.
Provides a theoretical foundation for parametric design, discussing the underlying principles and concepts that are applicable across various software platforms, including Rhino and Grasshopper. While not a software tutorial, it is valuable for solidifying a deeper understanding of *why* and *how* parametric modeling works. It is more valuable as additional theoretical reading for a comprehensive understanding.
Comprehensive guide to using Rhino for product design. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques, and great resource for both beginners and experienced users.
While focused on Processing, this book comprehensive guide to the concepts and techniques of generative design. The principles of creating shapes, rhythms, and symmetries through algorithms are highly relevant to generative design practices in Grasshopper. It provides valuable theoretical and practical knowledge applicable to the 'Generative Design' topic, even if the software differs.
Another theoretical work by Antoine Picon, this book examines the profound changes brought about by digital fabrication in architecture. It provides a critical perspective on how digital tools and manufacturing processes are reshaping the built environment, offering a valuable theoretical backdrop for users of Rhino in architectural fabrication contexts.
Comprehensive guide to the inner workings of Rhino. It great resource for users who want to understand how Rhino works and how to customize it.
Provides historical and theoretical context for the significant shift towards digital design in architecture. While not a Rhino tutorial, it offers valuable insights into the broader impact of computational tools on architectural theory and practice. It is more valuable as additional reading to understand the historical trajectory that led to the widespread use of software like Rhino and Grasshopper.
An older user guide for Rhino 5, this book provides step-by-step instructions on 2D drawing, 3D building, editing, rendering, and scripting. While based on an older version, many fundamental concepts and tools remain relevant. It can be valuable as a supplementary resource for understanding core Rhino workflows, though it's not ideal as a primary current reference.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n6ogni/rhin
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