Open a Rhino 3DM file online
3DM is Rhino's openNURBS file format for precise curves, surfaces, meshes and design data. Load supported objects with rhino3dm WebAssembly and inspect them privately in an interactive Three.js scene.
Interactive viewer — This format is parsed and rendered in the browser.
Drop a 3DM file to open it
or click to choose — everything stays on your device
Choose file🔒 100% private — files never leave your browser
Or turn 3DM into an image — snapshot the preview, add arrows or notes, and download a PNG.
What is a 3DM file?
3DM is Rhino's openNURBS file format for precise curves, surfaces, meshes and design data. Load supported objects with rhino3dm WebAssembly and inspect them privately in an interactive Three.js scene. The .3DM extension identifies a Rhino 3D model file, which is served with the model/vnd.3dm media type. You can open it here instantly — drop the file into the box above and it renders in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Rhino 3DM is widely used in industrial design, architecture, jewellery, marine design and Grasshopper workflows because it preserves NURBS geometry and rich object data. The official rhino3dm library reads the file in browser memory and converts supported objects into geometry suitable for a fast visual review.
Besides this free online viewer, you can open Rhino 3D (3DM) files in desktop apps such as Rhino, Grasshopper, FreeCAD — but here all you need is a web browser.
Quick facts
| Format | Rhino 3D (3DM) — Rhino 3D model |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .3dm |
| MIME type | model/vnd.3dm |
| Developer | Robert McNeel & Associates |
| Category | 3D, CAD & GIS |
| Also opens in | Rhino, Grasshopper, FreeCAD |
Common uses
- Preview a client or supplier 3DM without a Rhino licence
- Check object visibility, orientation and overall design
- Review a Grasshopper bake or export before hand-off
What this browser preview can and cannot show
A browser preview cannot reproduce the full Rhino document. Plug-in objects, Grasshopper definitions, render meshes, annotations, dimensions, named views, advanced materials and some NURBS details may be absent or simplified. Do not use the preview for tolerance-critical approval.
Tips for a reliable preview
- Save render meshes in Rhino when dependable previews are important
- Convert plug-in objects to ordinary Rhino geometry before sharing
- Use STEP for neutral solid exchange with other CAD systems
How to open a 3DM file online
- Click Choose file above, or drag your 3DM file onto the box.
- The right viewer loads automatically and renders your file.
- Read, scroll or page through it. To open a different file, choose Open another file.
100% private — files never leave your browser.
Libraries used to render 3DM in the browser
This viewer is built entirely with open-source JavaScript that runs in your browser:
Frequently asked questions
What is a .3DM file?
A .3DM file is a Rhino 3D model, identified by the model/vnd.3dm media type. You can open and read it instantly in the viewer above without installing anything.
What programs open 3DM files?
On the desktop, 3DM files typically open in Rhino, Grasshopper, FreeCAD. Online, this page opens them in any modern browser — nothing to download.
How do I convert 3DM to an image?
Use Snapshot to capture the 3DM preview, optionally add arrows, text or highlights, then download it as a PNG image.
Can this viewer open a Grasshopper definition inside a 3DM?
No. It can display supported geometry stored in the 3DM, but it does not execute Grasshopper definitions or Rhino plug-ins.
Is it safe to open my 3DM file here?
Yes. The file is read and rendered entirely by JavaScript inside your own browser. It is never uploaded to a server, so nothing leaves your device.
Do I need to install anything to view a 3DM file?
No. There is nothing to install and no account to create. Open the page, drop your file, and it displays instantly.
Does it work on my phone or iPad?
Yes. The viewer is fully responsive and works in modern mobile and tablet browsers such as Safari and Chrome.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no hard limit, but very large files depend on your device’s memory. Big files are processed in the background so the page stays responsive.