How to Copy Isometric View to 2D in AutoCAD?

A straightforward method to copy an isometric view from a 3D model to a 2D drawing in AutoCAD involves using the HIDE command combined with standard copy and paste functions. This process extracts the visible lines of the isometric projection after hiding obscured geometry.

Copying Isometric View Using HIDE and Paste Special

This method is based on projecting the visible edges of your 3D model in a specific isometric orientation into a flat, 2D representation that can be copied to another drawing.

Here are the steps:

1. Set the View Angle in 3D: In your 3D model drawing, navigate to a viewing angle that clearly displays the solid model in the desired isometric orientation. You can use preset views (like SW Isometric, SE Isometric, etc.) or orbit to find the exact perspective you need.
2. Execute the HIDE Command: Type HIDE in the command line and press Enter. This command processes the current view of your 3D model, hiding lines that would normally be obscured by solid faces, leaving only the visible edges.
3. Select the Geometry: Select the geometry (the processed lines representing the visible edges) you wish to copy. Ensure all the relevant lines are selected.
4. Copy to Clipboard: Use the standard Windows copy command by pressing CTRL-C. This action copies the selected 2D lines to the clipboard.
5. Switch to the 2D Drawing: Open or switch to the 2D drawing file where you want to paste the isometric view.
6. Use Paste Special: Give the command PASTESPEC (Paste Special) and press Enter. This command offers options for how to paste the content from the clipboard. You will typically want to paste it as AutoCAD Entities or similar vector format to retain editable lines.

This process effectively captures a static snapshot of the visible lines from the isometric view and allows you to place them as 2D line work in another drawing.

Considerations for the HIDE Method

• This method creates a static 2D representation. Changes to the 3D model will not update the copied 2D view.
• It only copies the visible edges after the HIDE command. Hidden lines or tangent edges are not included unless specifically processed differently before copying.
• The quality and appearance of the copied lines depend on the current view and the result of the HIDE command.

While AutoCAD also offers more sophisticated tools like VIEWBASE and VIEWPROJ (or older commands like SOLPROF, SOLVIEW, SOLDRAW) specifically designed for generating comprehensive 2D projections from 3D models (including hidden lines, section views, etc.), the method using HIDE, CTRL-C, and PASTESPEC as described in the reference provides a quick way to grab the visible lines of an isometric view.