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Export 3Dm

by Digital Sculptors·Workflow

Images © Digital Sculptors. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Export 3Dm covers the practical export options CAD-bound users look for, including SubD handling, axis settings and a choice of 3DM versions. Note the documented limits around subdivision modifiers and material support before relying on it.

What is Export 3Dm?

Export 3Dm exports objects from Blender into the 3DM file format used by Rhino 3D and other CAD packages. Mesh objects transfer as SubD or Mesh, materials transfer as materials, and collections transfer as layers. When an object carries a SubD modifier it is written out as a Rhino SubD object; otherwise it is saved as a Rhino Mesh object.

The export dialog offers a range of options. You can limit output to selected objects, use batch mode to write each object as a separate 3DM file, set the up axis and forward axis, and apply modifiers before exporting. A Disable Booleans option lets you export tool objects separately for trimming inside the CAD package to reduce distortion and file weight. Output can be saved in v6, v7 or v8 format.

Some limitations apply. Only one subdivision modifier is supported and it must be last in the stack, otherwise the shape may not match. Blender material support is limited, semi-sharp edge creases have limited support, and vertex crease is not supported.

Who is Export 3Dm best for?

Export 3Dm is best for blender users who need to move mesh and SubD data into Rhino 3D or other 3DM-compatible CAD packages.

How much does Export 3Dm cost?

Export 3Dm is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Exports mesh objects as SubD or Mesh, materials as materials, and collections as layers
  • SubD-modifier objects export as Rhino SubD, others as Rhino Mesh
  • Selected Only and Batch mode export options
  • Configurable up axis and forward axis, with Apply Modifiers option
  • Disable Booleans option to export tool objects separately for CAD trimming
  • Save in 3DM v6, v7 or v8 format
  • Installs by drag-and-drop on Blender 4.2+ or via Preferences on older versions

Tags

#Blender#Rhino 3D#3DM export#CAD#SubD#mesh export#file conversion#add-on

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Export 3Dm support?

Export 3Dm lists compatibility with a wide range of Blender releases, from 2.83 through 4.3, including 4.2, 4.1, 4.0 and the 3.x series. It is marked as Blender Extension compatible and is an add-on type. Installation differs by version: on Blender 4.2 and newer you drag and drop the ZIP file into Blender, while on 4.1 and older you install the downloaded ZIP through Edit, Preferences, Install and select the file.

What operating systems and dependencies does Export 3Dm require?

Export 3Dm runs on Windows 10 64-bit with VC++ runtime 2019 or above, on macOS 11 or above, and on Linux 64-bit. The Linux build depends on several system libraries, including libstdc++.so.6, libm.so.6, libgcc_s.so.1 and libc.so.6. Separate builds are offered for Windows, Mac OS and Linux, so choose the version that matches your platform before installing the add-on.

How do I install Export 3Dm in Blender?

Export 3Dm ships as a ZIP file that should not be unzipped before installation. On Blender 4.2 and newer, drag and drop the ZIP file directly into Blender. On Blender 4.1 and older, go to Edit, Preferences, Install and choose the downloaded ZIP file. To use it, select the objects you want to export and choose File, Export, Export3DM, then adjust the available export options in the dialog.

Does Export 3Dm handle subdivision modifiers correctly?

Export 3Dm transfers objects with a SubD modifier as Rhino SubD objects and other objects as Rhino Mesh objects. There should be only one subdivision modifier and it must be the last in the stack. If there are multiple subdivision modifiers or the modifier is not last, the output might not match the shape. In those cases, apply the earlier subdivision modifiers manually and leave only the final one for export.

Is Export 3Dm free to use?

Export 3Dm is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GPL license. Licensing and seat arrangements can change over time and are handled by the developer, Digital Sculptors, so check the developer's page for current terms before you download. A demo video is also available if you want to see the add-on referenced before installing it in your Blender setup.

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