If you are still drafting in two dimensions you are missing some important advancements. 3D modeling has changed the way project designs are presented. It is like combining multiple 2D drawings and pasting them together. It has undoubtedly changed the way we look at projects and how we present information.

In 2D, you can have many solid and hidden lines adding detail and depth to your drawing, but if your customer cannot visualize what is going on your vision is lost. Consider the article picture, could you tell the difference between handrail and piping if it was printed in 2D monochrome? Yes, if you know what you are looking at. No, if you are an average consumer.

The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is truly multiplied when an image can be moved, rotated, manipulated, and colored. 3D modeling can give you a beautiful one shot picture of your design. It is more realistic, quicker and easier than 2D. You can also place your project in other 3D models to check clearances, address access and egress, and even visualize sight lines. Easy on the spot changes can be made to determine their viability.

I was in a meeting recently where a 3D model was used to “walk” around the entire project. The project team had an overall vision in the matter of hours, not days. The experience of “walking” through a model is much more satisfying making the project approval rate much higher. A 3D design can easily show dimensions in 3D space of objects and their relationships. This will help your customer to visualize space, movement, access, and so on.

3D models can be used to create 2D drawings directly. This means that the cost of changes to the design are much less. Modifying a 3D model is relatively inexpensive and the 2D drawings can be reproduced rather quickly. Existing models can be quickly modified for other projects. If you have not considered 3D modeling, I highly recommend investigating.