How to create a 2D technical drawing from a 3D model in Rhino?
Short Answer
Yes — in Rhino 3D, the fastest and most common professional way to create a 2D technical drawing from a 3D model is with Make2D. It generates projected linework from selected 3D geometry for plans, elevations, and details. Limitation: complex models can produce fragmented or overlapping curves that need cleanup.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Make2D only creates 2D curve output based on the current view or chosen projection, so hidden bad geometry, duplicated surfaces, or unjoined edges in the 3D model can create messy linework. Locked or hidden objects may also be skipped, causing incomplete drawings without obvious warning.
How to Create a 2D Technical Drawing from a 3D Model in Rhino
Command: Make2D
Shortcut: No default shortcut
Quick Steps:
- Select the 3D model, then run Make2D from the command line or type
Make2D. - In the Make2D options, choose the projection source, typically Current View for the fastest common workflow, or use layout/detail view if needed.
- Enable a real option such as Show hidden lines or organize output by layers, then press Enter to generate the 2D curves on the active construction plane.
- Select the 3D model, then run Make2D from the command line or type
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Show hidden lines
Expert Setting: Turn this on only when the technical drawing requires concealed edges. It adds hidden line curves to separate output, but it also increases line density and cleanup time, especially on mechanical or highly detailed models.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): naked edges, duplicated surfaces, or bad joins in the 3D model create broken or overlapping 2D linework after Make2D.
- Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): Hidden, locked, or excluded layer content may not be processed as expected, leaving missing edges in the final drawing.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Running Make2D from the wrong viewport or projection setup generates the wrong view orientation, so the technical drawing does not match the intended elevation or plan.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Run SelBadObjects and ShowEdges before Make2D, then clean the model and rerun the command from the correct viewport.
- Manager’s Verdict: Use Make2D for standard documentation, quoting, and fabrication drawings when the model is clean. Avoid relying on it blindly for complex assemblies without checking hidden lines, layer output, and curve cleanup.
FAQ
Can Rhino create hidden lines in a 2d drawing?
Yes, Make2D can output hidden lines if that option is enabled.
Can I make a 2D drawing from a perspective view in Rhino?
Yes, but technical drawings are usually made from parallel views for accurate documentation.
Do I need to redraw the output after Make2D?
Sometimes yes, especially if the model has complex geometry or overlapping edges.
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