Isometric
drawings
(perspectives)
Isometric projections
A cube shown with this type of
projection pivots 45º to show two
faces on the projection plane
instead of a single face.
It is then tilted frontward or
backward, allowing three faces to
be observed.
Isometric projections
A cube shown with this type of
projection pivots 45º to show two
faces on the projection plane
instead of a single face.
It is then tilted frontward or
backward, allowing three faces to
be observed.
Isometric projections
Three views of a cube in
Top view
multi-view orthogonal
projection.
Front view Right side view
Isometric projections
We pivot the cube
45º to show two of
its faces.
45º
Top view
Front view Right side view
Isometric projections
The cube turns
around point O until
the AB diagonal
becomes horizontal.
A
The cube is lifted
and pivots around
point O.
B
O
Isometric projections
This front view shows Because the cube is tilted,
the isometric most of the dimensions of its
projection of the cube isometric projection are about
in its new position. 80% of their true dimensions.
True
dimensions
Isometric projections
This front view shows Because the cube is tilted,
the isometric most of the dimensions of its
projection of the cube isometric projection are about
in its new position. 80% of their true dimensions.
True
dimensions
Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
Axes 1, 2 and 3 form The projection is isometric
All lines parallel to axes 120º angles between (equal measures) because
1, 2 and 3 are isometric one another. the height of axis 1, the
lines.
length of axis 2 and the width
of axis 3 are all proportionally
reduced.
120º
2 3
The lines not parallel to The sides of the cube and
axes 1, 2 and 3 are all planes parallel to them
non-isometric lines. are isometric planes.
1
The isometric lines are
angled at 30º.
Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
Axes 1, 2 and 3 form The projection is isometric
All lines parallel to axes 120º angles between (equal measures) because
1, 2 and 3 are isometric one another. the height of axis 1, the
lines.
length of axis 2 and the width
of axis 3 are all proportionally
reduced.
120º
2 3
The lines not parallel to The sides of the cube and
axes 1, 2 and 3 are all planes parallel to them
non-isometric lines. are isometric planes.
1
The isometric lines are
angled at 30º.
Isometric drawing
50
28
20 20 14
8
35
10
We will illustrate the main stages of
isometric drawing of the object shown
above in multi-view.
We will use a method called box
construction.
Isometric drawing
50
28
20 20 14
8
35
10 To create the box, use construction lines to
outline an isometric box as large as the
overall object to be drawn.
We will illustrate the main stages of
isometric drawing of the object shown The vertical axis is equal to the real height.
above in multi-view.
We will use a method called box
construction. The two other axes, drawn at 30° to
horizontal, correspond to the actual width
and length of the object.
Isometric drawing
50
28
20 20 14
8
35
10 To create the box, use construction lines to
outline an isometric box as large as the
overall object to be drawn.
We will illustrate the main stages of
isometric drawing of the object shown The vertical axis is equal to the real height.
above in multi-view.
We will use a method called box
construction. The two other axes, drawn at 30° to
horizontal, correspond to the actual width
and length of the object.
Isometric drawing
The box is an isometric drawing Measurements are reported on
as large as the overall object to the isometric axes, or on lines
be shown. Its lines are drawn parallel to these axes.
very faintly.
The object is drawn by removing
volumes from the box.
A 30º- 60º set square is used to
trace the isometric lines.
Isometric drawing
The box is an isometric drawing Measurements are reported on
as large as the overall object to the isometric axes, or on lines
be shown. Its lines are drawn parallel to these axes.
very faintly.
The object is drawn by removing
volumes from the box.
A 30º- 60º set square is used to
trace the isometric lines.
Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE
STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Sketch the box. Measure on the Carry out the
axes and trace the final layout.
details in
construction lines.
Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE
STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3
Sketch the box. Measure on the Carry out the
axes and trace the final layout.
details in
construction lines.
Isometric drawing
How to draw non-isometric lines and surfaces
A
Non-isometric (oblique) lines
and surfaces are not true to
size in isometric perspective.
B
C
C
D
D
Dimensions of inclined lines and
surfaces are determined by using their
coordinates which must be located on
isometric lines.
Isometric drawing
How to draw non-isometric lines and surfaces
A
Non-isometric (oblique) lines
and surfaces are not true to
size in isometric perspective.
B
C
C
D
D
Dimensions of inclined lines and
surfaces are determined by using their
coordinates which must be located on
isometric lines.
Isometric drawing
Grids and isometric drawing
A grid which includes all three isometric
axes may be used to draw isometric
perspectives.
Isometric drawing
Grids and isometric drawing
A grid which includes all three isometric
axes may be used to draw isometric
perspectives.
Isometric drawing
Showing circles and arcs of circles in isometrics
Circles and arcs of circles on isometric
planes are shown in isometric projection
using ellipses within an isometric square.
The sides of the square are equal to the
diameter of the circle and each side of the
circle touches the square.
To draw a circle in isometric perspective on
the computer, use a modified circle
inserted into an isometric square.
To draw it as a sketch or with a compass,
draw four arcs of the circle in an isometric
square.
Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass
1- Trace an isometric square.
2- Find the center of the square
using diagonals, then trace the
axis lines.
Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass
1- Trace an isometric square.
2- Find the center of the square
using diagonals, then trace the
axis lines.
3- Finally, trace the median lines.
Isometric drawing
How to draw an ellipse composed of four arcs using a compass
1- Trace an isometric square.
2- Find the center of the square
using diagonals, then trace the
axis lines.
3- Finally, trace the median lines.
The meeting point of the medians
shows the center of the four arcs of
the circle.
Isometric drawing
How to draw an object containing rounded parts
«Construction box»
ORTHOGRAPHIC MULTI-VIEW PROJECTION ISOMETRIC PROJECTION
Bibliography
GIESECKE, Frederick E., MITCHELL, Alva, SPENCER, Henry Cecil, HILL,
Ivan Leroy, GYGDON, John Thomas et NGUYEN, Dinh N. « Dessin
technique », Montréal, Éditions du Renouveau Pédagogique inc., 1982, 769 p
JENSEN, C.H. « Dessin industriel », Montréal, McGraw-Hill, 1972, 752 p.
STIRLING, Norman. « Éléments de dessin industriel », Montréal, HRW,
1979, 372 p.