isometric views

[jhiltibidal]

When sketching an isometric view what should be the first thing i should do?

[Cad64]

Sketching? Are you talking about manual drafting or computer? Maybe this will help: http://library.thinkquest.org/C0116628/L11.htm

[JD Mather]

Sketching? Are you talking about manual drafting or computer?

I do sketching all the time. In three different CAD (thats Computer Aided Design) programs.

I think I would pass over 2D isometric representation of 3D and go directly to 3D. You won't get very far in 2D isometric before running into major hurdles.
But the first steps are
set to isometric grid (I don't actually turn on the display of the grid)
set to Ortho
using direct distance entry along with F5 start drawing in lines. A "cube" representing the overall width depth and height is a good start.

[Cad64]

I do sketching all the time. In three different CAD (thats Computer Aided Design) programs.

Since you responded to my question to the OP:

:? I don't mean to sound rude, but what does your response to me, have to do with the question I asked? :unsure:
I was trying to find out what the OP meant by "sketch". Everyone has their own workflow, and in my mind, the word "sketch" means to rough out a design by hand either with paper and pencil or with a graphic tablet in Photoshop or Corel or any image editing program. I use both methods. At work I don't have a tablet, so I sketch by hand, scan the sketch and insert into my drawing. At home I don't have a scanner, but I have a tablet, so I sketch on the computer.

I don't even think of Autocad when I hear the word "sketch". And yes, I know there is a Sketch command in Autocad, but it's generally useless for drawing anything decent looking. Drawing with a mouse is like drawing with a rock. It's extremely difficult, and after a short time, your hand starts to cramp.

I do agree with you on your point about opting for 3D rather than isometric though. If you create an isometric drawing in Autocad, then that's all you've got. Just a flat representation of a 3D object. But if you create a 3D model, you have far more possibilities available to you.