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AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules
®

AutoCAD 2D
Module 17
Multiview Drawings

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe multiview drawings, the glass box principle, the three standard views, object
lines and hidden lines.
2. From a 3D pictorial object, draw a multiview drawing using the three standard views.

NOTE: If you understand multiview drawings, hidden lines and can draw the three
standard views of an object, skip this module and go directly to Module 18.
Multiview Drawing
The drafting and design world uses a system of representing a
three dimensional object drawn with two dimensional views. This
is called a multiview drawing. To explain this system of drawing,
the object shown in Figure 17-1 will be used.
To draw the two
dimensional views of each
side of the object, place a
imaginary plane parallel to
each of its six sides and Figure 17-1
project the view of the 3 Dimensional
object Object
(perpendicular)
onto each plane.
This is called
orthographic
projection. Imagine
the plane to be a
sheet of glass. See
Figure 17-2 Figure 17-2.
Projecting the 2 Dimensional View

The Glass Box Principle

To carry this principal further, place a plane on each side of
the object for a total of six planes or sheets of glass to make
Figure 17-3
a glass box. See Figure 17-3. Picture unfolding the glass
box onto a flat two dimensional plane. All six views are now The Glass Box Principle
visible at the same time as you can see in Figure 17-4. The six views are named Top, Front,
Right Side, Left Side, Rear, and Bottom.

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Figure 17-4
The Glass Box Unfolded

The Three Standard Views

In almost all objects, three views are
adequate to describe it. In fact, there are
many objects that only need two views and
some that only need one view to describe
it. We will cover those later in the
modules. For now, draw three views.
The three standard views are the Top,
Front, and Right Side as shown in Figure
17-5. They must be drawn in the position
shown and must line up as you will see on
the page 17-3.

Figure 17-5
The Three Standard Views

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Picking the Views

The three standard views are always
selected as shown in Figure 17-6.
Drawing the Views
Usually it is best to draw the view
with the most irregular shape first
and then project lines to the other
two views. For the object in Figure
17-6, the front view should be drawn
first and then the top and right side
views are projected.
Notice how the views have to line up.
Figure 17-7 shows two different
methods of projecting lines from the
top view to the right side view or vise
versa. Use whichever method you
prefer. Figure 17-6
Picking the Three Standard Views
The distance between views is not
important and can be easily moved using AutoCAD as you will see in later modules. In most
cases, adjust them to accommodate dimensions and notes.

Figure 17-7
Two Methods for View Layout and Alignment

All students must pick the same top, front and right side views for an object
when drawing a multiview drawing of it. The views must be drawn in the
correct position and must line up. The distance between is the views is not
important.

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Drafting Lesson
Object and Hidden Lines

Lines and features that can be seen in the views are

drawn with continuous or solid lines. They are called
object lines. Even though they are called object lines, they
can be circular in shape. To completely describe an
object in a multiview drawing, you must also show all lines
or features that are hidden in that view. They are called
hidden lines and their linetype is dashed. Study the
multiview drawing below and take note how the holes
going through the object are shown with hidden lines.

The Model

The Multiview Drawing

The Key Principles in Module 17

1. A three dimensional object drawn with two dimensional views is called a multiview
drawing.
2. The three standard views of a multiview drawing are the top, front, and right side.
3. When drawing a multiview drawing, the top, front and right side views of an object must
be drawn in the correct position and must line up. The distance between the views is not
important.

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Lab Exercise 17-1 Time Allowed: 10 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Instructions:
1. Using a pencil, sketch the top,
front and right side views of the
object shown below.
2. One grid on the model equals one
grid on the drawing. See the
Example.
3. Check your answer on page 17-8.
Do not look at the answer until you
have completed your sketch.

Example

17-1-1

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Lab Exercise 17-2 Time Allowed: 40 Min

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Instructions:
1. Using a pencil, sketch the top, front, and right side views of each model shown below.
2. One grid on the model equals one grid on the drawing.
3. Check your answers on page 17-8. Do not look at the answers until you have completed your
sketches.

17-2-1

17-2-2

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17-2-3

17-2-4

17-2-5

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17-1-1
17-2-3

17-2-1 17-2-4

17-2-2 17-2-5

Multiview Drawings The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 17