Learn
Watch our tutorials, play with the examples or sign up for a workshop.
Also make sure check out our extensive User Manual to get a clear explanation to all the features.
Tutorials
Start learning Karamba3D with these Tutorials. Basic Karamba3D set ups, parametric workflow processes and interoperability between softwares are explored in a wide range of tutorials.
Examples
Example definitions showing various features of Karamba3D. Each example includes subsequent Grasshopper definitions and Rhino files.
Workshops
Want to get a crash course into how to use Karamba3D. Why not sign up to one of our workshops with our highly experienced and trained professionals.
Tutorials
Learn Karamba3D with a wide range of tutorials and guides.
Interested to learn more about a specific topic? Then make a suggestion on our Discussion Forum.
Scripts on Github Scripts on Sharepoint
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In this tutorial, you will learn how to calculate a simple shell. This is a great tutorial for those who are taking their first step into Karamba3D. We will explore different cross sections, materials and load types applicable or shells. Lastly we will analyze the shells and take a look at the results that you can extract for shell elements.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Matthew Tam
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In this video we showcase a Karamba3D native legend components which allows users to preview their Rhino viewport.
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this tutorial, you will learn how to calculate a simple beam example. This is a great tutorial for those who are taking their first step into Karamba3D. We will explore different cross sections, materials and load types. Lastly we will analyze the beams and take a look at the results that you can extract for beam elements.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Matthew Tam
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In this video, we explore the Surface to Truss component, addressing common geometry issues you might encounter when using it. Additionally we look at Dynamic Relaxation, a feature that adapts the positions of the cells to maximize the truss angles.
If you want to learn more about the Surface to Truss component watch the introduction video here.
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video, we demonstrate how to use the Line-Line Intersection component in Grasshopper. This tool enables the detection of intersection points between line geometries, even when the lines do not meet precisely.
* It is important to note that the component operates on linear segments meaning that when working with curves, it analyzes their polygonal approximations rather than the actual curves. As a result, in cases where the lines are slightly offset or the segmentation isn’t sufficiently fine, the component may fail to identify an intersection, as shown in Example 2.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video we give an introduction of the Surface to Truss component in Karamba3D which allows you to generate various truss geometries directly from surfaces. The outputs can be directly used with Create Linear Element and easily integrated into a structural model.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video, we go over frequently asked support-related questions and show you how to solve common warnings like missing or double supports.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video we demonstrate the new visibility features in the Model View component, available in the latest release. These updates allow users to control the display of specific model parts using various input types like Strings, Planes, Surfaces, and Volumes, making it easier to manage large and complex models.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video, we explore two components that can be used to debug Karamba3D models: Connected Parts and EigenModes. These tools are important for verifying the connectivity and stability of structural elements.
The Connected Parts component identifies connectivity between lines and meshes, ensuring the structural elements are properly linked. Meanwhile, the EigenModes component calculates the eigenvalues of the structure, providing insights into its stability and highlighting any improperly connected elements.
It detects parts of the structure that are disconnected both geometrically and in terms of force distribution.
Download the GH-File: Here
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video, we provide a walkthrough of the ReactionView component available in Karamba3D Version 3. The ReactionView component manages the visualization of reaction forces.
Link to TidBits #24 Shells and Beams.
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video we present newly developed Grasshopper components created to facilitate the connection between Karamba3D and Speckle. The components streamlines the process of establishing seamless two-way data exchange between the platforms. In this guide, we will explore the key features of the components and demonstrate how to utilize them to enhance connectivity within your design workflow.
The speckle connector is only available for Karamba3D version 3.1.40918.
Download the GH-File
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Sara Rodiqi
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In this video we show you how to set up load case combinations in Version 3 of Karamba3D.
Download the GH-File.
Find the Resources Repository here.
Presenter: Matthew Tam
Examples
Filter through our extensive collection of examples that showcase various features, Karamba3D components and parametric workflows.
Examples are available for Karamba3D 2.2.0. Examples for previous releases can be found on Food4Rhino.
For those interested in scripting, please refer to the following documentation and examples:
Difficulty
Parametric Truss
Simple
Zollamtssteg
Simple
Simple Canopy
Simple
Parametric Shell and Columns
MediumSimple
Parametric Space Frame
Simple
Intersected Tiles
Simple
Scripted Truss
Simple
Bracing Walls
Simple
Simple Shell
Simple
Optimize Cross Section Freeform Shell
Simple
Cross Section Optimization Spline
Simple
Principal Moments as Ribs
Simple
Pointloads on a Shell
Simple
Element Set with Shells
Simple
Moving Pointload on Cantilever
Simple
Element Sets in a Beam Grid
Simple
Simple Frame
Simple
Shell Cross Section Optimization
Simple
Optimization of Support Positions
Simple
Input Surfaces and Analyse as a Shell
Simple
Input Curves and Analyse as a Truss
Simple
Single Span Beam
Simple
Simple Supported Beam
Simple
Optimization of Truss Diagonals
Simple
Simple Beam
Simple
Parametric Shell and Columns
MediumSimple
Principal Stress Lines To Curve
Medium
Leaf Growing 2D Agents
Medium
BESO on a 3D network of Lines
Medium
3D Objects to Shell
Medium
Find Material Distribution
Hard
Smooth Cross Section Heights from Moments
Hard
Set Smart Modules
Hard
Optimization of Column Positions
Hard
Large Deformation of a Shell
Hard
Projected Array of Lines
Hard
Projected Voronoi Pattern Gridshell
Hard
Large Deformation of a Triangular Grid
Hard
Large Deformation of Voronoi Gridshell
Hard
Informed Geometry – Scale Openings by Inner Forces
Hard
Find our latest workshops published here and register now to secure a spot.
If you wish to host a Karamba3D workshop at your company or institution, please email us at [email protected].
Matthew Tam and Georg Lobe of Karamba3D are offering a workshop aimed at beginner users who want to gain a solid understanding of setting up beam models in Karamba3D. Teaching will be applied to real-world case studies to understand all the basic principles.
After the completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Have an in-depth understanding of model setup in Karamba3D for beams.
- Set up beam structures in a parametric manner to gain full geometric control.
- Perform simple optimization and form-finding procedures on your geometry.
- Learn how to integrate Karamba3D into your BIM/structural workflows.
Day 1 – Introduction
- Introductory lecture to parametric engineering
- Parametric structural modeling with beams
- Defining cross-section and material properties
- Results retrieval and display for beams
Day 2 – Applications
- Optimization of cross sections of beams
- Introduction to optimization procedures for shape and topology
- Form finding procedures
Day 3 – Workflows & Interoperability
- Debugging Models and Troubleshooting Errors
- Save states of your Karamba3D model into Rhino for quick versioning
- Harnessing the power of Speckle to send and receive structural models on the cloud
Course requirements: Prior knowledge of Grasshopper and Rhino is essential. Basic understanding of Karamba3D would be beneficial but not required.
Software requirement: Rhino 8 & Karamba3D 3.1.5
Karamba3D 1-year licenses for non-commercial use will be provided to the participants free of charge.
Additional Software: Speckle v2, Revit (optional for interoperability workflows), RFEM, Robot, SCIA (optional for interoperability workflows)
Online course fees: EUR 395 (+VAT). Full-time students and university teachers receive a 50% discount (proof of status required). Please note that we will confirm your seat after your payment has cleared.
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🔧 AECtech New York Workshop Announcement 🔧
🦗➕🧱 Scaling Up Parametric Engineering Workflows with Karamba3D
Karamba3D is a parametric finite element analysis tool embedded in Grasshopper, enabling fast, interactive structural analysis inside Rhino. This hands-on workshop explores how to make these capabilities accessible to non-expert users—supporting rapid model creation and intuitive interaction with analysis results.
This is an in-person workshop, hosted by Matthew Tam – Operations Manager at Karamba3D! Matthew will guide participants through:
💻What you’ll learn
• Rapid creation of structural models and interactive result exploration with Karamba3D in Rhino/Grasshopper
• UI/UX strategies and templated model setups (drawing on the latest Karamba3D developments + Bollinger+Grohmann custom workflows)
• Practical tools, templates, and interface techniques that reduce reliance on advanced scripting
• Simple interaction methods: custom UI elements and keyboard-based input tools in Rhino/Grasshopper
🎟️ Details & registration: AECtech 2025 | NYC Tickets, Tue, Nov 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite
Format
Part 1: Orientation, templates, and UI/UX patterns for accessible analysis
Part 2: Hands-on interaction methods (custom UI + keyboard workflows) for engaging result exploration
📅 Date: Thursday, November 13th
🕤 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EST) (This is a afternoon workshop)
📍 Location: Verizon Education Center, Cornell Tech, New York
IASS 2025 – Parametric Engineering: collaborate and interact with structural data on the cloud
October 26 | 9 – 18h
Centro de Ingeniería Avanzada
CU UNAM
Karamba3D allows for quick, accurate, and parametric finite element calculation. Geometries can be quickly optimized and iterated through parametric processes. Leveraging the Speckle platform, collaboration has been made easier, where structural models can be sent and received from the cloud. The workshop will also explore interactive dashboards in PowerBI where one can access the data from the structural calculation and optimization results from Karamba3D to have a holistic understanding of the models.
Registration
The workshop will be taught in a seminar-style format, where the tutors will guide the
participants through live demos, and the participants will have the opportunity to experiment
with the prepared material.
Tutors · Clemens Preisinger, Matthew Tam and Georg Lobe |
University of Applied Arts Vienna, Karamba3D, Bollinger+Grohmann
Requirements · Participants should bring their own laptops (windows is preferred) previous knowledge in Rhino/Grasshopper/Karamba3D/Speckle/PowerBI would be greatly beneficial
Capacity · 25 Participants
Hackathon@Staalbouwdag 2025
Thursday 9 October 2025, 8:30 – 17:00 CEST
Registration is free but there are limited places!
Registration
Multidisciplinary teams will compete in designing the best structure as part of Staalbouwdag 2025.
Location: AFAS Theater
Inspiratielaan 3
3833 AV Leusden
Training Session: Introduction to Shells
September 25 2025, 17:00-17:30 CEST
This workshop is free for all participants, but registration is mandatory.
Registration
In this tutorial, you will learn how to calculate a simple shell. This is a great tutorial for those who are taking their first step into Karamba3D. We will explore different cross sections, materials and load types applicable or shells. Lastly we will analyse the shells and take a look at the results that you can extract for shell elements.
Tutor: Matthew Tam
Training Session: Introduction to Beams
August 21 2025, 17:00-17:30 CEST
This workshop is free for all participants, but registration is mandatory.
Registration
In this tutorial, you will learn how to calculate a simple beam example. This is a great tutorial for those who are taking their first step into Karamba3D. We will explore different cross sections, materials and load types. Lastly we will analyse the beams and take a look at the results that you can extract for beam elements.
Tutor: Matthew Tam
Structural Optimisation of Steel Structures
February 27 2025, 17:00-19:00 CET
This workshop will guide you through the basics of optimisation of structures using Karamba3D!
Hosted by Sustainable Design Network
Registration
Tutors: Matthew Tam
Workshop Programme
We will first dive into Cross Section Optimisation tool to design steel profiles for a simple structure and look at how the different settings can affect the optimisation procedure. Then we will use Galapagos for a single-objective optimisation to increase the efficiency of the structure. Lastly, a multi-objective optimisation procedure will be set up to optimise the shape, structural performance and material quantities of the building. This workshop will provide a thorough understanding to set up your own structural optimisation procedures in your own work!
ChatGPT Assistants for Parametric Engineering
January 17 2025, 16:00-18:00 CET
Learn to connect Karamba3D with One Click LCA using AI Assistants in Rhino and Grasshopper3D.
Hosted by Sustainable Design Network
Registration
Tutors: Matthew Tam & Diego Apellániz
Workshop Programme
- Introduction to structural analysis in Grasshopper with Karamba3D
- Early LCA from Karamba3D structural models
- AI assistants plug-in for Grasshopper scripts generation
- Minimizing the carbon footprint of Karamba3D structures with AI assistants
IASS 2024 – Parametric Engineering with Karamba3D: Enhancing Collaboration and Sustainability
August 25, Zürich
This workshop focuses on leveraging the capabilities of Karamba3D, a parametric engineering platform embedded in Grasshopper, to enhance collaborative design and incorporating life cycle analysis into early-stage structural design. We will dive into enabling effective teamwork through simultaneous work on shared sketch 3d models, facilitated by the integration of Speckle, a cloud platform designed for real-time data sharing and collaboration in the AEC industry. Participants will gain hands-on experience in utilizing Karamba3D for structural optimisation whilst leveraging the Compas framework to connect to Carbon databases to provide rapid LCA checks. The workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster a collaborative work environment, streamline workflows, and enhance project outcomes through the synergistic use of these advanced technological tools.
Registration
Tutors: Clemens Preisinger, Georg Lobe, Keerthana Udaykumar, Matthew Tam and Viki Sándor
Program:
Morning: Introduction Lecture / Tutorial Session – parametric engineering with Karamba3D & collaboration in the cloud with Speckle / Exploratory work session
Afternoon: Tutorial Session – integration of LCA & visualisation of data with dashboards / Exploratory work session / Discussion
Participant numbers: min 10, max 25 | Requirements: laptop (windows is preferred) | Prerequisites: previous knowledge in Rhino/Grasshopper/Karamba3D/Speckle/Compas would be greatly beneficial
AAG2023 – Net-Zero Structural Design Using Synthetic Data
October 4-5, Stuttgart
Generative Structural Design for Rapid Cost and Embodied Carbon Evaluation
Embodied carbon from building materials and construction accounts for 11% of the total global carbon emissions with a building’s superstructure being the most significant source. The building industry urgently needs to transition to carbon sequestering structural materials to meet UN climate targets. However, the time-intensive nature of structural design creates a significant bottleneck. In early design stages, sharp deadlines mean architects and engineers will likely stick to tried-and-tested, but environmentally harmful, options like steel and concrete. As a result, to speed-up adoption of more sustainable structural materials, like mass timber, early-stage structural design must be re-imagined.
Registration
We have developed a novel data-driven structural design process which leverages synthetic data generation, and machine learning predictions to meet this demand. This user-friendly design tool (https://co2-demo.app.bluefoam.io/ ) was the result of a research collaboration between Digital Blue Foam and Karamba3D in initiated at DigitalFUTURES 2022. The first prototype allows project stakeholders to quickly generate and compare structural design options and scenarios with respect to cost, embodied carbon and sequestered carbon.
The goal of the workshop is to collectively brainstorm with the wider AEC community, generating ideas and develop concepts that can be used to further improve the tool, to become a viable solution for architects and engineers alike to perform and evaluate early-stage structural design. The current ML model should be expanded to include larger datasets and more complex projects. Current limitations to the structural typologies selected also limit the potential of the tool, often taking a conservative. Through incorporating data from existing buildings or projects we can start to validate the machine learning model’s predictions and provide more accurate and relevant results. The participants of the workshop will learn how to generate and use synthetic structural data in machine learning based workflows.
IASS 2023 Masterclass
July 10-14, Melbourne
As part of the symposium, IASS 2023 offers a series of exciting Masterclasses, delivered by experts from world-leading institutions and technology companies.
The Masterclasses will be taught in person at the symposium venue. They are free for registered symposium participants, and the seats for the workshop are limited (max 18 ppl per class).
Registration
Deep Dive into Beams
Host: Karamba3D
Date: 26th May 2023
Time: 9:00-12:00 CEST
Cost: 160€ Full Fee | 80€ Student
Explore advanced techniques of working with complex structural models in this intermediary course. We will use practical examples to guide you through the essentials of creating efficient parametric beam models.
These online group training sessions provide the opportunity to gain expert knowledge and exchange with our experienced team.
This workshop is aimed at immediate to advanced users.
You will expect to:
-
Design and develop complex beam structures
-
Introduction to structural optimization
-
Create basic animations from Rhino/Grasshopper
-
Extracting the results of a structural calculation for
Prior knowledge of Karamba3D is required for this course.
General knowledge of Rhino & Grasshopper is required.
Karamba3D licenses for non-commercial use will be provided to the participants free of charge. Participants should have a working license of Rhino3D – a three-month trial can be downloaded from the Rhino website.
Register Here
Introduction to Beams
Host: Karamba3D
Date: 31st March 2023
Time: 9:00-12:00 CEST
Cost: 160€ Full Fee | 80€ Student
Learn the basics and how to work efficiently with the software in this introductory course. We will use practical examples to guide you through the fundamentals of creating beam models.
These online group training sessions provide the opportunity to gain expert knowledge and exchange with our experienced team.
This workshop is aimed at beginners.
You will expect to:
-
Set up a simple parametric structural system using beam elements
-
Work with loads and load cases
-
Optimize cross sections
-
Visualize and interpret results of the structural calculation
No prior knowledge of Karamba3D is required for this course.
General knowledge of Rhino & Grasshopper is highly recommended.
Karamba3D licenses for non-commercial use will be provided to the participants free of charge. Participants should have a working license of Rhino3D – a three-month trial can be downloaded from the Rhino website.
Register Here
Synthetic Machine Creation for Net Zero Structural Design
Tutors: Rutvik Deshpande, Aleksei Kondratenko, Sayjel Patel, Clemens Preisinger, Matthew Tam
Host: Digital Futures
June 27–29, 9 am – 12 pm CEST
Cost: Free
Why NetZero Structural Design?
One way to help reduce global carbon emissions is to address the lifecycle carbon footprint of buildings in the early design stages.
However, building certification systems do not address the impact implications of embodied carbon emissions from the energy used to construct a building and during production.
Consequently, we must rethink the way we design structures driven by embodied carbon from the early design stage. The goal of our project is to use machine learning and synthetic data generation to bridge the gap between massing and structural design. This workshop will showcase experiments into structural design generation and carbon emission calculations using Machine Learning for architecture, with the intent of exploring methods to minimize the carbon footprint of our buildings.
How we can reimagine the way we design buildings through the lens of embodied carbon?
To answer this question, DBF (Singapore) and Karamba3D (Vienna) are joining forces to host a joint workshop for DigitalFutures 2022. During the 3 day collaboration, we will explore the use of Machine Learning (ML) and synthetic data generation to bridge the gap between massing and structural design.
Workshop participants will explore the following topics:
- Synthesizing massing data and its structural behavior
- Cleaning, storing, and training the dataset,
- Develop a machine learning model,
- Visualization of structural systems prediction integrated with embodied carbon analysis utilizing a user-friendly platform.
This workshop culminates in several experiments exploring structural design generation and carbon emission calculations using Machine Learning for architecture.
Required Skills: There are no prerequisites for this workshop, however basic programming languages such as JavaScript and Python, as well as a working knowledge of Karamba 3D, will be advantageous.
Required Software: Web-based platform for ease of usage
Required Hardware: Laptop or PC, Windows 10 or Later, and a Stable Internet Connection
Maximum number of participating students: 100
Karamba3D online workshop for intermediate and advanced users
Tutors: Clemens Preisinger, Matthew Tam
Host: McNeel Europe (Barcelona)
July 19–21, 10 am – 5 pm CEST
Cost: 300€ Full Fee | 150€ Student
This three day workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced users of Karamba3D. Clemens and Matthew will explore with you more advanced techniques of working with complex parametric structural models through to scripting using the Karamba3D API. You will also learn how to integrate Karamba3D into your BIM workflow while harnessing the power of third party plugins such as Rhino.Inside.Revit as well as GeometryGym.
Course Outline
Day 1 – Refresher
- Introduction
- Presentation of building projects
- Definition of a structural model with shells and beams
- Results retrieval and display for beams
- Form finding and structural optimization
Day 2 – Complex workflows
- Debugging and Optimizing Definitions
- Advanced Workflows with Grasshopper and Karamba3D
- Analyzing models in Revit with Rhino.Iniside
- Interoperability with IFC using GeometryGym
Day 3 – Scripting
- Introduction of the Karamba3D scripting API
- The ‘Hello Karamba3D’ script
- How to query model properties
- Retrieving element results
Course requirements: Prior knowledge of Grasshopper and Karamba3D is strongly recommended. Revit & Rhino.Inside is only recommended but not mandatory. A Karamba3D 1-year licenses for non-commercial use will be provided to the participants free of charge. Rhino 7 and GeometryGym licenses will be provided for the time of the workshop.
Online course fees: EUR 395,- (+VAT); full-time students and university teachers get a 50% discount (proof of status required). Please note, your seat is confirmed only after payment has cleared.
Max. number of participants for each course: 25. If there is no quorum, the course will be cancelled 15 days before. Participants will need to attend the course at the same time as the course runs.
Course language: English
Online Bake Off
Tutors: Zeynep Aksöz, Clemens Preisinger, Matthew Tam
Host: Karamba3D (online)
June 27–29, 2022, 9 am – 12 pm CEST
Cost: 300€ Full Fee | 150€ Student
In the 2021 Bake-off Series, we will be exploring different themes and topics over a one week long course. We are inviting architects, engineers, designers to participate in this workshop focusing on parametric structures and design. Participants will be asked to develop a designed structural object within the parametric environment of Grasshopper3D. Lead by Clemens Preisinger, Zeynep Aksöz and Matthew Tam, we will guide you through a series of tutorials in Karamba3D, design critiques and review sessions.
This May, our focus will be on structural shells. The course will cover essential methods of design, analysis and optimization of shells using Karamba3D. The learned methods will be tested and further investigated through a case study, which will be developed during the course by each participant. The tutorial sessions will be accompanied by working sessions where the participants can ask specific questions to instructors.
The online course will be hosted on the Microsoft Teams platform. The course will be held in English.
What you will expect to achieve at the end of the workshop?
- Learn the basics of using Karamba3D
- Design, develop and optimization of structures
- Set up a parametric structural system using shell elements
- Work with Loads, load cases and load combinations
- Interpreting results
- Create basic animations from Rhino/Grasshopper
- Create an interactive cloud model
Software
No prior knowledge of Karamba3D is required for this course, but beneficial.
General knowledge of Rhino & Grasshopper as well as the basics of statics is highly recommended. You will gain access to our database of learning resources.
Karamba3D 1-year licenses for non-commercial use will be provided to the participants free of charge.
Participants should have a working license of Rhino3D – a three-month trial can be downloaded from the Rhino website.
There are five sessions in total, Monday-Friday: 9:00-11:30am CEST
8:00-10:30am BST | 3:00-5:30pm CST | 5:00pm-5:30pm AET
Each day there will be a tutorial session, a short work session as well as a feedback session.
Course Fee
Professionals (includes academic staff): 300 EUR + VAT
Students (max. 10 places): 150 EUR + VAT
Maximum seats: 20. If there is no quorum, the course will be cancelled 10 days before.