3D CAD vs 2D CAD: Benefits and When Will I Need Them

With the development in technology over recent years, it has allowed us to present our ideas with innovative tools to communicate more visually and accurately for better understanding. Computer aided design (CAD) allows architects, construction workers and more to map out their proposals to showcase to their clients, often leading to a higher number of client approvals. But when it comes down to deciding whether 2D CAD would be effective enough to present your ideas, or to take the leap to 3D CAD design, there can be a lot to consider.

Below you will find the many benefits of CAD and which out of 2D or 3D would be your best choice:

Clear Perspectives

2D CAD is ideal for drawing orthographic projections, with traditional two dimensional objects. This is great for the beginning stages of design drafting or for smaller scale projects, but for the final stages of design planning for large scale projects, 3D CAD has a lot more to offer.

3D CAD enables you to elaborate on 2D CAD designs with three dimensional objects that allow a more accurate representation of what your team is aiming for. These orthographic projections can be built with specialist cameras and picture planes for higher quality designs.

Advanced Functionality

3D CAD comes with a lot of advantages from the designer’s perspective. The functionality of 3D designs allows you to include 3D arrays and special reference views which could help you construct a major element in your design, making all the difference to your client’s approval.

However, not all designs require so much depth, which is why 2D CAD can be all some designers need. For many, layers, lineweights and linetypes are all that is needed and there is no requirement at all to use three dimensional tools. Therefore, if you don’t need to use 3D CAD, then don’t feel like you have to.

Rendering Capabilities

Despite 2D CAD software being capable of constructing three dimensional perspectives, the software often does not include rendering capabilities. Instead, the perspective has to be passed onto a separate programme to complete rendering.

Meanwhile, most 3D CAD software is capable of rendering lifelike images easily.

Overall, if you are looking to create a large scale plan, filled with depth and detail to cover a range of perspectives and design elements, then opt for 3D CAD. However, if you are looking for something still in great detail, but doesn’t need to be so advanced, choose 2D CAD.

Find Out More

At Outsource CAD we ensure that we meet our client’s specific requirements for given projects, by tailoring our CAD standards to align with theirs. We have an experienced team of talented CAD technicians, working to high standards and delivering within set deadlines.

Browse the website for further details on our available CAD services, or to discuss a project get in touch today.