Rhino MCP by Tanishqbhattad connects Rhino 3D and Grasshopper to AI agents via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It functions as an MCP server, built with a Python FastMCP server (requiring Python 3.10+) and a RhinoCommon C# plugin. This tool empowers architects and designers who do not code to enhance their workflow with AI. It allows AI clients like Claude, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot to interact with Rhino, enabling natural language descriptions for modeling tasks. The plugin is available through Rhino's Package Manager or direct repository download.

What does Rhino MCP connect to?

Rhino MCP links Rhino 3D and Grasshopper to AI agents using the Model Context Protocol. The server component is a Python FastMCP server, needing Python 3.10 or higher. The Rhino plugin is a RhinoCommon C# plugin. Internal communication uses a TCP bridge. The protocol supports Standard Stdio for AI client integration and SSE for custom web client integration. It is compatible with AI clients such as Claude (Desktop, Code), Cursor, Cline, Codex, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, and local models.

Core features and tools

Rhino MCP exposes a range of callable tools for 3D modeling. Capabilities include creating geometry (points, lines, polylines, circles, arcs, ellipses, curves, boxes, spheres, cones, cylinders, surfaces), transforming objects (move, rotate, scale, recolor, rename, delete), and advanced operations (loft, extrude, sweep, offset, pipe, boolean union/difference/intersection). It also offers layer management, inspection, selection, viewport capture, and analysis (measure length, area, volume). Users can run any native Rhino command, RhinoScript-Python, or RhinoCommon C# code.

Who is it for?

Rhino MCP is primarily for architects and individuals in the design business, especially those who do not code but wish to apply AI to their workflows. It helps automate repetitive modeling tasks and explore design variations using natural language. The tool supports interaction with various AI clients to assist with 3D modeling, design analysis, and Grasshopper definition creation. Skip this if you require a modeling solution that operates without any external AI agent interaction.

How to get started

The server authenticates using access modes configured via the RHINO_AIBRIDGE_MODE environment variable, which operates over a TCP bridge for internal communication. For specific features like AI rendering, a REPLICATE_API_TOKEN environment variable may be required.

Use cases

• Describe a building in plain language for AI-assisted modeling of massing, floor plates, cores, facades, vaults, plans, sections, and area schedules.
• Rapidly prototype 3D models by describing shapes, automating repetitive modeling tasks like creating arrays or applying booleans, and exploring design variations.
• Build and script Grasshopper definitions, including finding components, wiring them, setting sliders, solving, and querying the current Rhino document via chat.

Rhino MCP by Tanishqbhattad provides a powerful link between Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, and AI agents, enhancing design workflows for architects and designers. It offers extensive 3D modeling and design capabilities through natural language interaction. With its support for various AI clients and flexible authentication, it aims to make AI-assisted design more accessible.