Site Tools


Guide to Using Convert3dm

convert3dm Version 80 (2417003088) Copyright © 2021-2014 Robert McNeel & Associates

Convert3dm is a simple command-line utility that reads a 3dm file and writes a new 3dm file using the specified file version.

Convert3dm support Rhino file versions 1 through 8.

Syntax

convert3dm input.3dm output.3dm [–version=0] [–log=logfile_path]

  • version is one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 50, 60, 70, 80.
  • Default version is 80.
  • Optional: Logfile_path is the path to the text log representing the file that was read.
  • Names of files with spaces need to be surrounded by double quotes. “42 inch vanity V6.3dm”

Method 1: Adding Convert3DM in Model Folder (Easy)

  1. Download the version of Convert3dm appropriate for your operating system.
  2. Pick the folder to download into where your 3DM files to Convert are locatedThis is an important step.
  3. In the File Explorer, navigate to the folder with your files and the convert3dm80win.zip.
  4. Unzip convert3dm80win.zip to Convert3dm.exe
  5. Right on Convert3dm.exe and pick Properties.
  6. Check the “unlock” field and pick OK.
  7. Type CMD.
  8. The Command Prompt Windows will open.
  9. Type the command in the following Syntax BELOW:
     Convert3DM "42 inch vanity.3dm" "42 inch vanity V6.3dm" --version=6 

  10. Hint: type syntax of command into Notepad. Copy and paste into the CMD window.
  11. Convert3dm reads the 3dm file and writes a new 3dm file using the specified file version.

If the optional –version argument is not specified, a version 80 file is written. If an error or warning occurs during conversion, this program ends with exit code 1. Successful conversion ends with exit code 0.

Method 2: Convert3DM on the Windows Search Path

If you want to be able to run Convert3DM from any folder on your computer where you may have your 3DM files stores, then this method of install the Convert3DM will allow you to do that.

  • This requires Admin rights and some Windows configuration knowledge.
  • If you are not an Admin, you will need someone with Admin privileges to help.
  1. In file Explorer, navigate to the root of the C:\ drive and make a subfolder. We will call ours FIX. So the path to the folder will be c:\FIX
  2. Download the version of Convert3dm appropriate for your operating system.
  3. Pick the folder c:\FIX folder to download into.
  4. In the File Explorer, navigate to the c:\FIX folder with your files and the convert3dm80win.zip.
  5. Unzip convert3dm80win.zip to Convert3dm.exe
  6. Right on Convert3dm.exe and pick Properties.
  7. Check the “unlock” field and pick OK.
  8. In the Windows search bar, type Edit Environment. Pick on the Windows link on the right, Edit the system environment variables.
  9. From the Edit Environment Variables dialog, double click on Path
  10. Pick the New button, and type C:\FIX or your path to the folder there the Convert3dm.exe is located. Pick the OKs required to exit the Environment dialogs.
  11. In File Explorer, navigate to the folder where the 3DM files are located.
  12. Type CMD in the Windows Search box.
  13. The Command Prompt Windows will open.
  14. Type the command in the following Syntax BELOW.
     Convert3DM "42 inch vanity.3dm" "42 inch vanity V6.3dm" --version=6 

  15. Hint: type syntax of command into Notepad. Copy and paste into the CMD window.
  16. Convert3dm reads the 3dm file and writes a new 3dm file using the specified file version.
rhino/convert3dm.txt · Last modified: 2025/05/09 by maryfugier