Rhinoceros AlternativesTop 3D Modelers & CAD Software like Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros is described as 'Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware' and is a 3D Modeler in the photos & graphics category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Rhinoceros for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and iPad apps. The best Rhinoceros alternative is Blender, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Rhinoceros are FreeCAD, SketchUp, SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk 3ds Max.

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Alternatives list

  1. Blender icon

    Blender

     1750 likes

    A comprehensive open-source 3D software suite for modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, and animating. It supports renderings, simulations including fluid and cloth dynamics, complex compositing, video editing, and Python scripting, running across all major operating systems.

    140 Blender alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Steam
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    Splash Artwork for Blender 4.3
     
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    19
    Comments about Blender as an Alternative to Rhinoceros
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    0

    Can't stop laughing. As NURBS was the main concern ("don't use for real life" posted anypoop) and is now fully integrated, what else but snobbery could keep easy-payers wasting money on a proprietary software?

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Iaian7
    1

    I really like Blender, but it's not a Computer Aided Design application. While it's slowly supporting more procedural workflows, in no way is it a direct replacement for Rhino3D or any other CAD program.

    Troy McConaghy
    -1

    Blender does support NURBS now, but that's not the default.

    3 of 9 comments
    Blender icon
    Blender icon

    • Most users think Blender is a great Rhinoceros alternative.

    • Blender is Free and Open SourceRhinoceros is Paid and Proprietary
    • Blender is Customizable and Privacy focusedRhinoceros is not according to our users
  2. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

     472 likes

    A powerful open-source parametric 3D modeler ideal for mechanical engineering, supporting Python scripting, running on Windows, Linux, and Mac, with modular architecture allowing extensive adaptability and use with scientific computing libraries.

    113 FreeCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    FreeCAD screenshot 1
     
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    9
    Comments about FreeCAD as an Alternative to Rhinoceros
    Iaian7
    Positive
    1

    FreeCAD interface is less intuitive than some of the alternatives, but it mostly works. Overlapping fillet operations, however, can break down where other CAD software operates just fine. FreeCAD should be ok for simpler projects.

    FreeCAD icon
    FreeCAD icon

    • Almost everyone thinks FreeCAD is a great Rhinoceros alternative.

    • FreeCAD is Free and Open SourceRhinoceros is Paid and Proprietary
  4. SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

     555 likes

    Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.

    166 SketchUp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Main UI
     
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    1
    Comments about SketchUp as an Alternative to Rhinoceros
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Both are used for say interior/exterior design and both have v-ray render plugin (separate buy)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    SketchUp icon
    SketchUp icon
    • SketchUp is Paid and ProprietaryRhinoceros is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Autodesk Fusion icon
    Autodesk Fusion

    Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE suite offering cloud modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools with collaborative editing, free-form and parametric design, licensing for students, hobbyists, and startups, plus support for 3D pri...

    https://www.autodesk.com
    Learn More
  6. SOLIDWORKS icon

    SOLIDWORKS

     88 likes

    Leading 3D CAD software for design, analysis, and product data management, developed by Dassault Systèmes. Enhances productivity, fosters collaboration, and accelerates time to market. Features include parametric modeling, photorealistic rendering, and strong PLM process support.

    102 SOLIDWORKS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    SOLIDWORKS screenshot 1
     
  7. Autodesk 3ds Max icon

    Autodesk 3ds Max

     147 likes

    Professional-grade software designed for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation, equipped with comprehensive tools for creating detailed worlds. Widely used across film, TV, games, and design projects, it includes the powerful Arnold renderer, offering artistic control over scenes and characters.

    82 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Autodesk 3ds Max screenshot 1
     
  8. Autodesk Maya icon

    Autodesk Maya

     149 likes

    Professional-grade 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visual FX software used in films, TV, and games, featuring advanced tools, Bifrost effects, and a visual programming environment for intricate simulations.

    61 Autodesk Maya alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Autodesk Maya screenshot 1
     
  10. Autodesk Fusion icon

    Autodesk Fusion

     44 likes

    Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE suite offering cloud modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools with collaborative editing, free-form and parametric design, licensing for students, hobbyists, and startups, plus support for 3D printing and CNC machining.

    44 Autodesk Fusion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Freeform modeling & sculpting
     
  11. Cinema 4D icon

    Cinema 4D

     84 likes

    CINEMA 4D is a commercial, cross-platform, high-end 3-D graphics application, produced by MAXON Computer GmbH of Friedrichsdorf, Germany. Noted for its flexible interface and ease of use, it is capable of procedural and polygonal/subd modelling, animating, lighting, texturing...

    47 Cinema 4D alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Cinema 4D screenshot 1
     
  12. Bforartists icon

    Bforartists

     34 likes

    Bforartists is a complete 3D suite to create 3D content. It offers you the full 3D art pipeline to create game graphics, prerendered movies and stills.

    73 Bforartists alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Haiku
    • AmigaOS
    • MorphOS
    Splash
     
  13. Shapr3D icon

    Shapr3D

     30 likes

    From design to manufacturing. Teams collaborate with more impact. Instinctive design meets multidevice capability and full interoperability for the ultimate 3D design workflow.

    44 Shapr3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Sketch to model. Mastered in hours.
     
  14. MoI - Moment of Inspiration icon

    MoI - Moment of Inspiration

     15 likes

    MoI’s sleek intuitive UI blends a fluid easy workflow with powerful tools, making it the perfect choice for someone who has been frustrated with the complexity of existing CAD tools.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    MoI - Moment of Inspiration screenshot 1
     
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    14
    Comments about MoI - Moment of Inspiration as an Alternative to Rhinoceros
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    MoI uses the same 3dm file as rhino and NURBS design. The UI is easier to navigate so you do not have to spend ages looking for the right command, moreover it can be easily customized. You can add shortcuts and run scripts if you need additional features and use the forum to get any help you might need. I used rhino since version 2.0 but prefer Moi because is more design focused. It does not have an internal render engine, but there are plenty available nowadays.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    MoI - Moment of Inspiration icon
    MoI - Moment of Inspiration icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MoI - Moment of Inspiration is a great Rhinoceros alternative.

    • MoI - Moment of Inspiration is Paid and ProprietaryRhinoceros is also Paid and Proprietary
  15. Plasticity icon

    Plasticity

     7 likes

    Plasticity is a 3d modelling software for concept artists. Modelling in Plasticity is quick and efficient due to the unique gizmos, shortcuts, and thoughtful workflow.

    21 Plasticity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Plasticity screenshot 1
     
12 of 59 Rhinoceros alternatives