how to draw an isometric pipe in illustrator

Now Illustrator is a bit lilted in the ability to manipulate the matrix so we an decompose the matrix into Scale, Skew and Rotate instead. So in essence top, and side projections of a shape is a linear transformation. This is handy for simple cases, but it also works on arbitrary projections so theres no reason why you need to restrict yourself to the 3 standard planes.

You can use SSR methods(see important note **) to transform a planar non-isometric image to isometric plane. But wait there is moreīut there are more powerful strategies. So no need for the grid to follow your scaling just work without one. So by not using a grid you can in fact do the same your just not restricted to a predefined division. Image 3: Not using grid, but same result. The line tool pops up a dialog asking for either Cartesian or polar coordinates when you alt click. On the other hand a grid is restrictive, if you later find out you need to divide the object into 5 what then? Well you could draw the primary lines with numeric input, remember your primary axes are the angles: 90, 210 and 330. Illustrator Tip: In order for you to snap to the grid its best to make the grid out of segments no lines as its easier to snap to control points than it is to find intersection of locked layers ) We could draw it in isometric with grid like follows: So if you all ways draw with grid snap in 2D then do so in isometric 3D also if not consider numeric input.Ĭonsider following example of a 4 x 2 x 1 box. Just as you can use alternate ways to such as s ruler sticks and numeric input, just like in 2D, it also works in isometric 3D too. Image 1: If you truly want to draw with a grid consider this tipĪn astute reader would quite quickly draw the conclusion that the grid is not really needed. However if you really want to restrict yourself to a grid then its a ok. The problem with the grid is that you easily end up with a situation where you end up needing to draw off grid. This is because it is conceptually easy to explain. Isometric drawing is usually introduced by drawing on a grid. This means that you need to artificially move in one direction more than your used to. With the exception that you need to move each time in 3 directions instead of 2.

In essence drawing in isometric is the same as drawing in 2D.

How to draw an isometric pipe in illustrator