Rhino 3D vs. SolidWorks: Understanding the Differences in Design Philosophy

By Alexandre Galin –

Industrial Designer & Rhino 3D Instructor

In my last post, I dove into the contrasts between Rhino 3D and SketchUp—two popular 3D tools with very different approaches. Now let’s shift gears and look at a comparison that many designers grapple with: Rhino 3D versus SolidWorks.

At first glance, both are NURBS-based modelers. But once you scratch the surface (pun intended), you’ll find key distinctions that can shape the way you design.

NURBS on Both Sides, But…

Yes, both Rhino 3D and SolidWorks use NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) to describe 3D geometry. But that’s where the overlap largely ends.

• SolidWorks is a parametric CAD tool, rooted in constraints, sketches, and feature history.

• Rhino 3D, by contrast, is a freeform surfacing tool, all about flexibility, exploration, and the freedom to sculpt complex surfaces without parametric baggage.

Having worked with Parasolid-based tools like Catia V5, Fusion 360, NX, and SolidWorks itself, I’ve seen the advantages and limitations of both paradigms.

Freeform vs. Parametric: Two Ways of Thinking

When I’m working in Rhino, I feel like I’m sketching freely—building and modifying surfaces as ideas form. Control points are my playground. It’s dynamic, intuitive, and ideal for the early, creative phases of design where constraints might get in the way.

SolidWorks, on the other hand, thrives on structure. You build designs through fully-constrained sketches, then add features like ribs, pockets, and fillets. It’s perfect when your design needs to adapt through formulas or dimensional edits. This approach is powerful—if your base sketches and constraints are well thought out.

Best of Both Worlds

For me, the magic happens when you combine both tools. I often start in Rhino 3D to explore concepts and surface aesthetics. Then, I transfer the model to SolidWorks to optimize it for engineering, production, and assembly.

File formats like STEP and IGES make it easy to move models between environments. And now with Rhino 3D’s native support for .3DM in Fusion 360, the workflow is smoother than ever.

Cost, Flexibility, and Growth Potential

• SolidWorks offers a suite of modules—drafting, assemblies, CAM, simulation—but comes with licensing fees and maintenance costs.

• Rhino 3D is a one-time purchase (whether professional or educational) with optional plug-ins. It’s cost-effective and highly customizable.

Rhino’s surfacing capabilities continue to grow. With the arrival of Rhino V7, users gain Subdivision Surfacing and a robust rendering engine (Rhino Cycles) for photorealistic visuals.

Final Thoughts

So, which tool is “better”? That depends entirely on your workflow and goals. For industrial designers like myself—particularly in the aerospace sector—Rhino’s freeform power pairs beautifully with SolidWorks’ parametric strength.

If you’re curious to see how these tools play out in real-world projects, I invite you to explore my Rhino 3D courses on Udemy. I've created hands-on tutorials that range from early sketch surfacing to production-ready modeling.

And remember: it’s not just about the software—it’s about how creatively and confidently you wield it.