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3D DRAWING SOFTWARE
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3D modeling and drawing
While there are similarities between 3D drawing and 3D modeling, there are also differences. Learn more about these differences below.
What is 3D drawing?
3D drawing is one of the most commonly used techniques by architects, civil construction professionals, and graphic designers. It allows builders to tackle the geometric elements of height, width, and depth in their 3D projects. These projections rely on visual perspective and aspect analysis to project a complex object for viewing capability on a simpler plane.
What is a 3D modeling?
3D modeling is a technique in computer graphics for producing a 3D digital representation of any object or surface. An engineer or designer uses special software to manipulate points in virtual space (called vertices) to form a mesh: a collection of vertices that form an object.
What’s the difference between 3D modeling and 3D drawing?
While 2D drawing only shows length and width, 3D projects also show volume and depth in a project. Modeling three-dimensional solid features often begins with creating a two-dimensional sketch that defines a portion of the shape of your part. Sketching involves the creation of lines, arcs, circles, and dimensions.
Autodesk offers numerous software platforms for 3D drawing, including AutoCAD, Fusion 360, and Inventor.
See how customers are using 3D drawing software
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LIGHTNING MOTORCYCLE
Breaking the battery barrier
Electric motorcycle builders out-raced the gasoline-powered competition with a superbike developed with generative design and 3D printed prototypes
Image courtesy of Lightning Motorcycle
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ROKION
Designing from the (under)ground up
Manufacturer of heavy-duty electric vehicles for mining streamlines design and manufacturing with Autodesk Inventor and Vault
Image courtesy of Rokion
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HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP
Driving mobility innovation with generative design
Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio is pushing the boundaries of vehicle design with walking car concept
Image courtesy of Hyundai
3D drawing tutorials for beginners
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AUTOCAD
Learn everything you need to make 3D drawings for your projects, and get the latest news and information about our software.
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REVIT
Have questions on how to create projects? Learn the basics to begin working with our tools and learn more about this software created specifically for BIM.
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INVENTOR
Whether you are getting to know Inventor or are an experienced 3D CAD user, check out these tutorials to see how you can make our software work for you.
3D drawing software resources
Master 3D drawing with our tutorials, guides, and tips, and gain insight from others in our communities.
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Learn how Fusion 360 can help you bring your 3D designs to life with these quick video tutorials.
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Learn to properly set up AutoCAD for 3D Drawings.
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Get the latest tips and tricks for 3D modeling in AutoCAD.
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Learn how to create a Perspective View in 3D using Revit.
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Join Autodesk's official CG community. Watch free tutorials and get the latest industry news.
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See how Autodesk's 3d modeling software can be used for animation, sculpting, visualization, and game design.
FAQs on 3D drawing
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about 3D drawing and Autodesk’s software.
DWG is the proprietary native file format for AutoCAD, and is a compact binary format that stores and describes the content of 2D and 3D design data and metadata.
Autodesk makes 3D drawing software available for several industries, including architecture, interior design, landscape design, as well as mockup software for product ideas.
Autodesk’s flagship application for 3D drawing is AutoCAD, but the company also offers Inventor, Revit, 3Ds Max, Fusion 360, and Sketchbook.
Autodesk’s Fusion 360 for iPad and iPhone allows you to collaborate on 3D designs with anyone inside or outside your company. With the Fusion 360 app, you have the flexibility to view and collaborate on your CAD models anytime, anywhere.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction professionals the insight and tools to efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
AutoCAD has replaced the traditional method of drafting and designing (which was made by pencil, drafting boards, triangles and compass) with computer software. The benefits are myriad, and include saving time, increasing productivity, streamlining your design and documentation workflow, and much more.