Sharing Rhino models online

Rhino
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I’ve been looking for a tool for sharing Rhino models online, mostly for presentations and sending to clients. I know there are some out there, but none of them seem to fit all of my needs. Specifically, I am looking for something that:

  • Imports named views
  • Let’s the viewer to switch between views (ideally animating between them)
  • Has a minimal UI that doesn’t distract from the model
  • Displayed models with nice colors and lighting
  • Creates a shareable link that can be sent to clients
  • Can be embedded directly in websites and portfolios

After spending a while looking unsuccessfully, I decided to build my own tool, which I’m currently working on. If you want to stay updated on my progress, check out modelgram.xyz. I’d appreciate any feedback or insights on what you’re currently using or what you’d like to see in such a tool!

3 Likes
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Fusion 360 does a great job other than limited functionality and appearance with Rhino files.
I like that they provide a link with the imported file that is used to easily copy and paste into an email. With that link the user goes to their free app download, then simply click on the emailed link to view the file. Yes, it’s free.

It is Windows and Apple compatible. It lacks the ability to select Rhino layers.
I do like the Rino app but its only IOS compatible and apparently the person you want to share with has to download the complete 3dm Rhino file in order to get it to feed into the viewer app.

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Interesting, I’ve also heard good things about Fusion 360, but I am interested in a solution that allows the user to view the file directly in the browser without requiring them to download an app. Also, I was looking for a solution with a very intuitive and simple UI, ideal for non-technical users

1 Like
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this is from autodesk and hold models for 1 month, with my limit knowledge a few other online viewer was better but with limitation for free usage like public publish but autodesk seems put less pressure on this. it will recognize Rhino file very well along its meta but wont handle sublayers. then its not an ideal and i hope McNeel team push the button. :slightly_smiling_face:

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Thanks for sending, I’ll take a look. Just wondering, would such a viewer be something you would be willing to pay for, as opposed to a purely free tool?

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Check this, I like that you can save views with description

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yes this one is good! unfortunately it doesn’t import named views from Rhino, which is a really important feature for me. Also, there aren’t many options where it comes to the viewport display settings

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Hi Daniel
your Qube demo is fast,minimal with beautiful ease in-out transition.

its a bit soon to decide but commonly seems Civil People pay if tool :

  • cover All Minimal requirements
  • help them income just by major features too
  • simple UI
  • …
    for example Auto Rotate ability could be consider as a requiremen
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For me, since I don’t use a viewer method to communicate my designs very much, I would be looking for a free option.

1 Like
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Thank you for the kind feedback! And yes, auto-rotate is a feature that I have planned.

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Totally understandable. What features would be most important to you in a free product?

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Would want to be able to turn layers off and on.
I like the idea of the designer loading up the file to the app beforehand and then then copy and paste a link in an email to the reviewer. Like Fusion 360 does. So easy.
Would be nice to be able to select one or more views within the app for example, viewing top and perspective at the same time.
Modifying the appearance would be nice. Sometimes the viewer apps make the appearance too dark or too light.
Keeping the layer colors would be good. Sometimes viewers show everything in the same color. Useless.
Markup capability maybe but not necessary for what I’ve done.
Ability to measure items. Again, nice but not necessary for me.

Thanks for asking! I don’t know how many apps I’ve downloaded and the all time spent looking for something that works. Rhino’s rview is good it just lacks a little ease of use.
I have to send a complete Rhino file (which often is too big) to the person wanting to view. Then they have to save it to their drive, open the viewer, download the file before they can see it.
Having to download the complete .3dm file is a deal breaker if your files are too large. Using compress or “save small” hasn’t worked for me. All I get is wireframe.
Honestly, if Fusion 360 could keep the Rhino layers intact I would be very happy with that.

Good luck with your design.
David

1 Like
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Thanks for the detailed answer David! I’ve also experienced the same pain points when working with various Rhino viewers.

How would you feel about exporting your file as an FBX, uploading it to the viewer, and sharing a link? (this would retain the named views as well as layers and layer colors)

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I think FBX would work for me as long as I could retain layer colors and selectability (on/off)

Some selectability for the environment lighting would be good too as some come in too dark or light.

Would the app provide a link address or would the user have to find a compatible file sharing method, which could vary from user to user?

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The app would provide a link. So you would upload your model, configure your settings, and then be provided with a link to share. To clarify, this will be a web app, similar to Autodesk Viewer. So everything will happen in the browser (without you or the viewer needing to download anything).

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Perfect!

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Hey all, I just wanted to share a quick update on modelgram. I’ve been working hard on getting the beta version ready. I’m still working on the dashboard, where you will be able to upload your own models and share them via links. However, the viewer itself is ready to test! You can check it out here (as well as download some free Rhino models of classic design pieces, if you’re interested!)

I’d love to get some feedback on the viewer, so if you have any suggestions, questions, etc., feel free to ask!