Drawing Types

In Graphic Communication, we use a range of drawing types to show objects and ideas in both 2D and 3D. Each type has a specific purpose and helps us share ideas clearly and effectively, whether it’s for designing a product, explaining how something works, or presenting a final concept. Using the right drawing style helps make sure our ideas are understood by others, from classmates to clients and manufacturers.

Content

2D Pictorial

Orthographic

One Point Perspective

Two Point Perspective

2D Pictorial

Orthographic

A 2D drawing which shows different views/sides of an object.

How to identify:

Includes dimensions to aid manufacture
Drawn in 3rd angle projection
Usually 2 or 3 related views – Elevation, plan, end elevation, sectional elevation/ plan/end elevation
May contain hidden detail, cutting planes and enlarged views
It has a title block

Section

A 2D drawing which shows the internal view of an object. This can be a sectional elevation, plan or end elevation.

How to identify:

Cutting plane through one view indicating where the section is to be drawn from
Drawn in 3rd angle projection
Hatched lines at 45 degrees to show solid materials
Shows details such as holes and wall thicknesses, which would usually be hidden detail

Assembly

A 2D drawing showing the components assembled together.

How to identify:

Multiple components assembled together
Drawn in 3rd angle projection
Usually 2 or 3 related views – Elevation, plan, end elevation, sectional elevation/plan/end elevation
Usually, no dimensions or hidden detail
Often contains a detailed view to show how parts fit together

Sub Assembly

A sub-assembly is when components create a smaller assembly, which is then used within another larger assembly.

Auxiliary

When an object has a sloped or angled surface, a standard orthographic drawing can make that surface look distorted or unclear. To show it properly, you use an auxiliary view, an extra drawing that looks directly at the angled surface. This gives a more accurate and true-to-shape view, helping you understand the design better.

Detailed View

A detailed (enlarged) view is used when a small part of a drawing needs to be shown more clearly. It zooms in on that area and displays it at a larger scale, making it easier to see important features. This is helpful for adding extra dimensions or showing exactly how different parts fit together.

Surface Development

A surface development is a two-dimensional (2D) drawing that represents the layout of a three-dimensional (3D) object's surface when it is unfolded or unrolled into a flat shape. It helps visualise how a 3D object is constructed from a flat material, such as paper, card, or sheet metal. The drawing shows the true shape and size of each face of the object, allowing for accurate cutting, folding, and assembly. They are essential in industries such as packaging, engineering, and construction. By unfolding a 3D object into a 2D surface, we can accurately design, cut, and assemble products. For more information on how to work out true shapes and answer problem-solving questions, click here.

2D Examples

Orthographic

Section

Auxiliary

Detailed View

3D Pictorial

Exploded Views

A 3D drawing illustrating all the parts separated from one another. The most common exploded view is an exploded isometric, where both angles are at 30 degrees.

Why are exploded views used?

■ Indicates how many parts are needed ■ Demonstrates how parts fit together ■ Displays the order of assembly ■ Lists the names of the parts, etc.
They typically include manufacturing details and information, such as a parts list.

One Point Perspective

This 3D pictorial view has a flat front surface, and all corners are drawn back to one vanishing point (VP). A one-point perspective is easy to sketch. However, it does not give a realistic view of an object.

How to identify:

Flat front/face
One vanishing point on the horizon.
Lines go towards this single point.
Good for showing long rooms or corridors.
The width of the object gets smaller/thinner towards the back

Two Point Perspective

This 3D pictorial sketch starts with a front edge, then the corners/edges are taken to two vanishing points.A two-point perspective is easy to sketch and looks more realistic than a one-point perspective.

How to identify:

There are two vanishing points
Both sides go back to the vanishing points, making both sides appear at an angle
Both sides also appear to be getting smaller and thinner
Often used for buildings and objects.

Isometric

The most commonly used pictorial drawing features the front edge receding by 30 degrees in both directions. It appears realistic and does not seem obscure or squashed.

How to identify:

Lines are at 30° or straight up and down
No vanishing points; sizes stay correct
Used in technical drawings.

Oblique

This type of drawing features a flat front or face while also displaying two additional faces. The view of these other faces can sometimes appear obscured.