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Rhino 3D Tip: Rhino Aliases: Essential Macros and Workflow Best Practices

January 29, 2026 2 min read

Customize keyboard aliases to reduce clicks, cut search time, and keep your modeling flow uninterrupted.

Where to create and manage aliases

Windows: Tools > Options > Aliases (or run _Options and open Aliases).
macOS: Rhino > Preferences > Aliases (or run _Preferences and open Aliases).
Export/backup: use OptionsExport to save your setup and OptionsImport to load it on other machines or versions.

Macro essentials for reliable aliases

! sends Escape first to cancel any active command, ensuring a clean start.
_ forces English command names (portable across localized installs).
- runs a command in command-line mode (lets you script options without dialogs).
_Pause waits for user input (picks, points, etc.).
_Enter confirms the current step or accepts defaults.

Practical alias set (safe, memorable, production-friendly)

ze → ! _Zoom _Extents _All (zoom extents in all viewports)
zs → ! _Zoom _Selected (focus on current selection)
mv → ! _MaxViewport _Toggle (quick fullscreen toggle of active viewport)
bo → ! _BooleanUnion
bd → ! _BooleanDifference
bi → ! _BooleanIntersection
sp → ! _Split
tt → ! _Trim
de → ! _DupEdge _Pause (extract edges quickly)
sl → ! _SelLast (reselect last created object)
po → ! _ProjectOsnap _Toggle (toggle projection when drawing on CPlane)
gd → ! _-SetDisplayMode _Mode=_Ghosted (set current viewport to Ghosted)
m2 → ! _-Make2D _Enter (Make2D with last-used settings)

Naming and scope strategy

Prefer two- or three-letter mnemonics that don’t overwrite real command names (avoid single letters like “S”).
Group by workflow: z* for zoom, b* for booleans, v* for view controls, etc.
Document your set in a shared note or README and export regularly with OptionsExport.

Advanced patterns

Command-line mode for speed: e.g., ! _-Export _Pause _Enter to drive Export from the command line (Rhino will prompt for a filename if not supplied).
Chain operations safely: start with !, sequence commands, and finish with _Enter where appropriate.
Pair aliases with Gumball and Osnaps for micro-efficiency; e.g., zs + Gumball for quick focus and immediate transform.

Troubleshooting

If an alias doesn’t run, check for conflicts with existing commands or duplicate aliases.
Test macros in the command line step-by-step, then fold them into an alias once reliable.
Don’t mix display-mode changes and selection steps in the same macro unless you fully script the prompts.

Team and migration tips

Create a standard alias set per team or project and version it with your templates.
Migrating to a new Rhino version? Import your alias export first, then toolbars, then plug-ins.

For licenses, upgrades, and expert guidance on building a pro-grade Rhino environment, connect with NOVEDGE. Explore Rhino options and bundles on NOVEDGE’s Rhino collection and ask their team about best practices for deploying shared workspaces and shortcuts across studios.

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