Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI is Google’s open-source terminal AI assistant. It speaks MCP, so once you point it at the Rhino MCP server it can drive Rhino & Grasshopper the same way Claude or Codex can.

If you’re choosing between assistants and aren’t sure, start with Claude Desktop; it’s the gentler entry point.

1. Install Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI — install and sign in. See the Gemini CLI install guide if you need it.

2. Install the Rhino plugin

Install Rhino-MCP-Platform in Rhino Rhino 8 Install Rhino-MCP-Platform in Rhino Rhino 9

If that doesn’t work you can try the below:

1. Open Rhino 8 (and/or Rhino 9 WIP)
2. Run the PackageManager command
3. Search for, and install Rhino-MCP-Platform

3. Wire up the Rhino MCP server

1. In Rhino, run the MCPConnect command. It prints the command Gemini CLI needs to launch the Rhino MCP router.

2. Open ~/.gemini/settings.json (create it if it doesn’t exist).

3. Add an mcpServers entry for the Rhino server, pasting the command and args from step 1:

   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "rhino": {
         "command": "rhino-mcp-router",
         "args": ["--default-version", "8"]
       }
     }
   }

4. Restart Gemini CLI. The rhino server should appear when you list MCP servers from inside a session.

Pick the Rhino version by changing the --default-version arg. Use 8 for Rhino 8, 9 for Rhino 9 WIP/BETA.

Try it out

Start a Gemini CLI session and follow the prompts on the Try It Out page.