: Which software renders a planar projection of a 3D object as a vector graphic? I would like to create two-dimensional projections of three-dimensional geometrical objects. The drawings should be

@Radia289

I am a mechanical engineer working with SolidWorks. It is even possible to parameterize the dimensions you want. This means that all dimensions can be related through mathematical equations.

Even more these images seem made in this software.

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@Shakeerah625

In many schools of architecture, the software of choice for creating annotated vector drawings of 3-dimensional geometry is a workflow from Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino) to Illustrator. Rhino is generally the tool of choice for 3D drawings, diagrams, and drafting because it can be easily scripted or extended with Python or Grasshopper (a visual programming plugin). Additionally, Rhino can import a wide variety of file formats, including Illustrator and PDF.

Rhino includes to options that are typically used for this:


Make2D
creates a 2-D vector tracing of the objects in the current viewport
(in any graphic projection). It will generate new 2-dimensional
objects and can separate visible and hidden lines as separate layers.
Rhino can then export the resulting 2D vector objects to an
Illustrator
file
in PostScript format, for further graphic editing.


Here's a sample of the type of drawing you can create with this workflow:



I should note that while Rhino does not natively export to SVG, there have been attempts to build that functionality using Python scripting.

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@Nimeshi706

I have a suspicion that you can do it with GeoGebra. It's a free app for geometry constructions. They mostly focus on planimetry, but the current beta also has stereometry.

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@Sims5801359

Swift3D is a vector-based 3d application that seems to offer gradient shading.

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@Carla748

all the major renderers should support this. the google term you are look for is " vector line rendering"

for eg: "3ds max vector line rendering"

update: seems my answer was too ambiguous. the "Illustrate!" plugin (3ds max) supports vector line output; this is for flash export
www.davidgould.com/ "One amazing feature of Illustrate! is its ability to render these styles out to vector artwork. It currently supports Shockwave Flash, Adobe Illustrator, and Autocad DXF output. This allows you render your 3D scenes for displaying on the Internet or for inclusion with other vector graphics."

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@Ogunnowo857

I'm thinking Google SketchUp might be perfect for that.


[PRO] Export PDF and EPS: 2D vector images

With the Pro version of Google SketchUp, you can export views of your
models in PDF and EPS format, allowing you to continue to work on them
in vector editing programs like Illustrator and Freehand. For 2D
images that need to be resolution-independent, nothing beats exporting
to these formats.

Source >>


Sadly this feature is in the Pro version only which is not exactly cheap.

( I've never properly used sketchUp, so I don't really know how well it exports anyhow. )

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