Isometric Drawing: Simple Examples for Beginners

High school Design and Technology students are often required to understand, interpret, and draw in isometric, including isometric circles, arcs, and other curves. This article provides an introduction to isometric and concludes with sample examination questions.

What is isometric?

• A common drawing method used by designers
• Creates pictorial (three-dimensional) views of an object or scene
• Uses predominantly 30° or vertical lines
• All dimensions (except those at unusual angles) are drawn using true lengths
• Circles appear as an ellipse, and have a special drawing method (shown below)

What is isometric used for

Isometric creates three-dimensional representations of an object or scene. Designers commonly produce freehand isometric sketches to represent early design ideas and develop a design. Formal, measured technical drawings can be used to represent a final design or present an idea to client.

How to draw using isometric step-by-step

The best way to learn this how to draw using isometric is to complete simple examples using a drawing board. The following exercise is designed for beginners:

How to draw an isometric circle

• Draw an isometric square of side lengths equal to the diameter of the circle;
• Find the centre point by drawing the diagonals;
• Draw in the centre lines (these should be drawn long dash-short dash, unlike in the example);
• Draw the ‘star’ lines (note: these have only been partially drawn in the example);
• Draw the small arcs;
• Draw the big arcs.

How to draw an isometric circle by plotting points

Note: this method is also useful for drawing partial curves or irregular shapes.