It is not always the easiest task to find the best software for the intended design. AutoCAD Revit and Rhino 3D are often pinned against each other, but they should actually be seen complementary to each other rather than adversary. To make a long story short, architects and builders lean towards Revit for its BIM supremacy, industrial designers and 3D artists prefer Rhino’s NURBS-based precision and modeling freedom. In a way, Rhino translates your creative dreams accurately and Revit helps in making them a tangible reality. This guide will offer you a comprehensive comparison between the two softwares to help make an insightful decision in which way you can best use them.

What is Rhino 3D Used For? 

Rhino 3D, short for Rhinoceros , was developed by Robert McNeel & Associates in 1998. Intrinsically, it’s a 3D modeling software used for various outlets such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and reverse engineering. This software uses the NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines) geometry model to produce accurate surface models, which comes in handy for the various industries of architecture, industrial design (e.g. automotive design), product design (e.g. jewelry), and graphic design (including multimedia). 

If you want to create freeform, yet accurate, 3D shapes or models, such as curves and organic forms, Rhino 3D is best at offering you this flexibility. The software is continuously upgraded and its latest version, Rhino 8, introduces tools such as SubD, ShrinkWrap, PushPull workflows, faster Render Engine, new Grasshopper data types, and much more to further enhance design modeling.

What is Revit Used For? 

Revit is a CAD BIM software initially developed by Charles River Software in 2000 and later acquired by Autodesk in 2002. Its revolutionary features of Parametric Modeling, Automation, Collaboration tools, Energy Analysis tools, and Construction documentation generation make it every professional’s digital swiss-knife.

This software has cemented itself as a significant player in the BIM market surpassing rivals like Tekla Structures, Trimble, Bentley Systems, and Nemetschek group. If you want to create detailed architectural designs that include structure, materials, and construction information over the various engineering sectors, Revit is the go-to. It facilitates the seamless management of any-scale construction projects where accuracy and collaboration are of the utmost importance. 

Rhino 3D Vs Revit : Comparison

These softwares eb and flow into each other and help designers among all sectors reach the best conceptual and physical outcomes. But here’s a more detailed comparison across various aspects:

Initial Release Date:

Revit → April 5, 2000

Rhino 3D → 1998 

Primary Function:

Revit → CAD building information modeling for architecture and construction.

Rhino 3D → 3D modeling in architecture, prototyping, engineering, and product design.

Software Type:

Revit → Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Rhino 3D → Freeform surface modeler

Geometry/ Modeling Approach:

Revit → Parametric Modeling in 2D/3D with automated update feature.

Rhino 3D →Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines (NURBS) for precise curves and freeform surfaces.

Complexity of Forms:

Revit → Best suited for standard architectural forms, though it supports some complex shapes.

Rhino 3D → Excels in creating highly complex, organic shapes and freeform designs.

File Types Supported:

Rhino 3D → Supports 3DM (native), DWG, DXF, OBJ, STL, IGES, STEP, SAT, 3DS, FBX, PLY, WRL, CSV, AI, PDF, and SVG.

Revit → Supports RVT (native), DWG, DXF, DGN, SAT, SKP, STL, OBJ, FBX, NWC, NWD, and IFC.

Collaboration:

Revit → Designed for team collaboration with multi-user workflows and cloud sharing capabilities.

Rhino 3D → Primarily designed for individual use but can support collaborative work via plugins.

Plugins and Extensions:

Revit → Extensive plugins focused on BIM-related tasks and seamless integration within the Autodesk ecosystem.

Rhino 3D → Extensive plugin support, including Grasshopper for parametric design and many third-party plugins.

Integrations with Other Software:

Revit → Autodesk ecosystem (AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3ds Max) and useful in conjunction with VR settings.

Rhino 3D → Works with design, drafting, CAM, prototyping, rendering, illustration programs and includes tools to bridge Rhino and Grasshopper to Autodesk Revit environments.

Analysis Tools:

Revit → Energy Analysis tools for sustainable design

Rhino 3D → Tools related to curve and surface calculations. Could include sustainability analysis tools with plug-ins.

Learning Curve:

Revit → Steep learning curve, particularly for beginners due to the complexity of BIM workflows.

Rhino 3D → Moderate to steep, especially when learning complex modeling and Grasshopper.

Rendering:

Revit → Includes built-in rendering with cloud-based options (Autodesk A360) and integrates with 3ds Max for advanced rendering.

Rhino 3D → Offers basic built-in rendering and extensive support through plugins like V-Ray.

Hardware Requirements:

Revit → Higher requirements; best run on high-performance workstations with powerful CPUs and GPUs.

Rhino 3D → Moderate; can run on both Windows and macOS with modest hardware.

Pricing:

Revit → Between $25 and $120 a month, based on subscription model

Rhino 3D → €995 for a full license, €595 for upgrade, €195 for students and teachers, €95 for student and teacher upgrades