A white cube is shown above a 45-degree set square on an orange circle background, illustrating an isometric or axonometric projection.
The image is completely blank with a plain white background and no visible objects, text, or features.
The image is completely blank with a plain white background and no visible objects, text, or features.
The image is completely blank with a plain white background and no visible objects, text, or features.
The image is completely blank with a plain white background and no visible objects, text, or features.
The image is completely blank with a plain white background and no visible objects, text, or features.

Planometric Drawing.

VCD 2024

3D DRAWING
FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENTS.

Planometric is a simple drawing method for depicting form and space. It is used to show landscapes, interiors and theatre set designs. This page shows how to make a Planometric in a range of different applications.

Takeaways

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Planometric

Planometric drawing is a method of paraline or axonometric drawing where three-dimensional objects are projected onto planes using 45-degree (or 30/60-degree) axes from the horizontal. It provides a quick, easy, and accurate way to represent form and space for visualisation and presentation drawings, commonly used for landscapes, interiors, and theatre set designs.

  • Angle setup determines the drawing foundation
    Planometric drawings use either 45/45-degree or 30/60-degree set squares, with the angle between setup axes always remaining 90 degrees. The 45/45-degree setup is most common, while the 30/60-degree setup creates a more natural visual effect.
  • True measurements enable accurate translation
    Planometric allows for true measurements along each axis, making it easy to translate forms from two dimensions into three dimensions. This accuracy makes it particularly valuable for architectural and design visualisation.
  • Start with plans and build vertically
    The process begins by positioning a plan view rotated 45 degrees, then raising vertical lines to form walls and features. Heights are measured from elevation drawings and transferred to the verticals to complete the three-dimensional form.
  • Circles behave differently on different planes
    Circles on the top surfaces of forms remain as actual circles, while circles on the left and right sides become elliptical. Spheres are always drawn as circles, regardless of their position in the drawing.

INTRODUCTION TO PLANOMETRIC DRAWING

Planometric drawing is a method of paraline or axonometric drawing where views of a building or landscape are projected onto oblique planes. It is a quick, easy and accurate way of representing form for visualisation and presentation drawings. Drawings using this method are set up on axes 45 (or 30/60) degrees from the horizontal using a 45/45 (or 30/60) degree set square or digital method.  Right angles on top surfaces of Planometric drawings are shown at 90 degrees. It is a quick and easy way to visualise space accurately because true measurements may be used along each axis. This makes it easy to translate form from two-dimensions into three. Students in Visual Communication Design are required to be proficient in both manual and digital-based methods for Planometric drawing.

For more information on Isometric drawing VCD, download the current VCAA ‘Technical Drawing Specifications’.

Model answer

Here is a Planometric drawing of a landscape design I made in Warragul. This one was done with a digital-based method and the vector-based and raster-based media of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Isometric illustration of a modern garden with terraced steps, paved walkways, green hedges, and gravel areas, divided by low walls and surrounded by rectangular lawns and bushes.
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Angles for planometric
Drawing a manual planometric
Automate with actions
Circles in planometric

Angles for planometric

Planometric drawings are usually made by using a 45/45-degree set-square. However, for a seemingly more natural effect, they can also be drawn using a 60/30-degree set-square. The fact that does not change is that the angle between the set-up angles always remains 90 degrees.
Two diagrams show a kitchen stove with cabinets at different angles. Left: stove and cabinet at a 45-degree angle. Right: stove and cabinet at a 30-degree alternative angle. Triangles highlight the angles.
Two different and valid set ups for Planometric drawings.
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Drawing a manual planometric interior

In this stage I draw a manual planometric drawing of a tiny house interior. Below are shown Plans, Elevations and a digital-based copy of the same house. Follow the video here, then try it for yourself.
Watch this video for a step-by-step breakdown of how to do a manual Planometric drawing of the kind needed for exams.
Architectural drawing of a tiny house showing a floor plan with kitchen, bed, and bathroom; and three elevation views (north, north interior, east), all with dimensions in millimetres.
Plans and Elevations of a tiny house that is used for the Planometric drawing shown in the video above. Measure it on the screen or draw it at 1:50. Make a quick sketch to work out your scaled sizes.
Axonometric drawing of a tiny house interior showing a bed, a small table with two chairs, and a compact kitchen area with a sink and stove by large windows.
A completed test Planometric drawing was done in Illustrator to compliment the manual method shown in the video above.
Black and white floor plan of a small apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and living/sleeping area. The layout is angled, and an arrow indicates the north direction at the bottom of the image.
Draw, trace or position a Plan in position, rotated by 45 degrees.
Diagram of a small, rectangular apartment floor plan with kitchen, bathroom, and living area, rotated at an angle. Red lines and arrows indicate measurements. A large green triangle is on the right side of the image.
Raise vertical lines to form the walls. Don't forget walls have a thickness, so raise lines for both sides of walls and their corners.
A black and white architectural floor plan is overlaid with three transparent rulers at different angles, intersecting at various points on the drawing. The plan includes a bathroom, kitchen, and main room.
Look back at your Elevation and then measure wall heights on all of the verticals.
Architectural floor plan of a small apartment, showing a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Red construction lines and measurements surround the drawing, with PLAN labeled inside the unit.
Mark out the top of the walls.
Minimal floor plan drawing of a small apartment with kitchen, bathroom, and living area, overlaid with red guide lines and a label reading PLAN at an angle. A black arrow points upward below the plan.
Add other features of the buildings, such as windows or doors by raising them from the plan.
A minimalist floor plan diagram of a small, angular room featuring a kitchenette, bathroom, and bed. The room is adjacent to a triangular green area, and the plan is rotated diagonally with labeled walls and fixtures.
Repeat the process. Raise lines from interior features shown on the plan.
An architectural floor plan with three transparent rulers placed vertically over it. The rulers intersect the lines of the drawing, suggesting measurement and design. The word PLAN appears near the bottom edge.
Consult the Elevation again and measure off the heights of features. Crate where necessary.
Isometric architectural plan of a small room with a bed, desk, chair, and shelving. Kitchenette and bathroom fixtures are visible. Black lines outline walls; red lines highlight furniture and fixtures. Label PLAN appears inside the room.
Join the marks to complete other features of the interior.
Isometric line drawing of a small room with a bed and a kitchenette. A mouse cursor and an upward-pointing arrow appear below the room, near the bottom center of the image.
Erase unwanted construction lines and add final details.
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For further information on drawing Plans and Elevations click on the link at right.
A simple architectural drawing shows a square floor plan above two elevation views labeled South Elevation with a door and North Elevation as a plain square, over a light green background.
Plans & Elevations

task

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1.1 Planometric interior
Draw or use the plan above. Form a drawing of an Interior using Planometric method. Follow the video and/ or the images above for the correct order.
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Planometric actions

Creating shapes in Planometric can be a time-consuming task. Create and use Actions in Adobe Illustrator to speed up your workflow.
Learn how to create actions that automate Planometric projection in Adobe Illustrator.

task

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2.1 Planometric transformations
Follow the video above to create actions for your copy of Adobe Illustrator. Make a set of simple boxes to test out this valuable function.
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Circles in planometric

Circles in Planometric drawings are sometimes elliptical and sometimes actual circles. Those found on the left and right sides of a form are elliptical and those found on the top of forms are shown as actual circles. Spheres are also shown as actual circles.
Two geometric diagrams of cubes with circles inscribed on each visible face. Each cube is divided into triangles, and the circles are drawn in red within the squares of the cubes. The background is a gray grid.

Note the differences between ellipses in Isometric projections (left) and Planometric projections (right).

A green, round tree with a thin trunk grows in a square, orange planter, casting a large, circular shadow on a white background. The image has a minimalist, isometric style.
A sphere is drawn as a circle, as is the shadow on the ground - acting as a top face.
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For further information on drawing Ellipses click on the link at right.
A transparent gray geometric cube with intersecting diagonal lines is shown inside a circle. A bold red ellipse overlays the cube, tilted diagonally across the front face. The background is light gray.
Ellipses in 3D Drawing

task

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3.1 circles in planometric
Create an object in Planometric projection. Elaborate on it to show circles on three different planes of the object. The circles can be decorations, forms or holes. Refer to my page on ellipses for directions on how to draw them.
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