How to Render Rhino Files Online Without Installing Software
You're working in Rhino and need a quick render for a client review. KeyShot requires a license and local GPU. Blender requires mesh conversion. Is there a faster path?
This guide covers how to take your Rhino models from 3DM to photoreal using cloud rendering—with workflow comparisons for when other tools make more sense.
Understanding Rhino's Export Options
Rhino 7/8 supports multiple export formats. For rendering, the best options are:
| Format | Preserves NURBS | Materials | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP (.stp) | Yes | No | Cloud rendering, CAD interchange |
| 3DM (native) | Yes | Yes | KeyShot plugin, archival |
| OBJ | No (mesh) | Partial | Blender, game engines |
| FBX | No (mesh) | Partial | Animation software |
Key insight: STEP preserves your NURBS geometry exactly. OBJ/FBX convert to triangles, which can introduce artifacts on curved surfaces. For the highest quality renders, export to STEP.
The Traditional Path: Rhino → KeyShot
KeyShot has a native Rhino plugin that provides live linking—changes in Rhino update in KeyShot automatically. This is powerful but requires:
$995+ for Pro, $1,995+ for Enterprise
NVIDIA recommended, renders on your hardware
~1-2 days to become proficient
Install plugin, configure materials library
If you already have KeyShot, this is an excellent workflow. If you don't, the upfront investment is significant.
The Free Path: Rhino → Blender
Blender is free and incredibly powerful, but introduces friction:
Rhino → Blender Workflow
- 1. Export from Rhino: File → Save As → OBJ. Set mesh density (finer = larger file).
- 2. Import to Blender: File → Import → Wavefront OBJ.
- 3. Fix mesh issues: Check for non-manifold geometry. See: The Non-Manifold Trap
- 4. Apply materials: Recreate Rhino materials in Blender's shader nodes.
- 5. Set up lighting: Create environment, position lights.
- 6. Render: Cycles for quality, EEVEE for speed. Render time varies by complexity.
Time estimate: 2-4 hours for first render (including learning time). The mesh conversion step is the main friction point—NURBS surfaces become triangles, requiring cleanup.
The Fast Path: Rhino → Cloud Rendering
Cloud platforms like Reific eliminate both the license cost and the mesh conversion. Here's how:
Rhino → Cloud Workflow
- 1. Export from Rhino: File → Save As → STEP. Use default settings.
- 2. Upload to cloud platform: Drag STEP file into browser. Processing happens server-side.
- 3. Apply materials: Use the platform's material library. Click to assign—no node setup.
- 4. Render: Click render. Cloud GPUs do the work. Results in ~10 seconds after initial processing.
Time estimate: 5-15 minutes for first render. No software to install. No GPU required on your machine.
Workflow Comparison
| Factor | KeyShot | Blender | Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $995+ | Free | Subscription |
| NURBS Support | Native | None (mesh only) | Native |
| Time to First Render | 30-60 min | 2-4 hours | 5-15 min |
| Hardware Required | GPU | GPU | Browser only |
| Live Linking | Yes (plugin) | No | Re-upload |
| Animation | Yes | Yes | Turntables |
Best Practices for Rhino Export
Regardless of which rendering path you choose, clean exports from Rhino make everything easier:
Pre-Export Checklist
- 1Check layer names: Renderers may use these for material assignment
- 2Join polysurfaces: Reduces part count, simplifies material assignment
- 3Delete hidden geometry: Construction surfaces add file size and confusion
- 4Use "Export Selected": Only export what you need to render
When to Use Each Tool
You already have a license, need animation, or require live linking for iterative design changes in Rhino.
You need complex animation, VFX compositing, or have time to learn and don't mind mesh conversion.
You need fast renders, work on a MacBook, don't have KeyShot, or want to share interactive 3D links with clients.
FAQ
Can I render a Rhino file using online materials?
Yes. Export your Rhino model as STEP, then upload to a cloud rendering platform. The platform provides a material library you can apply directly in the browser—no need to set up materials in Rhino first. Changes are non-destructive to your original file.
Does CloudModo or Fusion 360 Render work for Rhino files?
Fusion 360 has its own cloud rendering but requires importing into Fusion first. CloudModo supports various formats. Platforms like Reific are optimized specifically for STEP files from CAD tools like Rhino, SolidWorks, and Fusion.
What's the best export quality for STEP from Rhino?
Use the default STEP AP214 settings. Rhino exports exact NURBS geometry—there's no tessellation quality to set (unlike OBJ). The geometry is mathematically exact.
How do I keep my materials when moving from Rhino to another renderer?
Rhino materials don't transfer directly to most external renderers. Your options: (1) use KeyShot's Rhino plugin which preserves some material data, (2) name your layers descriptively so you can quickly reassign materials in the target software, or (3) use cloud platforms that let you save material presets for reuse.
Can I render SubD objects from Rhino?
Rhino 7+ SubD objects export to STEP as NURBS surfaces (conversion happens on export). Cloud renderers handle this automatically. For Blender, you'll get the tessellated mesh. KeyShot receives SubD as NURBS via the plugin.
Render your Rhino models in seconds
Export STEP from Rhino, upload to Reific, and get marketing-ready renders without GPU setup or software licenses.
Try Cloud Rendering