Rhino3D-Scripts

# Rhino 3D Scripting Skill

Write production-quality scripts for Rhinoceros 3D. Covers the three scripting surfaces (RhinoScript/VBScript, RhinoPython, direct RhinoCommon .NET) and the Rhino 8+ Script Editor.

When to Use This Skill

- User asks to write, edit, or debug a `.rvb`, `.vbs`, or `.py` Rhino script

- User wants a Rhino **command macro** or wants to automate a sequence of Rhino commands

- User wants to manipulate geometry, layers, blocks, materials, viewports, or annotations from code

- User mentions `rhinoscriptsyntax`, `scriptcontext`, `RhinoCommon`, `Rhino.Geometry`, `RhinoDoc`, or the Script Editor

- User wants to pick objects, prompt for input, or build a small UI inside Rhino

- User asks how to load, run, or distribute a script (startup scripts, aliases, toolbar buttons)

Choosing a Scripting Surface

Pick the surface based on the task, not preference. Recommend Python by default for new work.

| Surface | When to choose | File ext |

|---|---|---|

| **RhinoPython** (`rhinoscriptsyntax` + RhinoCommon) | Default for new scripts. Best ecosystem, readable, full RhinoCommon access. | `.py` |

| **RhinoScript** (VBScript) | Maintaining legacy `.rvb`/`.vbs` files; integrating with VBA/COM. | `.rvb`, `.vbs` |

| **RhinoCommon (C#/.NET) via Script Editor** | Performance-critical loops, complex geometry, leveraging .NET libraries. | `.cs` |

| **Command macro** | Pure sequence of existing Rhino commands; no logic. | toolbar/alias |

A macro is **not** a script — it is a string of command-line input (e.g. `! _-Line 0,0,0 10,0,0 _Enter`). Use a script the moment you need a variable, loop, or conditional.

Prerequisites

- Rhino 7 or later (Rhino 8 strongly recommended — unified Script Editor supports Python 3, VB, and C# in one window).

- Script Editor: type `_ScriptEditor` (Rhino 8) or `_EditPythonScript` / `_EditScript` (older).

- Run a saved file from the command line with `_-RunPythonScript` or `_LoadScript` + `_RunScript`.

Core Patterns

Python: minimal scaffold

import rhinoscriptsyntax as rs
import scriptcontext as sc
import Rhino

def main():
    obj_id = rs.GetObject("Select a curve", filter=rs.filter.curve, preselect=True)
    if not obj_id:
        return
    length = rs.CurveLength(obj_id)
    print("Length: {0:.4f}".format(length))

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Python: working with RhinoCommon directly

import Rhino
import scriptcontext as sc

doc = sc.doc  # Rhino.RhinoDoc.ActiveDoc
tol = doc.ModelAbsoluteTolerance

circle = Rhino.Geometry.Circle(Rhino.Geometry.Point3d(0, 0, 0), 5.0)
curve_id = doc.Objects.AddCircle(circle)
doc.Views.Redraw()

VBScript: minimal scaffold

Option Explicit

Call Main()

Sub Main()
    Dim strObject
    strObject = Rhino.GetObject("Select a curve", 4)  ' 4 = curve filter
    If IsNull(strObject) Then Exit Sub
    Rhino.Print "Length: " & Rhino.CurveLength(strObject)
End Sub

Picking objects with a custom filter (Python, RhinoCommon)

import Rhino
import scriptcontext as sc

go = Rhino.Input.Custom.GetObject()
go.SetCommandPrompt("Select breps")
go.GeometryFilter = Rhino.DocObjects.ObjectType.Brep
go.SubObjectSelect = False
go.GetMultiple(1, 0)
if go.CommandResult() != Rhino.Commands.Result.Success:
    pass
else:
    ids = [go.Object(i).ObjectId for i in range(go.ObjectCount)]

Step-by-Step Workflows

Bulk-modify many objects fast

1. Disable redraw: `rs.EnableRedraw(False)`.

2. Wrap mutations in a single undo record: `undo = doc.BeginUndoRecord("My Op")` … `doc.EndUndoRecord(undo)`.

3. Use RhinoCommon directly inside the loop (skip `rhinoscriptsyntax` overhead).

4. Re-enable redraw and call `doc.Views.Redraw()` in a `try`/`finally` so a crash never leaves the viewport frozen.

Distribute a script to a teammate

1. Save the `.py` / `.rvb` somewhere on disk.

2. Add the folder to `Options → Files → Search paths` so Rhino can find it by name.

3. Create a toolbar button or alias w