Isometric

drawings
(perspectives)

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Isometric projections
A cube shown with this type of
projection pivots 45 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 45 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

Top view

Front view

Three views of a cube in

multi-view orthogonal
projection.

Right side view

Isometric projections
We pivot the cube
45 to show two of
its faces.

45
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

the isometric
projection of the cube
in its new position.

Because the cube is tilted,

most of the dimensions of its
isometric projection are about
80% of their true dimensions.

True
dimensions

Isometric projections

This front view shows

the isometric
projection of the cube
in its new position.

Because the cube is tilted,

most of the dimensions of its
isometric projection are about
80% of their true dimensions.

True
dimensions

Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
All lines parallel to axes
1, 2 and 3 are isometric
lines.

Axes 1, 2 and 3 form

120 angles between
one another.

2
The lines not parallel to
axes 1, 2 and 3 are
non-isometric lines.

120

The projection is isometric

(equal measures) because
the height of axis 1, the
length of axis 2 and the width
of axis 3 are all proportionally
reduced.

3
The sides of the cube and
all planes parallel to them
are isometric planes.

The isometric lines are

angled at 30.

Isometric projections
Characteristics of isometric projections
All lines parallel to axes
1, 2 and 3 are isometric
lines.

Axes 1, 2 and 3 form

120 angles between
one another.

2
The lines not parallel to
axes 1, 2 and 3 are
non-isometric lines.

120

The projection is isometric

(equal measures) because
the height of axis 1, the length
of axis 2 and the width of axis
3 are all proportionally
reduced.

3
The sides of the cube and
all planes parallel to them
are isometric planes.

The isometric lines are

angled at 30.

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

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.

To create the box, use construction lines to

outline an isometric box as large as the
overall object to be drawn.
The vertical axis is equal to the real height.
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

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.

To create the box, use construction lines to

outline an isometric box as large as the
overall object to be drawn.
The vertical axis is equal to the real height.
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
as large as the overall object to
be shown. Its lines are drawn
very faintly.

Measurements are reported on

the isometric axes, or on lines
parallel to these axes.

The object is drawn by

removing volumes from the box.

A 30- 60 set square is used to

trace the isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
The box is an isometric drawing
as large as the overall object to
be shown. Its lines are drawn
very faintly.

Measurements are reported on

the isometric axes, or on lines
parallel to these axes.

The object is drawn by

removing volumes from the box.

A 30- 60 set square is used to

trace the isometric lines.

Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE
STAGE 1
Sketch the box.

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

Measure on the
axes and trace the
details in
construction lines.

Carry out the final

layout.

Isometric drawing
STAGES OF DRAWING IN ISOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE
STAGE 1
Sketch the box.

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

Measure on the
axes and trace the
details in
construction lines.

Carry out the final

layout.

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.
A
B
B

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.
A
B
B

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 , Montral, ditions du Renouveau Pdagogique inc., 1982, 769
p
JENSEN, C.H. Dessin industriel , Montral, McGraw-Hill, 1972, 752 p.

STIRLING, Norman. lments de dessin industriel , Montral, HRW,

1979, 372 p.