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New
New
Year 7

Draw orthographic projections

I can draw a simple orthographic projection.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 7

Draw orthographic projections

I can draw a simple orthographic projection.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Orthographic projections are 2D drawings from different sides to show a 3D shape.
  2. Orthographic projections usually include front, top, and side views.

Keywords

  • Orthographic - represents a 3D object in 2D, where views are projected from the object's surface

  • Contruction lines - used to plan out and position elements of a drawing

  • Isometric - a 3D representation of an object where sides are drawn at 30 degrees

Common misconception

The front view is always the most detailed side of the shape being drawn.

The front view is chosen based on the most informative and clear perspective, not necessarily the most detailed one.


To help you plan your year 7 design and technology lesson on: Draw orthographic projections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Being able to live model the steps involved in creating an orthographic projection will be highly benefical.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Pencils, rulers, squared and isometric paper.

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Orthographic projection is a technique for representing a three-dimensional object in two ...
Correct answer: dimensions.
view.
projections.
Q2.
What are the three views called when creating an orthographic projection?
Correct answer: front, side, plan
front, side, bottom
front, side, side
Q3.
What type of line is used for showing a hole, cutout or a detail that is not visible?
Correct answer: hidden
construction
dimension
Q4.
What type of drawing is pictured?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: isometric, isometric drawing, isometric view
Q5.
What is the name given to the rules when creating an orthographic projection, such as using a consistent scale?
Correct Answer: standard conventions, conventions
Q6.
A centre line is drawn using ...
Correct answer: alternating long and short dashes.
alternating dots and short dashes.
alternating long and very long dashes.
dots and dashes.

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is not a feature of an orthographic projection?
multiple views front, plan, side
dimensions
Correct answer: 3D view
Q2.
Place these steps of drawing an orthographic projection in order.
1 - Label the front, side and plan view.
2 - Draw the front view in the bottom left hand corner.
3 - Draw construction lines from the front view to help draw the plan and side.
4 - Mark hidden lines using a dotted line.
Q3.
Name the middle view in this image.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: plan, plan view
Q4.
What are construction lines used for in an orthographic projection?
Correct answer: they make sure each view is aligned and the same size
to help you draw straight lines
to divide the page into equal sections