Free course · Architecture & Engineering
Free Rhino 3D Course
Model precise freeform geometry in Rhino — curves, surfaces and solids — then design parametrically with Grasshopper and produce drawings and fabrication files.
7 lessons · 1 practical project · about 8 hours · free, no sign-up
Your progress
0 of 8 lessons and projects complete · saved on this device
About this course
Rhino is the tool of choice for complex, precise 3D forms in architecture and design. This free course starts with precision modelling and curves — the foundation of good surfaces — then builds surfaces and solids, introduces parametric design with Grasshopper, and finishes with drawings and fabrication output.
The final project designs a freeform pavilion canopy, panelises it parametrically and prepares it for fabrication.
By the end you will be able to
- Model precisely with snaps, CPlanes and the Gumball
- Draw and edit clean NURBS curves
- Build surfaces with the right commands
- Create and combine solids
- Build parametric definitions in Grasshopper
- Produce drawings and fabrication files
Who it’s for
- • Architecture students exploring complex form
- • Product, furniture and jewellery designers
- • SketchUp users who need more precision
- • Designers starting parametric design
Getting Rhino legitimately
- • McNeel offers a free evaluation of Rhino on its website.
- • Discounted licences are available for eligible students and educators.
- • Buy from McNeel or an authorised reseller.
Course outline
Follow the order, or jump to what you need — nothing is locked. Each lesson has steps, an exercise, a checklist and a quiz.
Beginner Precision and curves
Beginner overviewWhat Rhino is, how to work precisely in its viewports, and how to draw and edit clean curves.
- 1. What is Rhino?Rhino is a precise 3D modeller based on NURBS geometry, used for complex architectural forms, products, jewellery and marine design — and, with Grasshopper, for parametric design.12 min
- 2. Interface, viewports and precisionRhino is command-line driven and designed for precision. Learn its viewports, snaps, construction planes and the Gumball so every point you pick is exact.16 min
- 3. CurvesCurves are the foundation of almost every Rhino model — surfaces are built from them. Learn the curve types, how control points shape them, and how to edit and clean them.18 min
Intermediate Surfaces and solids
Intermediate overviewBuild surfaces from curves, check their quality, and create and combine solids.
- 1. SurfacesSurfaces are built from curves. Learn the main surface commands, when to use each, and how to check that surfaces are smooth and properly connected.22 min
- 2. Solids, polysurfaces and BooleansA closed polysurface is a solid — needed for volumes, Booleans, 3D printing and clean exports. Learn to build, combine and repair solids.18 min
Advanced Parametric design and output
Advanced overviewDesign with Grasshopper and turn models into drawings and fabrication files.
- 1. Introduction to GrasshopperGrasshopper lets you design with rules instead of fixed geometry. Build your first parametric definitions and learn the core ideas: components, data flow, lists and trees.26 min
- 2. Drawings and fabrication outputModels must become drawings and parts. Learn Rhino’s tools for 2D drawings, sections and layouts, and for preparing geometry for laser cutting, CNC and 3D printing.20 min
Practical projects Practical project
Practical projects overviewDesign, panelise and prepare a freeform pavilion for fabrication.
Free KitWren tools for this course
- Length ConverterConvert between metres, centimetres, millimetres, kilometres, inches, feet, yards and miles.
- Angle ConverterConvert degrees, radians, gradians, arcminutes and turns.
- Area ConverterConvert square metres, square feet, acres, hectares and more.
- Image ResizerResize images to exact pixel dimensions or by percentage, keeping the proportions if you like.
- Merge PDFCombine multiple PDFs into one file, in any order, choosing which pages to include from each.
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Rhino course: questions
Is Rhino hard to learn?
Basic modelling comes quickly if you know any CAD program. Good surfacing and Grasshopper take longer; building clean curves first, as this course does, makes the difference.
Do I need Grasshopper separately?
No. Grasshopper is included with current versions of Rhino.
Is Rhino a BIM tool?
Not by itself. It's a precise geometry modeller; plug-ins and exports connect it to BIM workflows.
Free, independent learning material written for KitWren. Rhinoceros, Rhino and Grasshopper are trademarks of Robert McNeel & Associates. KitWren is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Robert McNeel & Associates. We never provide software downloads, licence keys or cracks — use the official sources.