3D to 2D in AutoCAD 2017

[john.vellek]

How can I get a 2D drawing from my 3D model in AutoCAD?

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Often times we work in 3D to fully develop a design but then find the need to hand it off as 2D representations for one reason or another.

Seasoned AutoCAD users of course are familiar with the FLATTEN Command.

But there are others ways of getting this to work.

• VIEWBASE – This command allows you to place various views (even section views) of your AutoCAD model into a paperspace layout. Once there you can change scale and visibility such as hidden, visible, shaded, etc. Use EXPORTLAYOUT to take these views and create a 2D only drawing.
• FLATSHOT – This command will create a 2D block that represents the edges of 3D objects and inserts it into your drawing. The block can then be exploded for additional changes.
• SOLPROF – This command will create a 2D version of a 3D solid with the options of creating layers for visible and hidden lines.

[ParishSouthBdx]

Additionally, there is the 3DCLIP which can be used within each viewport in paperspace to generate the view or section needed.

Unlike flatten or solprof which has a graphic disconnect from the model the moment one executes the command,  views or sections created with 3DCLIP is just that, its a clip of the model wherein if the model changes, the views from the model change with it.