• AutoCAD

Convert 2D objects to 3D objects

Learn how to take 2D drawing designs and ideas and turn them into 3D objects using AutoCAD.


00:03

In this video I’ll create a 3D model from a 2D design.

00:08

I’ll start with this 2D drawing showing the top, front, and right side views of a coffee mug.

00:15

Before I get started I’ll select the 3D Modeling workspace.

00:20

This gives me easy access to the most commonly used 3D modeling tools.

00:25

Now I have the Solid, Surface, and Mesh tabs available on the ribbon.

00:30

For this video I’ll use tools available from the Home tab.

00:34

Because 3D objects are easier to create and visualize in a 3D view,

00:38

I’ll hold down the shift-key and mouse wheel button while moving the mouse to change the view.

00:44

I could also change the view using the ViewCube.

00:47

Next I’ll select the Shaded visual style from the Viewport Controls.

00:53

I’ll extrude the 2D base of the mug giving it a height of 3.8

00:58

to create a 3D cylinder for the body of the mug.

01:02

Now I’ll create a circle and give it a radius of 1.5.

01:08

Next, I’ll use press-pull to create the interior of the mug giving it a depth of 3.5.

01:15

Notice how press-pull subtracts the center of the cylinder.

01:20

I’ll select 3DALIGN, select the centerline of the 2D handle, and press Enter.

01:26

I’m going to copy and align the 2D handle to the 3D mug.

01:31

I’ll select two base points along the center line of the 2D mug.

01:35

I’ll press Enter to continue through the third base point.

01:39

Next I’ll select two destination points along the center line of the 3D mug

01:44

to rotate the handle.

01:46

For the third destination point,

01:49

I’ll select the endpoint of this centerline to locate the handle to the mug.

01:53

To complete the handle I’ll select SWEEP, to sweep the profile of the handle along the 2D path.

02:01

And finally I’ll orbit around the 3D mug by holding down the shift-key and mouse wheel button.

Video transcript

00:03

In this video I’ll create a 3D model from a 2D design.

00:08

I’ll start with this 2D drawing showing the top, front, and right side views of a coffee mug.

00:15

Before I get started I’ll select the 3D Modeling workspace.

00:20

This gives me easy access to the most commonly used 3D modeling tools.

00:25

Now I have the Solid, Surface, and Mesh tabs available on the ribbon.

00:30

For this video I’ll use tools available from the Home tab.

00:34

Because 3D objects are easier to create and visualize in a 3D view,

00:38

I’ll hold down the shift-key and mouse wheel button while moving the mouse to change the view.

00:44

I could also change the view using the ViewCube.

00:47

Next I’ll select the Shaded visual style from the Viewport Controls.

00:53

I’ll extrude the 2D base of the mug giving it a height of 3.8

00:58

to create a 3D cylinder for the body of the mug.

01:02

Now I’ll create a circle and give it a radius of 1.5.

01:08

Next, I’ll use press-pull to create the interior of the mug giving it a depth of 3.5.

01:15

Notice how press-pull subtracts the center of the cylinder.

01:20

I’ll select 3DALIGN, select the centerline of the 2D handle, and press Enter.

01:26

I’m going to copy and align the 2D handle to the 3D mug.

01:31

I’ll select two base points along the center line of the 2D mug.

01:35

I’ll press Enter to continue through the third base point.

01:39

Next I’ll select two destination points along the center line of the 3D mug

01:44

to rotate the handle.

01:46

For the third destination point,

01:49

I’ll select the endpoint of this centerline to locate the handle to the mug.

01:53

To complete the handle I’ll select SWEEP, to sweep the profile of the handle along the 2D path.

02:01

And finally I’ll orbit around the 3D mug by holding down the shift-key and mouse wheel button.

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