Changing 3D View in AutoCAD
Understanding how to modify the 3D view in AutoCAD is essential for effective modeling and visualization. This guide will outline the steps to navigate through different 3D views in AutoCAD, specifically focusing on AutoCAD 2025.
Accessing the View Options
-
Open the View Manager:
- Navigate to the View tab located in the top menu.
- Click on the Views panel.
- Select View Manager to access available views.
- Selecting a View to Modify:
- In the View Manager, expand the View Lists as necessary.
- Identify and click on the specific view you wish to alter.
Adjusting View Properties
-
Changing Properties:
- With the desired view selected, locate the Properties panel on the right side.
- Click on the property you want to modify (e.g., angle, camera position).
- Using 3D Commands:
- Utilize the 3DORBIT command for an interactive 3D viewing experience.
- To set up a precise view, employ the DVIEW command.
Creating New 3D Views
-
Creating a View Orientation:
- Select the drawing view you would like to manipulate.
- Click on 3D Drawing View.
- Use the tools provided in the pop-up toolbar to adjust the view.
- Saving Your View:
- After adjusting, click on Save the view or press the spacebar.
- In the Orientation dialog box, add a name to your newly created view and click OK.
Exiting 3D View Mode
-
Switching Back to 2D:
- Access the Options menu.
- Navigate to the 3D Modeling tab.
- Uncheck the options for 2D Wireframe visual style and All other visual styles.
- Using System Variables:
- As an alternative, enter the commands
DISPLAYVIEWCUBEIN2D
andDISPLAYVIEWCUBEIN3D
, setting both to OFF. This will deactivate the 3D view settings.
- As an alternative, enter the commands
Switching Between 2D and 3D
-
Changing Workspace:
- Click on the Workspace Switching option found in the status bar.
- Choose 3D Modeling from the list.
- Generating 3D Objects:
- Click on the Solid tab, then navigate to Solid panel.
- Select the Extrude command to begin creating 3D objects from 2D shapes.
Managing the ViewCube
-
Toggling the ViewCube:
- Go to the View tab.
- Click on the Viewport Tools panel and find View Cube.
- Alternatively, enter the command
NAVVCUBE
and type Off to disable the ViewCube.
- Adjusting ViewCube Visibility:
- Use the command
NAVVCUBE
to turn it back on if needed by simply typing On.
- Use the command
FAQ
Q1: What command do I use to interactively rotate the 3D view in AutoCAD?
A: Use the 3DORBIT command for interactive rotation of the 3D view.
Q2: How can I convert a 3D shape to 2D in AutoCAD?
A: Use the Convert 3D To 2D Polylines command by going to the Modify tab and selecting the required polyline.
Q3: Can I customize my AutoCAD workspace for better 3D modeling?
A: Yes, you can save your workspace preferences by going to the Tools menu, selecting Workspaces, and then choosing Save Current As to custom name your workspace.