Graphic Communication: Isometric Drawings

Isometric Drawings

• An isometric drawing is a simple way to draw a 3D object from an angle, with length and depth lines at 30° from the ground line and height at 90°.
• Isometric grid paper is used to draw isometric drawings.
• To draw an isometric cube:
  • Step 1: Write the title block (name and surname) in capital letters on the bottom right corner of the grid paper.
  • Step 2: Determine the starting point on the graph page, usually close to the bottom and center.
  • Step 3: Determine the total dimensions of the object using orthographic or isometric projection, and draw a construction box.
  • Step 4: Lightly draw the shapes of the object on the surface of the box, starting from the side view.
  • Step 5: Darken the outlines of the shapes and add non-isometric lines if needed.

Orthographic Drawings

• Orthographic projections can be drawn on graph paper with blocks.
• There are two types of orthographic projections: First Angle and Third Angle.
• Downloadable resources:
  • Orthographic graph paper
  • First Angle Orthographic drawing information notes
  • Third Angle Orthographic drawing information notes

Drawing Conventions

• Line conventions are used in drawings to represent different components.
• Examples of line conventions include:
  • Continuous thick lines for visible outlines
  • Continuous thin lines for hidden outlines
  • Dashed lines for centerlines
  • Chain lines for Cutting Plane lines

Learn about isometric drawings, a method to draw 3D objects from an angle, and how to create a 3D isometric drawing of a cube using isometric grid paper.