Projection

Projection is the view that you see of the geometry you have created. There are three main types of projection that you can use. These are:

2D Plan projection
This is a schematic view of the 2D and 3D objects as you intend them to be viewed as if on paper.

Orthographic projection
This is also known as Parallel projection. This form of projection allows the user to perceive a 3D object on a flat surface or screen. All projection rays are parallel to each other as they project the image onto the screen.

In Vectorworks, there are six Cardinal views. Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, and Back. For an object to be understood correctly in this projection, you need to show the object in at least two of these views.

Eight preset Isometric views are available. These give you a parallel view of the 3D model from a 45° angle from the vertical and horizontal axes.

Any other view in a parallel projection would be considered Axiometric. This describes the same parallel view of the object but from a custom angle. This would be how most users will see 3D geometry when rotating around the model using the Flyover Tool.

There are also two Oblique projection styles. These are a form of Parallel projection, and like the Orthographic projection, they can be dimensioned.

Perspective projection
This form of projection allows the viewer to perceive depth in a 3D space. All projection lines start from a point in the "distance" and project through the objects onto the screen's surface. The point on the screen from where the lines project is called the vanishing point.

Projection Types