What is ʼExportʼ vs. ʼSave Asʼ in Rhino?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

In Rhino, SaveAs is the standard professional method for creating another Rhino model file, while Export is used to write selected objects or the whole model into a different file format such as DWG, STEP, or STL. The main difference is file purpose and format control. Export does not replace your active Rhino project file.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Export can change object fidelity if the target format does not support Rhino data such as history, display modes, render materials, SubD behavior, or certain annotation features. A common failure is assuming a DWG, STL, or STEP export will preserve the model exactly like a native 3DM.

How to Export vs Save As in Rhino

  • Command: Export

  • Shortcut: None by default

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the objects to send out, then go to File > export selected for the fastest professional workflow when only part of the model is needed.
    2. Choose the target file type, such as DWG, STEP, IGES, STL, or another supported format.
    3. In the export options dialog, set a real option such as Save small, Export open objects, mesh settings, or target scheme/version, then confirm.

  • Command: SaveAs

  • Shortcut: None by default

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Go to File > Save As when you need another native Rhino file version or a renamed copy of the full project.
    2. Choose *Rhino 3D Model (.3dm)** and select the required Rhino version.
    3. Enable a real option such as Save textures if needed, then save the full model copy.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Save textures

  • Expert Setting: In Save As, this option packages referenced texture images with the model data path workflow more reliably for transfer. In Export, equivalent data preservation depends entirely on the target format, so material appearance may not survive the handoff.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Exporting NURBS geometry to mesh-based formats like STL converts surfaces to meshes, and poor mesh settings can cause faceting or loss of detail.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Locked or hidden objects are often missed when users export only selected objects, especially if selection filters or sub-object selections were used.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Using Save As when a consultant needs STEP or DWG creates the wrong deliverable, while using Export instead of Save As can strip Rhino-only project data and version-specific content.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use ExportSelected for deliverables and open the format options before saving so you can set the correct scheme, tolerance, or mesh quality.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use SaveAs for Rhino-to-Rhino file management, backups, and versioning. Use Export only when sending data to another software platform or when a downstream fabrication format is required.

FAQ

Is Save As the same as Export in Rhino?

No, Save As creates another project file, while Export creates a deliverable file in a chosen format.

Should I use Export Selected or Export?

Use Export Selected when only specific objects need to be delivered; it is the cleaner professional workflow.

Can Export reduce model quality?

Yes, especially when exporting to mesh or limited CAD formats with unsuitable tolerance or mesh settings.

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