Rhino 3D Tip: Manage Rhino object metadata to drive labels, BOMs, and fabrication

Use metadata to attach actionable information to your Rhino objects so downstream teams can search, label, and fabricate with confidence.

What to store

• PartNumber, Revision, Material, Finish, Supplier, Weight, Cost, Tolerance
• Process notes (e.g., “CNC 3-axis,” “anodize black”), QA flags, and links (datasheets, POs)

Where to store it

• Object-level User Text: Properties panel > Attributes > User Text. Add key–value pairs per object or per block instance.
• Document-level User Text: Manage project-wide keys (ProjectName, Client, DueDate) so every layout and title block can read them.
• Object name and URL: Use Name for human-readable IDs; URL for cloud links (PLM item, drawing, spec).

Fast ways to add metadata

• Command line: SetUserText to add or edit keys on selected objects.
• Copy/paste metadata: Use the Attributes panel’s copy/paste buttons to apply a standard set to multiple parts.
• Use templates: Start from a file where the Document User Text keys are pre-defined and your title blocks already point to them. If you need Rhino licenses or expert advice, visit NOVEDGE.

Drive labels and BOMs with Text Fields

• Insert a Text or Leader and click the fx button to add fields.
• Reference object attributes directly, e.g.:
  • %<ObjectName>% for the object name
  • %<UserText("PartNumber")>% for a custom key
• Use Document fields in title blocks (ProjectName, Revision) so sheet sets update automatically.
• Place label leaders on Layouts; when geometry updates or swaps, fields update with it.

Blocks and reuse

• Store User Text on block instances (not only the definition) so each instance can carry a unique PartNumber or Serial.
• Inside the block, use Text Fields that read the hosting instance’s attributes to auto-tag each placement.

Search, select, and QA

• Use the Attributes panel to filter or select by a specific key/value.
• Adopt consistent keys across teams: use exact casing and spelling (e.g., “PartNumber,” not “Part No.”).
• Before release, run a quick pass: check that all parts have a PartNumber, Material, and Revision set.

Export and downstream

• Names, layers, and some attributes travel better across formats. Include PartNumber in the object name or layer when exchanging STEP/DWG to preserve identity.
• For data-heavy workflows, consider Grasshopper with Elefront/Human to read/write attributes and generate BOM tables. Need add-ons or training? Talk to NOVEDGE.

Pro tips

• Prefix keys for grouping (e.g., “Spec.Material,” “Spec.Finish”) to keep panels tidy.
• Use NamedSelections by metadata (e.g., all “Material=6061”) to speed up edits and exports.
• Pair with Layer naming conventions for a robust data model from concept to manufacturing. For Rhino upgrades and ecosystem tools, check NOVEDGE.

You can find all the Rhino products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.