Its latest version, CATIA 3DExperience R2022X, combines shape sculpting modelling (control-points manipulation) with parametric associativity. However, that does not mean that it cannot be used by construction professionals. Its strength dominates the automotive and aeronautics industries. There is no separate installation required as Grasshopper is already integrated with the latest versions of Rhino, Rhino 6 and 7.ĬATIA, also by Dassault Systèmes, is widely used for product design, as parametric modelling software and also PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software. The pricing for the full package of Rhino 7 for a single user is $195 for students and $995 for commercial use. Here's your guide to know how easy it is to learn Rhino and Grasshopper. Despite the common misconception, Rhino and Grasshopper are not difficult to learn at all. Hence, it can be used by a wide range of professionals. In addition, Rhino together with Grasshopper, and the many plugins that come with it, can also be used for performance and structural analyses and fabrication etc. It works virtually by manipulating ‘nodes’ to create a sequence for the final output. Despite Grasshopper being a visual programming language that runs with Rhino, one does not need to know any programming language to use it. Rhino works on NURBS (Non-uniform rational B-spline) and is used extensively in various fields, including architecture, engineering and jewellery design. Both have the same developer, Robert McNeel & Associates, with Grasshopper released years later to extend Rhino 3D’s modelling abilities to parametricism, removing any limits to designing highly complex forms.

Together, they are the front runners for parametric modelling, loved by both architects and designers alike. And if you know Rhino, you will, and should, also know Grasshopper.

Most, if not all, architects and designers know Rhino even if they are not familiar with it. Grasshopper features workflow in Rhino 3D

Creo parametric modeling