But before you get started, there are a couple of tricks and caveats you’ll want to know about. Now that you’ve learned how to enable Isodraft, change drafting planes, and set it up to your liking, it’s time to start your isometric drafting. (Actually, it does set the default mode for the next time you enable Isodraft.) How to Draw Isometric in AutoCAD Note that if you’re in Orthographic mode, Ctrl-E or F5 appear not to do anything. If that’s you, just change CURSORSIZE to 100 (default is 5, so remember that if you want to go back).įinally, the best time saving tip of all is that once you’re in Isodraft mode, you can quickly toggle the isoplane by pressing Ctrl-E, or F5 on the keyboard.

Many users prefer to see the crosshairs in full screen mode it can help with lining up edges. Snaps will work in Isodraft, so don’t be afraid to enable them if they can help. Here are a couple of usage tips that you may want to use. Finally, you’ll notice that Orthomode also switches to match your current isoplane.

Also, if you have your grid turned on, it will change as well, based on which isoplane is active. You can set it to left (30 and 150 degree axes), right (30 and 90 degree axes), or top (30 and 150 degree axes). First, your cursor will change from orthographic to the chosen isoplane. Whatever method you prefer, a few things will happen when enabled. Click the small down arrow just to its right to choose your isoplane mode. Just click on the Isodraft icon on the Status Bar to toggle it on or off. The other method is probably the most common. Choose any of the Isoplane options to change from orthographic drafting to isometric. The first is typical of AutoCAD-type it into the Command Line! When you do, you’ll see four options appear (or if you have Dynamic Input turned on, they’ll appear in the menu near your cursor). There are a couple of ways to turn on Isodraft to allow for isometric drawings. But you can accomplish the same thing in AutoCAD-if you know how. But because you are drawing in 2D, you cannot expect to extract other 3D distances and areas, display objects from different viewpoints, or remove hidden lines automatically.īefore the advent of CAD, we created isometric drawings with our T-square (or drafting arm) and our trusty 30-60-90 triangle. Distances measured along an isometric axis are correct to scale. This method of drawing provides a fast way to create an isometric view of a simple design. What is an Isometric Drawing?Ī 2D isometric drawing, which may be created from an isometric projection, is a flat representation of a 3D isometric projection. And, of course, the end goal of whichever method you use is to accurately convey your design and creation content. It seems to have become a 3D world out there-model this, BIM that-but make no mistake, there’s still a need for old fashioned 2D drafting too.

Piping isometric drawings worksheet