Rhino's free trial is a 90-day evaluation of the latest full version of Rhino, for Windows or Mac. After 90 days, saving and plug-ins stop working unless you buy a license key, though you can still use it to learn Rhino and view files. McNeel says it doesn't extend the evaluation for any reason, and you get one evaluation per customer, per major version.
Ninety days is unusually generous for professional 3D software, which is why it's worth planning. You won't get a second go on the same version, so the smart move is to start it when you have time to learn it well.
The Rhino evaluation at a glance
| Detail | What McNeel says |
|---|---|
| Length | 90 days |
| What you get | The latest Rhino, full version |
| Platforms | Windows or Mac |
| After 90 days | Saving and plug-ins stop unless you buy a license key |
| Still works after 90 days | Learning Rhino and viewing Rhino and many other file formats |
| Extensions | None, for any reason |
| How many evaluations | One per customer, per major version |
| Upgrade path | None; buy a full Educational or Commercial license |
The rule that trips people up
The evaluation license isn't upgradable. McNeel's licensing guide says that if you want to keep using Rhino, you have to buy the full Educational (discounted) or Commercial license, not an upgrade. So don't expect a cheaper upgrade price because you've been evaluating. The other surprise is that one evaluation per major version means you can't restart the clock by creating a new account on the same release.
What expiry looks like in practice
Rhino doesn't lock you out on day 91. McNeel's Mac download page says that after 90 days it will still work well to learn Rhino and to view Rhino and many other file formats. What you lose is the ability to save and to use plug-ins. If your workflow relies on plug-ins, test them early in the evaluation rather than in the last week.
How to start the Rhino evaluation
- Go to Rhino's download page and choose the evaluation for Windows or Mac.
- Select Login or Create a Rhino Account to Download. You can create an account with your email or continue with Google.
- Confirm the account from the email McNeel sends. It says you have a few minutes to confirm, so check your junk folder if it doesn't arrive.
- Accept McNeel's conditions, then download the installer along with your license key.
- Copy and save the license key somewhere safe, then install Rhino.
On Mac, check the system requirement first. McNeel's Mac evaluation page lists macOS Monterey (12.4) or later.
Using Rhino across computers
McNeel's licensing page explains that once a license key is in your Rhino account, it works on any of your computers, one at a time, and that Rhino needs to go online every couple of weeks. If you'll be working on a machine that's rarely connected, keep that in mind when you buy, because McNeel offers other licensing methods for offline use.
How to get the most from 90 days
- Weeks one to four: work through Rhino's own learning resources and model simple objects.
- Weeks five to eight: rebuild a past project so you can compare Rhino with what you use now.
- Weeks nine to twelve: test the plug-ins and export formats your clients or suppliers need.
- Before day 90: save and export everything you want to keep in formats you can open elsewhere.
If you're still weighing options, my roundup of free 3D modelling software covers tools with no evaluation clock at all, and my guide to the best CAD software for beginners is useful if Rhino turns out to be more than you need.
Students and educators
Rhino offers a discounted Educational license. McNeel's licensing page says Educational single-user licenses can't be shared, so check the student terms on Rhino's site before buying if you'll be using it in a shared lab.
Before you install: a quick checklist
- A Rhino account, created with your email or Google.
- Access to your inbox, because the confirmation email from McNeel has to be confirmed within a few minutes.
- Somewhere safe to keep your license key, since you'll need it again.
- On Mac, macOS Monterey (12.4) or later.
- An internet connection from time to time. McNeel says Team and Rhino Account licenses need to go online every few weeks.
Licensing options if you buy
| Licensing method | How McNeel describes it |
|---|---|
| Rhino account | Works on any of your computers, one at a time; goes online every couple of weeks |
| Single computer | Lock a license to one computer |
| Your own network | Share licenses on your network with no internet and no accounts |
| Team | Share a pool of licenses with people you invite |
Two licensing details for teams and schools
McNeel says Educational Lab licenses can't be locked to a single computer, and that its LAN Zoo option, which shares licenses on your own network, needs a VPN for access from outside that network. Neither affects the evaluation, but both matter if you're buying for an office or a classroom.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My advice
Start the evaluation when you can give it a few hours every week for three months, because there's no second chance on the same version. Test plug-ins early, export your work in open formats before day 90, and remember that if you buy, you're buying a full license, not an upgrade. Ninety days is enough time to know whether Rhino belongs in your toolkit, as long as you use it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Rhino free trial?
90 days. McNeel offers a 90-day evaluation of the latest full version of Rhino for Windows or Mac.
What happens when the Rhino evaluation ends?
Saving and plug-ins stop working unless you buy a license key. McNeel says you can still use Rhino to learn and to view Rhino and many other file formats.
Can I extend the Rhino 90-day evaluation?
No. McNeel says it doesn't offer an extension of the 90-day evaluation for any reason.
Can I get another Rhino evaluation?
McNeel allows one evaluation per customer, per major version.
Can I upgrade my Rhino evaluation license?
No. McNeel says the evaluation license isn't upgradable, so you need to buy a full Educational or Commercial license.
Does Rhino need to be online during the evaluation?
Rhino account licenses need to check in. McNeel says Team and Rhino Account licenses need to go online every few weeks.
