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Orthographic Projection Drawing Guide

Aug 31, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how to select, arrange, and draw orthographic projection views of an object, including transferring dimensions and finalizing the drawing layout.

Selecting Views for Orthographic Projection

  • Typically, three views are enough to represent an object in orthographic projection.
  • Choose views that show the most features with the fewest hidden lines.
  • For the example object, the top, front, and right views are best.

Arranging Views on Paper

  • Proper view arrangement avoids wasted paper and crossing into the title block.
  • An alternate arrangement of the right view, unfolded away from the top view, often uses space better.

Drawing the Views

  • Decide on the drawing scale (often 1:1) and lay out the views before drawing.
  • Draw datum lines for each view, considering relationships and space for dimensions.
  • Begin with the top view, using previous techniques.

Transferring Dimensions Between Views

  • Measure height dimensions directly in the front view from the datum line.
  • Mark visible surface heights and draw parallel lines for these.
  • Project width points from the top view into the front view to draw features.
  • Use dashed lines to represent hidden features.
  • Draw an auxiliary line to project height dimensions from the front to the right view.
  • Transfer depth dimensions from the top view into the right view.

Completing the Drawing

  • After constructing all features, darken visible outlines and hidden lines.
  • Erase unnecessary construction lines.
  • Add dimensions, ensuring not to repeat them in multiple views unless needed.
  • Check for and erase stray marks to keep the drawing clean.
  • Fill out the title block information before considering the drawing complete.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Orthographic Projection — a method of representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions using multiple views.
  • Datum Line — a reference line for measuring and projecting features between views.
  • Hidden Line — dashed lines representing features not visible from a particular view.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice drawing orthographic projections using top, front, and right views.
  • Ensure dimensions and title block information are included in your drawings.