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Software That Opens & Edits 3DM Files (9 Tools, 2026)

The 3DM format is the native file type of Rhinoceros 3D, the industry standard for NURBS-based mathematical 3D modeling, industrial design, and computational architecture. Because 3DM files store precise double-precision NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids, they maintain perfect geometric fidelity without the mesh tessellation loss of formats like STL. The format is open-source (via the openNURBS initiative), allowing a wide variety of CAD, rendering, and rapid prototyping tools to import and export Rhino models directly. Below are all the tools in our catalog that support the 3DM format.

Full read & write support (6)

  • O
    Onshape logo
    OnshapeRead & Write
    from $1500 · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9

    The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.

  • R3
    Rhino 3D logo
    Rhino 3DRead & Write
    from $995 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9

    The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.

  • S
    SolidWorks logo
    SolidWorksRead & Write
    from $1295 · Windows · ★ 4.9

    The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.

  • F3
    Fusion 360 logo
    Fusion 360Read & Write
    from $85 · Windows / macOS / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8

    The cloud-native powerhouse for integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE.

  • F
    FreeCAD logo
    FreeCADRead & Write
    Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2

    The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.

  • C
    CorelCAD logo
    CorelCADRead & Write
    from $499 · Windows / macOS · ★ 3.6

    Affordable DWG-compatible CAD software offering 2D drafting and 3D design tools for professionals on Windows and macOS.

Read-only / viewers (2)

  • R
    Revit logo
    RevitRead Only
    from $355 · Windows · ★ 4.9

    The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).

  • A
    AutoCAD logo
    AutoCADRead Only
    from $255 · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8

    The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.

Write / export (1)

  • A
    ArchiCAD logo
    ArchiCADWrite Only
    from $1800 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8

    The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.

Frequently asked

What is the primary benefit of the 3DM format over STL or OBJ?
STL and OBJ represent 3D models as a collection of flat triangles (tessellated mesh), which introduces approximation errors. 3DM represents models using exact mathematical NURBS equations, providing infinite resolution and absolute precision, which is critical for industrial manufacturing and marine design.
Is the 3DM format open and accessible?
Yes. McNeil & Associates maintains the openNURBS toolkit, a free, open-source C++ and .NET software library that enables any software developer to read and write 3DM files natively without requiring Rhinoceros licenses.
Can I view a 3DM file without Rhino?
Absolutely. Many general CAD programs, standalone viewers (such as eDrawings or openNURBS-based viewers), and web-based portfolio platforms can view and inspect 3DM models without any active Rhino installation.

Other file formats