Native CAD interfaces
Direct support for the CAD formats listed here.
Rhino Viewer
Open 3DM files
intuitive & practical 3D without CAD expertise
affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Modern, easy-to-use CAD viewer
Cost-effective CAD converter for all formats
The 3D-Tool Viewer opens Rhino 3DM files without Rhino software.
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter converts Rhino models to CAD exchange formats such as STEP, IGES, JT, SAT, and Parasolid X_T. It also supports visualization formats such as STL, OBJ, 3D-PDF, 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF.
Free 14-day trial
Fully functional, no obligation.
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Stable, precise CAD data processing.
Windows support
Compatible with current Windows versions.
Bring 3DM Models Into Engineering and Manufacturing
3DM files from Rhino typically originate in product design, architecture, or jewelry design and later need checking by people without a Rhino license of their own - for example in engineering, manufacturing, or at a tooling supplier. The 3D-Tool Viewer opens Rhino models directly and allows measurements on the freeform geometry.
For further use in a conventional CAD/CAM or manufacturing environment, the 3D-NativeCAD Converter turns 3DM models into STEP and other common exchange formats, so Rhino designs can be used technically beyond the design and architecture world as well.
What are 3DM files?
- Files with the 3DM file extension are native 3D files created by the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros 3D, usually abbreviated as Rhino or Rhino3D.
- Unlike polygon-based modeling programs, Rhino uses highly precise NURBS modeling. Exact curves, surfaces, and shapes are stored in Rhino's native 3DM format.
- Through the openNURBS initiative and 3DM, Rhino provides other developers with tools for accurately transferring 3D geometry.
- Rhino is used not only in graphic and multimedia design, but also in product design, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and even CAD/CAM.
Rhino versions
A public beta version of Rhino was released as early as 1994. However, it took four years for the first official version, Rhino 1.0, to be released in October 1998. Since then, a new major version has been released every 4 to 5 years.
You can export models from newer releases to older 3DM versions, except version 1. Depending on the version, different features and objects may be lost.
Additional native Rhino file formats
3DM is the only native Rhino file format. Rhino now supports a wide range of file formats as standard, including STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, X_T, OBJ, and WRL.
Paid plug-ins add other CAD formats such as CATIA, Designcenter (Siemens NX), Creo, and Inventor.
How do I open Rhino 3DM files?
Typically, a Rhino3D installation is used for this. Alternatively, the files can also be opened with CAD/CAM software that has a 3DM interface, such as SolidWorks.
There are various Rhino 3DM viewers, including free ones, available offline, online and as apps for Android and iOS.
The 3D-Tool CAD Viewer opens 3DM files and combines ease of use with many measurement and analysis tools. 3D-Tool can be tested free for 14 days.
How do I convert Rhino 3DM models?
Convert Rhino 3DM models to STEP with a 3D converter. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium reliably converts native Rhino models and models from many other CAD systems to common 3D exchange formats. Choose from STEP, IGES, SAT, and Parasolid X_T.
Without a converter or CAD software with a 3DM interface, export the model from Rhino to a common 3D exchange format such as STEP or IGES.
Try the Rhino viewer and Rhino converter for free
3D-Tool is a CAD Viewer with many native CAD interfaces, including Rhino, plus professional measurement tools, draft analysis, and wall thickness analysis.
- Open, measure, annotate, and publish 3DM files for the 3D-Tool Free Viewer or as 3D-PDF
- Open 3DM files and save them as STL, 3DS, PLY, WRL, or OBJ
- Convert 3DM data (NURBS) to STEP, IGES, SAT, X_T, and JT
- Convert Rhino models into 3D product visualizations such as 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF
Free, no-obligation 14-day trial with all functions, the Rhino interfaces, and the 3D-NativeCAD Converter. The trial key activates all 3D interfaces, including CATIA, Designcenter (Siemens NX), SolidWorks, Creo, STEP, and SAT.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Rhino 3DM file?
3DM is the native file format for Rhino models. It is based on openNURBS and stores Rhino models with NURBS geometry and other model data. Rhino also supports many other formats as standard, including STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, X_T, OBJ, and WRL. The native format and supported import formats serve different purposes: 3DM stores Rhino models, while exchange formats allow geometry to be shared with users of other CAD or visualization applications. The target format depends on the recipient.
How can I exchange CATIA or Designcenter (NX) models with Rhino?
For exchange with Rhino, the sender can provide a format that Rhino imports, such as STEP or IGES. This allows geometry to be transferred without requiring the recipient to open the native CATIA or Designcenter (Siemens NX) file. Agree on the target format and the information needed before exporting the model.
Can I open newer 3DM files in an older Rhino version?
Not directly. Newer 3DM files must first be exported to an older 3DM version. Exporting to version 1 is not possible. Depending on the target version, certain features and objects may be lost.
How can I open and measure 3DM files without Rhino?
3D-Tool opens Rhino 3DM files without a Rhino installation and provides measurement and analysis tools. This allows recipients to inspect supplied models without working in the original CAD application. A free 14-day trial lets you evaluate the required functions directly with your own Rhino models.
Which formats can Rhino 3DM files be converted to?
The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts native Rhino models (NURBS data) reliably into STEP, IGES, SAT, and Parasolid X_T, plus visualization formats such as STL, OBJ, 3DS, PLY, 3D-PDF, 3D-HTML, FBX, 3MF, and glTF. Exact CAD conversion requires suitable geometry in the source model; a triangulated mesh is not reconstructed as NURBS surfaces.