VisualARQ
A Rhinoceros add-on for architectural BIM, VisualARQ adds parametric building objects, live 2D documentation from the model, quantity reporting, clash and clearance checks, and IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 import and export while keeping Rhino's NURBS and Grasshopper workflows.
Teams that already model in Rhinoceros can use VisualARQ to turn free-form geometry into structured BIM: walls, curtain walls, doors, windows, beams, columns, stairs, railings, slabs, roofs, and furniture-style elements with styles and data you can edit without leaving Rhino 7 or Rhino 8 (VisualARQ, 2026).
Documentation stays tied to the 3D model: plan and section views can print to vector output from the live geometry, and tables support quantity-style reporting, tags, annotations, and custom parameters that can ride along to IFC (VisualARQ, 2026).
Exchange leans on open standards: the product ships with built-in IFC import and export for IFC 2x3 and IFC 4, including site, building, level, and object data where supported by the receiving application, and the vendor documents interoperability tests with common AEC tools through IFC (VisualARQ, 2026).
Licensing is sold as a perpetual commercial seat with evaluation and educational options; the public price list shows a commercial license at USD 795, an educational license at USD 95, and an upgrade path at USD 475 for eligible users (VisualARQ, 2026).
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Keeps Rhino's NURBS and free-form modeling strengths while adding architectural BIM objects and data.
- IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 import and export are built in, with guidance on what transfers for objects and projects.
- Grasshopper integration supports parametric styles and repeatable automation beyond manual modeling.
- Perpetual license model with free updates within the same major version, per vendor licensing pages.
Cons
- Requires Rhinoceros; cost and workflow assume comfort with Rhino and optional Grasshopper.
- IFC behavior still depends on how each receiving application reads geometry and properties.
- Not a full multi-discipline MEP or structural production suite on its own; coordination depth varies by project needs.
Key features
Parametric architectural objects: Multilayer walls, curtain walls, openings, structural members, stairs, railings, slabs, roofs, and element libraries with styles and Grasshopper-driven definitions.
Project structure: Buildings, levels, sections, guides, layers, profiles, and templates to organize models for drawing and coordination.
Live documentation: Vector plan, section, and elevation output from the 3D model; quantity-style tables; tags; annotations; and reflected ceiling and opening elevation workflows.
Coordination helpers: A clashes and clearances report panel compares two sets of objects for collisions and clearance issues inside the Rhino environment.
IFC exchange: Built-in IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 import and export with object data, levels, spaces, and custom parameters where applicable.
Automation: VisualARQ Grasshopper components, Grasshopper styles for custom objects, Grasshopper Player commands, and RhinoCommon API access for scripted workflows.
Interoperability: DWG and many exchange formats; Rhino.Inside examples with Revit; floating license options via Cloud Zoo or Rhino Zoo on supported setups.
Pricing
Evaluation
trial
Free
Free trial via vendor download page; verify duration and conditions on site.
Educational license
$95.00
Listed at USD 95 for qualifying students and educators; confirm eligibility rules on the vendor site.
Upgrade from prior VisualARQ
$475.00
Listed at USD 475 for eligible existing license holders; requires a previous VisualARQ license per vendor copy.
Commercial license (perpetual)
$795.00
Listed at USD 795 on vendor pricing pages; perpetual license, not a subscription. Verify region, tax, and reseller quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is VisualARQ and how is it related to RhinoBIM?
VisualARQ is the architectural BIM extension for Rhinoceros sold by the VisualARQ team. Marketing sites and the rhinobim.com domain point to the same product family: BIM workflows inside Rhino with VisualARQ as the primary add-on (VisualARQ, 2026).
Does VisualARQ support IFC export and import?
Yes. It includes a built-in IFC plug-in for IFC 2x3 and IFC 4, including object parameters, site and building structure, spaces, and custom parameters where supported. Large geometry-only transfers are available when you only need shape review (VisualARQ, 2026).
How much does VisualARQ cost?
Public pricing on the vendor site lists a commercial license at USD 795, an educational license at USD 95, and an upgrade at USD 475 for eligible existing customers, with a free evaluation option. Taxes, region, and reseller terms can change the final price (VisualARQ, 2026).
Can VisualARQ exchange models with Revit or Archicad?
Yes, through IFC and other exchange paths the vendor documents. IFC is the common route between Rhino and many AEC applications; the vendor also publishes Rhino.Inside-oriented examples for Revit workflows (VisualARQ, 2026).
Does VisualARQ run on Mac and Windows?
It follows Rhinoceros platforms. Rhino 7 and 8 are supported for VisualARQ 3 on Windows and macOS installs that meet Rhino's own requirements (VisualARQ, 2026).
Can VisualARQ check clashes inside the model?
It provides a clashes and clearances report that tests collisions and clearance gaps between two selected sets of objects, which helps catch coordination issues before export (VisualARQ, 2026).
Is VisualARQ subscription-only?
The vendor describes commercial, educational, and lab licenses as non-expiring seats with no subscription fee, and free updates within the same major version. Confirm the exact terms on the current license agreement before purchase (VisualARQ, 2026).