RhinoClaw

RhinoClaw Skill

Control Rhino 3D directly via TCP socket connection to the RhinoClaw plugin. 72+ tools for geometry creation, BIM workflows, Grasshopper automation, and more.

Plugin: github.com/McMuff86/RhinoClaw · Author: Solid AI

Prerequisites

1. Rhino 7/8 running on Windows 2. RhinoClaw plugin installed and built 3. Plugin started: In Rhino command line, type tcpstart (for WSL/remote access)

> Note: Use mcpstart for local-only access (Cursor, Claude Desktop), tcpstart for WSL/Clawdbot.

Configuration

Copy config.example.json to config.json and edit:

cp config.example.json config.json

{
  "connection": {
    "host": "YOUR_RHINO_HOST_IP",
    "port": 1999,
    "timeout": 15.0
  },
  "screenshots": {
    "linux_dir": "./captures",
    "windows_dir": ""
  }
}

Host IP depends on your setup:

Quick Test

cd ~/clawd/skills/rhinoclaw/scripts
python3 rhino_client.py ping

Scripts Reference

| Script | Purpose | |--------|---------| | rhino_client.py | Base TCP client, raw commands | | geometry.py | Create primitives (box, sphere, cylinder, curves...) | | transforms.py | Move, rotate, scale, copy, mirror, arrays | | booleans.py | Union, difference, intersection | | selection.py | Select by layer, type, name, IDs | | analysis.py | Object info, properties, bounding box, volume | | curves.py | Offset, fillet, chamfer, join, explode | | surfaces.py | Loft, extrude, revolve, sweep | | layers.py | Create, set, list, delete layers | | materials.py | PBR materials, assign to layers | | viewport.py | Views, camera, screenshots | | render.py | Lights, render settings, render to file | | files.py | Open, save, import, export (STEP, OBJ, STL...) | | groups.py | Groups and block definitions | | scene.py | Document info, batch operations | | presets.py | Preset & Template manager for GH definitions | | ghscript.py | GH Definition builder + Compute Platform deployer | | visualarq.py | VisualARQ BIM objects (walls, doors, windows, levels, IFC) | | utils.py | Shared utilities (parse_coords, parse_color, format_result) |

🎯 Geometry Creation

# Primitives
python3 geometry.py sphere --radius 5 --position 0,0,0 --name "Ball"
python3 geometry.py box --width 10 --length 10 --height 5 --color 255,0,0
python3 geometry.py cylinder --radius 2 --height 8 --layer "Parts"
python3 geometry.py cone --radius 3 --height 6
python3 geometry.py line --start 0,0,0 --end 10,10,0
python3 geometry.py circle --radius 5
python3 geometry.py arc --radius 5 --angle 90
python3 geometry.py polyline --points "0,0,0 10,0,0 10,10,0 0,10,0"

Supported Geometry Types

| Type | Key Parameters | |------|----------------| | POINT | location | | LINE | start, end | | POLYLINE | points | | CIRCLE | center, radius | | ARC | center, radius, angle | | ELLIPSE | center, radius_x, radius_y | | CURVE | points, degree | | BOX | width, length, height | | SPHERE | radius | | CONE | radius, height | | CYLINDER | radius, height | | MESH | vertices, faces |

🔨 Solid Operations

# Fillet (round) edges of a solid
python3 solids.py fillet  --radius 2.0
Fillet specific edges only
python3 solids.py fillet  --radius 2.0 --edges 0,1,3
Chamfer edges
python3 solids.py chamfer  --distance 1.5
Keep original (don't delete input)
python3 solids.py fillet  --radius 2.0 --keep

🔄 Transform Operations

# Move object
python3 transforms.py move  --vector 10,0,0
Rotate object (degrees around axis through point)
python3 transforms.py rotate  --angle 45 --axis 0,0,1 --center 0,0,0
Scale object
python3 transforms.py scale  --factor 2.0 --center 0,0,0
Copy with offset
python3 transforms.py copy  --offset 10,0,0
Mirror across plane
python3 transforms.py mirror  --origin 0,0,0 --normal 1,0,0
Linear array: 5 copies along X
python3 transforms.py linear  --direction 1,0,0 --count 5 --distance 10
Polar array: 8 copies around Z axis
python3 transforms.py polar  --center 0,0,0 --axis 0,0,1 --count 8

⚡ Boolean Operations

# Union multiple solids
python3 booleans.py union   
Difference: subtract cutter(s) from base
python3 booleans.py difference  
Intersection
python3 booleans.py intersection  
Keep input objects (don't delete)
python3 booleans.py union   --keep

> Note: Objects must be closed solids (Breps).

🎯 Selection

# Select all
python3 selection.py all
Clear selection
python3 selection.py none
Get info about selected objects
python3 selection.py get
Select by layer
python3 selection.py layer "MyLayer"
Select by object type
python3 selection.py type solid    # solid, curve, surface, mesh, point, etc.
Select by name (partial match)
python3 selection.py name "Box"
Select specific IDs
python3 selection.py ids   
Combined filters
python3 selection.py filter --layer "Parts" --type solid

📊 Object Analysis

# Basic object info
python3 analysis.py info 
Detailed properties (bounding box, area, volume, centroid)
python3 analysis.py properties 
Info about selected objects
python3 analysis.py selected
Document summary
python3 analysis.py document

〰️ Curve Operations

# Offset curve
python3 curves.py offset  --distance 5
Fillet two curves
python3 curves.py fillet   --radius 2
Chamfer two curves
python3 curves.py chamfer   --distance 3
Join curves into polycurve
python3 curves.py join   
Explode polycurve into segments
python3 curves.py explode 
Keep input (don't delete)
python3 curves.py join   --keep

🏔️ Surface Operations

# Loft through curves
python3 surfaces.py loft   
Extrude curve along vector
python3 surfaces.py extrude  --direction 0,0,10
Revolve curve around axis
python3 surfaces.py revolve  --axis-start 0,0,0 --axis-end 0,0,1 --angle 360
Sweep curve along rail
python3 surfaces.py sweep  
Create planar surface from closed curve
python3 surfaces.py planar 

📁 Layers

python3 layers.py create "MyLayer" --color 255,100,100
python3 layers.py set "MyLayer"
python3 layers.py list
python3 layers.py delete "OldLayer"

🎨 Materials (PBR)

# Metal presets
python3 materials.py preset gold
python3 materials.py preset silver
python3 materials.py preset copper
Custom PBR material
python3 materials.py pbr "Chrome" --color 200,200,210 --metallic 0.95 --roughness 0.02
Assign material to layer
python3 materials.py assign "MyLayer" 

📷 Viewport & Screenshots

# Set standard view
python3 viewport.py view Perspective
python3 viewport.py view Top
Zoom to fit all
python3 viewport.py zoom
Zoom to selection
python3 viewport.py zoom --selected
Orbit camera
python3 viewport.py orbit --yaw 45 --pitch 30
Set camera position
python3 viewport.py camera --position 100,100,50 --target 0,0,0 --lens 35
Capture screenshot (saves to linux_dir, returns linux_path)
python3 viewport.py screenshot --width 1920 --height 1080
python3 viewport.py screenshot --output myrender.png
Render with materials
python3 viewport.py render --output render.png

> Screenshots are saved directly to the Linux filesystem via WSL UNC path. The returned linux_path can be read directly.

💡 Render & Lighting

# Set render quality
python3 render.py settings --width 1920 --height 1080 --quality high
python3 render.py settings --background 50,50,50
Add lights
python3 render.py light point --position 50,50,100 --intensity 1.5
python3 render.py light directional --direction -1,-1,-1
python3 render.py light spot --position 0,0,100 --target 0,0,0
Render to file
python3 render.py render --output scene.png

📦 Files (Import/Export)

# Open 3DM file
python3 files.py open "/path/to/file.3dm"
Save current document
python3 files.py save
python3 files.py save --path "/path/to/new.3dm"
Export to various formats
python3 files.py export output.step
python3 files.py export output.obj --ids  
python3 files.py export output.stl --format stl
Import mesh
python3 files.py import model.obj

Supported Export Formats

📦 Groups & Blocks

# Create group
python3 groups.py group   --name "MyGroup"
Ungroup
python3 groups.py ungroup --name "MyGroup"
Create block definition
python3 groups.py block-create "MyBlock"   --base 0,0,0
Insert block instance
python3 groups.py block-insert "MyBlock" --position 10,0,0 --scale 2 --rotation 45
Explode block
python3 groups.py block-explode 

🌿 Grasshopper Player Automation

Run Grasshopper definitions with custom parameters directly from CLI.

# Show available parameters in a GH file
python3 grasshopper.py info "C:/path/to/definition.gh"
Run with default parameters
python3 grasshopper.py run "C:/path/to/definition.gh"
Run with custom parameters
python3 grasshopper.py run "C:/path/to/definition.gh" --Lichthoehe 2200 --Lichtbreite 1000
Set insertion point
python3 grasshopper.py run "C:/path/to/definition.gh" --Point 100,200,0

Parameter Discovery

python3 grasshopper.py info "C:/path/to/definition.gh"
Output shows: parameter name, default value, min/max range, type

How It Works

1. info loads the GH file via Grasshopper SDK to extract parameter metadata 2. run starts Rhino's GrasshopperPlayer via SendKeystrokes (non-blocking) 3. Script monitors command prompts and sends parameter values 4. Get Point prompts receive the --Point coordinate or default 0,0,0

Presets (YAML-based)

# List available presets
python3 grasshopper.py preset --list
Run a preset
python3 grasshopper.py preset door_standard
Override preset parameters
python3 grasshopper.py preset door_standard --Lichthoehe 2200

Presets are defined in config/presets.yaml, templates in config/templates.yaml.

🏗️ GH Definition Builder (NEW)

Programmatically create Grasshopper definitions with Python script components. The full pipeline: Generate Code → Build .gh → Deploy to Compute Platform → Solve via API

Build a Definition via RhinoClaw

# Build a .gh file with inputs + Python script
python3 ghscript.py build \
  --name "ParametricBox" \
  --script my_script.py \
  --inputs inputs.json \
  --output "C:/temp/gh_definitions/ParametricBox.gh"

Build + Deploy to Rhino Compute Platform

# Build .gh and deploy to ~/projects/rhino-compute-platform/definitions/
python3 ghscript.py deploy \
  --name "ParametricBox" \
  --script my_script.py \
  --inputs inputs.json

After deploy, the definition is immediately solvable:

POST http://localhost:8100/solve
{ "definition": "ParametricBox.gh", "inputs": { "Width": 200, "Height": 100 } }

Input Spec Format (inputs.json)

[
  { "name": "Width",  "type": "number",  "default": 200, "min": 10, "max": 1000 },
  { "name": "Height", "type": "number",  "default": 100, "min": 10, "max": 500 },
  { "name": "Count",  "type": "integer", "default": 5,   "min": 1,  "max": 20 },
  { "name": "Label",  "type": "string",  "default": "Part-A" },
  { "name": "Mirror", "type": "boolean", "default": false }
]

GHPython Script Template

The script receives inputs as variables matching the input names:

# Inputs: Width, Height (injected by Grasshopper)
Output: Geometry (assigned to 'a' output)
import Rhino.Geometry as rg
plane = rg.Plane.WorldXY
box = rg.Box(plane, rg.Interval(-Width/2, Width/2), 
             rg.Interval(-Height/2, Height/2), 
             rg.Interval(0, Height))
Geometry = box.ToBrep()

Execute Python Directly in Rhino

# Quick test without building a GH definition
python3 ghscript.py exec --code "import Rhino; print(Rhino.RhinoApp.Version)"
python3 ghscript.py exec --file my_script.py

How It Works

1. build_gh_definition command in RhinoClaw creates a GH document with: - Number Sliders / Boolean Toggles / Panels for each input - A Python 3 Script component with the provided code - Wired connections between inputs and script 2. The document is saved as binary .gh file 3. deploy copies to Compute Platform definitions/ and writes .meta.json 4. /solve endpoint picks it up automatically

📜 RhinoScript Execution

# Execute inline code
python3 script_exec.py -c "import rhinoscriptsyntax as rs; rs.AddSphere([0,0,0], 10)"
Execute script file
python3 script_exec.py -f ~/scripts/my_script.py

🔍 Log Monitoring

Check the Rhino log for debugging (requires Windows filesystem access / TOTP):

# View recent log entries (needs TOTP unlock for /mnt/c access)
tail -30 "/mnt/c/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/AppData/Local/Temp/rhinoclaw.log"
Alternative: use rhino_client to query logs via TCP
python3 rhino_client.py get_logs

Example: Complete PBR Scene Workflow

# 1. Create layer with material
python3 layers.py create "Gold_Parts" --color 255,215,0
python3 materials.py preset gold
→ Note material_id
2. Assign material to layer
python3 materials.py assign "Gold_Parts" 
python3 layers.py set "Gold_Parts"
3. Create geometry
python3 geometry.py sphere --radius 5 --name "Gold_Ball"
python3 geometry.py box --width 10 --length 10 --height 2 --position 0,0,-3
4. Boolean difference (cut hole)
python3 geometry.py cylinder --radius 2 --height 5 --position 0,0,-3
python3 booleans.py difference  
5. Set camera and capture
python3 viewport.py camera --position 30,30,20 --target 0,0,0 --lens 35
python3 viewport.py screenshot --width 1920 --height 1080
→ Returns linux_path, read directly with Read tool

⚠️ Error Handling

The rhino_client.py provides custom exceptions for robust error handling:

| Exception | When | |-----------|------| | RhinoConnectionError | Can't connect or connection lost | | RhinoTimeoutError | No response within timeout | | RhinoCommandError | Rhino returned an error | | ValidationError | Invalid parameters |

Auto-retry: The client has a @with_retry decorator for automatic reconnection with exponential backoff (default: 3 retries).

Context Manager: Use with RhinoClient() as client: for automatic connect/disconnect.

🏗️ VisualARQ BIM Objects (OPTIONAL)

Control VisualARQ BIM objects (walls, doors, windows, columns, beams, etc.).

> Note: VisualARQ is an optional add-on. All commands gracefully degrade if not installed - no crashes or errors.

Check Availability

# Check if VisualARQ is installed
python3 visualarq.py check
Get available styles, levels, and buildings
python3 visualarq.py info

Walls

# Create a wall
python3 visualarq.py wall --style "Generic - 200mm" \
  --start 0,0,0 --end 10,0,0 --height 3.0 \
  --layer "Walls" --name "ExtWall_01"
List available wall styles
python3 visualarq.py wall-styles
Add a new wall style
python3 visualarq.py add-wall-style --name "Custom 300mm" --width 0.3

Doors & Windows

# Create a door (requires existing wall)
python3 visualarq.py door --style "Single Swing" \
  --wall-id  --position 0.5 \
  --width 0.9 --height 2.1 --name "MainEntry"
Create a window
python3 visualarq.py window --style "Fixed" \
  --wall-id  --position 0.3 \
  --width 1.2 --height 1.5 --name "Window_01"
List available styles
python3 visualarq.py door-styles
python3 visualarq.py window-styles

Position Parameter: 0.0 = start of wall, 1.0 = end of wall, 0.5 = middle

Structural Elements

# Create a column
python3 visualarq.py column --style "Rectangular" \
  --position 0,0,0 --height 3.0 --name "Col_A1"
Create a beam
python3 visualarq.py beam --style "Rectangular" \
  --start 0,0,3 --end 5,0,3 --name "Beam_B1"
Create a slab (requires boundary curves)
python3 visualarq.py slab --boundary , \
  --thickness 0.25 --name "Slab_01"

Levels & Buildings

# List all levels
python3 visualarq.py levels
Add a new level
python3 visualarq.py add-level --name "OG1" --elevation 3.0
Add a building
python3 visualarq.py add-building --name "Haus A"

Custom BIM Parameters

# Add a custom parameter to an object
python3 visualarq.py add-param --name "FireRating" --type text \
  --object-id 
Set parameter value
python3 visualarq.py set-param --name "FireRating" \
  --value "EI30" --object-id 
Get parameter value
python3 visualarq.py get-param --name "FireRating" --object-id 

Parameter Types: text, number, integer, boolean, length

IFC Import/Export

# Export to IFC
python3 visualarq.py ifc-export --path "output.ifc" --version "IFC4"
Import IFC file
python3 visualarq.py ifc-import --path "model.ifc"

Supported IFC Versions: IFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4.3

Query VisualARQ Objects

# List all walls with properties
python3 visualarq.py list-walls
List all doors with properties
python3 visualarq.py list-doors
List all windows
python3 visualarq.py list-windows
Overview of all VisualARQ objects by type
python3 visualarq.py list-objects

Example: Complete BIM Workflow

# 1. Check if VisualARQ is available
python3 visualarq.py check
→ {"available": true, "version": "detected"}
2. Create building structure
python3 visualarq.py add-building --name "Office Building"
python3 visualarq.py add-level --name "Ground Floor" --elevation 0.0
python3 visualarq.py add-level --name "First Floor" --elevation 3.5
3. Create walls
python3 visualarq.py wall --style "Generic - 200mm" \
  --start 0,0,0 --end 10,0,0 --height 3.0 --name "SouthWall"
→ Note wall_id for door/window insertion
4. Add openings
python3 visualarq.py door --style "Single Swing" \
  --wall-id  --position 0.7 \
  --width 0.9 --height 2.1 --name "MainEntry"
python3 visualarq.py window --style "Fixed" \
  --wall-id  --position 0.3 \
  --width 1.5 --height 1.2 --name "SouthWindow"
5. Add custom BIM data
python3 visualarq.py add-param --name "FireRating" --type text \
  --object-id 
python3 visualarq.py set-param --name "FireRating" \
  --value "EI90" --object-id 
6. Export to IFC
python3 visualarq.py ifc-export --path "office_building.ifc" --version "IFC4"

Troubleshooting

| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Connection refused | Run tcpstart in Rhino command line | | Timeout | Increase timeout in config.json (max 120s) | | Boolean failed | Ensure objects are closed solids (Breps) | | Screenshot path issues | Check windows_dir UNC path in config | | Command not found | Rebuild plugin after C# changes | | Objects on wrong layer | Set layer first with layers.py set "LayerName" | | PBR material not visible | Materials use RenderMaterials table (fixed in 0.1.3.7+) | | Script timeout | Use --timeout 60 for large scripts | | RhinoConnectionError | Auto-retry is built in (3 attempts), check if plugin running | | VisualARQ not available | Install VisualARQ plugin or gracefully ignore VA commands |

Copy config.example.json to config.json and edit:

cp config.example.json config.json

{
  "connection": {
    "host": "YOUR_RHINO_HOST_IP",
    "port": 1999,
    "timeout": 15.0
  },
  "screenshots": {
    "linux_dir": "./captures",
    "windows_dir": ""
  }
}

Host IP depends on your setup:

| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Connection refused | Run tcpstart in Rhino command line | | Timeout | Increase timeout in config.json (max 120s) | | Boolean failed | Ensure objects are closed solids (Breps) | | Screenshot path issues | Check windows_dir UNC path in config | | Command not found | Rebuild plugin after C# changes | | Objects on wrong layer | Set layer first with layers.py set "LayerName" | | PBR material not visible | Materials use RenderMaterials table (fixed in 0.1.3.7+) | | Script timeout | Use --timeout 60 for large scripts | | RhinoConnectionError | Auto-retry is built in (3 attempts), check if plugin running | | VisualARQ not available | Install VisualARQ plugin or gracefully ignore VA commands |