Don’t laugh but, a contact of ours, who will remain nameless (for obvious reasons) was today years old when he realised AutoCAD was capable of 3D modelling. But it led us to think, how many other users are still under the impression that AutoCAD can’t do 3D?

3D is synonymous with Revit and Inventor. But AutoCAD is still very much labelled as a 2D tool as opposed to a 3D tool. So let’s take you through the top 3 tips to setting up a design for 3D in AutoCAD.

So first off.

1. Change the workspace

You have to change the workspace, and then you have to open a new file by using a 3D template. Open the Workspaces drop-down list on the Quick Access toolbar, or click the Workspace Switching button on the status bar and then choose 3D Modelling. Toolbars, palettes, and Ribbon panels will flash on and off and then AutoCAD will display the Ribbon, as configured for the 3D Modelling workspace with a few additional panels.

2. Click the Application button and choose New

Once this is done click Drawing and the Select Template dialog box will appear.

3. Finally choose your units

acad3d.dwt if you’re working in imperial units or acadiso3d.dwt if you’re working in metric. Click Open.

A 3D modelling space appears where, rather than look straight down at the drawing area, you look at it at an angle from above.