Lesson 3-11 – Flatshot and 2D from 3D

🧱 Lesson 3-11: Flatshot and 2D from 3D

Extract 2D views from 3D models for documentation, detailing, and plotting.

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📚 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Use the FLATSHOT command to generate 2D representations of 3D objects
• Create orthographic views from 3D models for layout or dimensioning
• Understand the workflow of converting solid models into usable 2D linework
• Use the EXPORTLAYOUT command for extracting full layouts
• Control visibility and lineweights in resulting 2D views

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🧰 Tools You’ll Use

Tool / Command	Description
FLATSHOT	Projects a 3D model view into a 2D drawing, saving it as lines
EXPORTLAYOUT	Converts an entire layout (viewport, annotation, geometry) into a 2D DWG
VIEW	Saves custom 3D view angles to be used with Flatshot
UCS	Allows adjustment of the drawing plane and orientation

❗ Why It Matters

Extracting 2D views from 3D models lets you:

• Create fabrication-ready shop drawings
• Prepare architectural or engineering documentation
• Generate sections, elevations, and plan views for plotting
• Maintain consistency between design intent and documentation
• Save time compared to manually drawing orthographic projections

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🧭 2D from 3D Workflow Overview

1. Position the model – Use VIEW or navigate to the desired angle
2. Use FLATSHOT – Capture the current viewport and convert it to 2D geometry
3. Adjust line settings – Control visible, hidden, and foreground line types
4. Insert result into model or layout – Create multiple view types as needed
5. Annotate and dimension – Add notes, dimensions, and callouts for clarity

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🛠️ Using the FLATSHOT Command

Option	Purpose
Insertion Point	Sets where to place the 2D view in model space
Scale	Defines the size of the output relative to original
Rotation	Orients the output geometry
Include Hidden Lines	Adds dashed lines for obscured edges (optional)
Show Tangent Edges	Displays subtle edges for curved surfaces

📌 Use consistent layer settings for clarity when flattening complex geometry.

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🧭 Creating Views for Flatshot

Use VIEW to define custom angles:

• Top, Front, Side: Standard orthographic views
• Isometric: Useful for exploded or assembly documentation
• Named Views: Helpful for batch generation or standardization

Set your UCS to align geometry if your model is not built on World Coordinates.

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🧾 Using EXPORTLAYOUT

This command is especially useful for 2D output from layouts:

Function	Benefit
Exports all layout content	Including viewports, annotations, and geometry
Results in a clean 2D file	Ready for plotting or importing to other CAD apps

Use when you want a flat deliverable that matches your plotted sheet.

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💡 Best Practices

Tip	Why It Helps
Use layers to separate views	Organizes drawings and simplifies editing
Keep 2D output in separate files	Prevents clutter in your 3D working drawing
Use high-contrast colors for hidden lines	Improves print readability
Annotate after converting to 2D	Avoids scaling and visibility issues

🎯 Practice Activity

Objective: Generate orthographic views from a mechanical part

Instructions:

1. Open your 3D model
2. Set views to Front, Top, and Right using VIEW
3. Use FLATSHOT to convert each view to 2D
4. Place views on a layout using standard drawing sheet sizes
5. Add title block, dimensions, and notes
6. Export the layout using EXPORTLAYOUT

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🧩 Real-World Use Cases

• Engineering: Create front/side/top views for machining parts
• Architecture: Generate elevations or sections from 3D buildings
• Manufacturing: Export flat patterns or assembly diagrams
• Interior Design: Document cabinetry or fixtures for installation

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📌 Quick Review

Command	Purpose
FLATSHOT	Converts 3D geometry to 2D projections
EXPORTLAYOUT	Flattens entire layout sheets into DWG format
VIEW	Saves custom view angles for easy reuse
UCS	Aligns drawing plane with geometry for consistent output