Rhinoceros, also known as Rhino 3D, is a 3D modeling software that can be a massive help for professionals in the design, engineering, and architecture spaces. Rhino 3D is very versatile, is compatible with other pieces of design software, and has a pretty rich community, so learning the ins and outs of the software can be a game-changer. I’m going to show you some of the best Rhino 3D courses to get you closer to mastery.

Why Learn Rhino 3D

Now, you might be wondering why you should learn Rhino 3D over the other options available in the 3D modeling space. That’s a good question. Besides relatively more accessible pricing, Rhino 3D is a great choice if you need 3D models, regardless of the discipline.

The learning curve for Rhinoceros might be a little steep, but equipping yourself with some of the top Rhino 3D training programs can make learning the ins and outs of the program incredibly easy.

When considering software for precise 3D modeling, it can help to compare options like Rhino 3D vs. SketchUp to see which aligns best with your needs.

Top Rhino 3D Courses for Beginners

For those who have just recently installed Rhinoceros and have no idea how to really start creating, we’re about to go over the best Rhino 3D courses for beginners. These assume that you have absolutely no prior knowledge, making them perfect for newbies.

Familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts for Rhino 3D can also make learning the software much faster and more intuitive.

Rhino 3D for Beginners (Udemy)

Course Overview: If you’re absolutely new to Rhino 3D, the Rhino 3D for Beginners course will show you all the tools you need to start modeling as well as how to navigate the Rhino 3D interface.

Key Features:

• Learn the basic commands and shortcuts necessary to navigate the Rhino 3D interface.

• Learn how to create shapes and model them as you please.

• Discover how to export models after creation.

Why It’s Great: If you’ve never used Rhino 3D for even a second in your life, this course holds your hand as an absolute beginner, plus it’ll take just about an hour for you to complete and all that without spending a dime.

Introduction to Rhinoceros 3D (Domestika)

Course Overview: If you’re asking, “What are the best online Rhino 3D courses?”, this is one of them. While Introduction to Rhinoceros 3D is for beginners to the program, it isn’t just a crash course. It is an in-depth introduction that will set a very strong foundation for becoming proficient in Rhinoceros.

Key Features:

• Sets you up with knowledge of the interface and functions of Rhinoceros.

• Teaches you the different 2D elements such as lines, curves, and polygons, as well as how to use them.

• Learn how to create surfaces and solids for 3D modeling.

• Shows you how to put the fundamentals together and render your finished product with custom materials.

Why It’s Great: You get a much deeper dive into the basics of Rhino 3D thanks to this being a 7-hour course. While it will take longer to get going, you will have a much stronger foundation to start learning on your own.

Intermediate and Advanced Rhino 3D Courses

Rhino 3D Level 1 and Level 2 (Simply Rhino)

Course Overview: This entry is a little different because it comprises two courses. As you might expect, Rhino 3D Level 1 is intended for those new to the software and will get you used to the teaching style at Simply Rhino. However, Level 2 is intended for those who already have a basic understanding and need to learn new advanced techniques and improve their productivity.

Key Features:

• Level 2 teaches techniques for NURBS modeling, modeling efficiency, and advanced surfacing.

• Provides tips for exporting and importing files, as well as how to create 2D drawing information.

• Demonstrates more advanced techniques for presenting and rendering 3D models.

Why It’s Great: Simply Rhino’s Level 1 and Level 2 courses are primarily taught through live online sessions, making things more interactive and giving you the opportunity to seek clarification or ask questions. 

Once you’ve mastered the basics, exploring the range of available plugins for Rhino 3D can help you expand its capabilities.

Rhino 7 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)

Course Overview: LinkedIn Learning is a great place to add courses to your belt. The Rhino 7 Essential Training course is great for beginners and intermediate users as it takes you through a refresher of basic features in Rhino 3D, but also equips you with the knowledge of how to customize the interface, how to create an efficient workflow, and how to start creating with both 2D and 3D elements.

Key Features:

• Teaches useful hotkeys and commands for modeling and navigation.

• Covers the basics of using layers for project organization and customizing your user interface.

• Takes you through modeling commands such as extrusion, lofting, and revolving.

Why It’s Great: The course is relatively brief, with a Rhino professional at the helm. As a LinkedIn Learning course, it’ll reflect on your profile, which is great for when you’re job searching and need to demonstrate your skill in Rhinoceros.

If you encounter any technical hiccups, knowing how to handle common Rhino 3D crashes can save you a lot of frustration.

Specialized Rhino 3D Courses

Rhino for Architects (How to Rhino)

Course Overview: If you’ve been waiting for Rhino 3D courses for architects and designers looking to get better, this is one of them. The Rhino for Architects course will very specifically target the needs of architects, such as parametric modeling, fluid form modeling, and conceptual design.

Key Features:

• Teaches how to use Rhino to create conceptual style diagrams to improve your project presentation.

• Shows off powerful Rhino integrations such as Grasshopper, V-Ray, and VisualARQ.

• Equips you with the knowledge on how to use SubD tools for fluid form modeling.

• Also teaches, parametric modeling to make design and project modifications easier than ever.

Why It’s Great: Learning Rhino to simply use as a hobbyist is different from learning Rhino as an architect. This course will cut to the chase and teach you the things you actually need.

If you’re focused on architecture or manufacturing, comparing Rhino 3D to Fusion 360 can be helpful to see which software fits your workflow best.

Introduction to Jewelry CAD with Rhino 3D (Udemy)

Course Overview: Rhinoceros is well-equipped with what jewelry designers need to design rings, pendants, and more. The Introduction to Jewelry CAD course starts off teaching beginners, but graduates to intermediate skills. By the end, you’ll know how to design relatively simple pieces of jewelry.

Key Features:

• Shows you the basics of Rhino 3D, such as navigation and creating 2D lines and curves.

• Leaps straight into practical demonstrations of how to create different kinds of rings, pendants, and earrings.

• Also provides insight into the do’s and don’ts for jewelry designs that are intended for casting or printing.

Why It’s Great: As a jewelry designers, Rhino 3D is one of the applications that can make your job incredibly easy. This course jumps into practical lessons showing how to create a variety of rings in the program. Also comes with a certificate of completion.

Rendering intricate designs smoothly is key in jewelry making; knowing how to render faster in Rhino can improve your workflow significantly.

Conclusion

If you work in product design and creation, you are an architect, or your daily work involves 3D design, Rhino 3D can turn out to be a very crucial skill for you. It is certainly worth putting your time in to learn it.

For users looking to push their hardware limits, running Rhino 3D on a cloud computer might be the perfect solution to ensure seamless performance.

If you’re going to learn Rhino 3D though, get rid of the hardware limitations and run it at full speed on our Vagon cloud rigs. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, you don’t want to use a lagging system, and Vagon helps with that.

FAQs:

1. What is Rhinoceros?

   • Rhinoceros, also known as Rhino 3D, is a 3D CAD program used to create, edit, and analyze 3D models. It finds particular use in architecture, product design, manufacturing, and other industries.

2. How much does Rhinoceros cost?

   • Rhinoceros costs a one-time fee of $995, with no recurring fees. However, upgrading an older version to the current version costs money; currently, the price is $595. Although Rhino has a one-time purchase model, having one of the best computers for Rhino 3D can also make a big difference in performance.

3. How long will it take me to get good at Rhinoceros?

   • There’s no set amount of time to become good at Rhinoceros. However, equipped with a good course, it can take just a week or two to get the hang of the program. Becoming an expert can take months or even years though.

4. Why should I use Rhino 3D over any other software?

   • Rhinoceros will cost you less than competing programs particularly due to its one-time fee. It is also perfect for those who need high-precision modeling, such as architects and manufacturers. If you're weighing your options, checking out alternative software to Rhino 3D can help clarify which best suits your work style.

5. How to get certified in Rhino 3D?

   • Rhinoceros doesn’t offer an official certification for the program, so courses such as some mentioned above provide certificates of completion which can help demonstrate your knowledge of Rhino. As you work toward proficiency, having access to high-quality Rhino 3D assets can make your projects look more professional.