ALLPLAN

the ultimate solution
for 2D and 3D

Moving from 2D to 3D CAD enables architects, civil engineers, and designers to work more efficiently and accurately. However, with 2D drawings still dominating the project deliverables, being able to work in both 2D and 3D is beneficial.

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What Is 2D And 3D Design?

2D and 3D design is used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to prepare construction documentation such as drawings and layouts that describe how a project should be built. 2D design is predominantly done using 2D software where lines and arcs are used to create plan, elevation, and section views of the proposed structure. 3D design is slightly different to 2D design as a 3D model is created using volumes (rather than areas) which depict different components within the project, such as walls, floors, and roofs.

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What Is The Main Difference Between 2D And 3D?

The main difference between 2D and 3D CAD is that 3D CAD supports more accuracy than 2D CAD. Because a model is created of the final structure, the plans, elevations, sections, and details can be extracted as a view from the model. These views act like viewports, so if the model is changed, the views update to show the new details. 

2D CAD

With 2D CAD, these elements need to be initially drawn separately and individually updated, and therefore rely heavily on the thoroughness of the draftsperson in order to be accurate. If it is a large, complex project or there are many design changes and iterations, it is very easy for errors and discrepancies to creep into the design when using 2D CAD.

3D CAD

3D CAD also offers many other benefits over 2D CAD, such as automating design activities, generating reports such as quantities from the model, improved visualization, and enhanced information sharing abilities, just to name a few.

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Moving From 2D To 3D CAD

Moving to 3D CAD provides architects, civil engineers, and designers with more efficient and accurate tools for creating designs and construction drawings. And with the unique user interface of ALLPLAN – which features an intuitive blend of 2D drawing and 3D modeling – designers can work in whatever method suits them best for a seamless transition. Try a free, 14-day trial of ALLPLAN and see how much easier and quicker it is to create precise 3D models and construction documentation.

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FAQ on 2D and 3D:

2D CAD uses two-dimensional components such as arcs and lines to create line drawings of products and structures. While used for a vast range of applications across many industries, 2D CAD is used within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector for creating construction drawings that describe how a project is built. The drawings make up part of the construction documentation – or deliverables – that are required for every project. Typically, designs are developed using 2D drawings and several iterations are required before the final solution is agreed. When the project is completed, the 2D drawings are updated with any changes that were made during construction and kept as an as-built record of the project.

3D CAD is used in much the same manner as 2D CAD, in that it is used to develop the design and create the construction documentation. However, it uses 3D volumes rather than 2D lines to create a model of the proposed works. The model can be rotated and viewed from any angle and provides a clear visualization of the design. If a topographical site survey is available, this can also be imported so that the structure can be viewed in its proposed surroundings as well. Some 3D modeling software – like ALLPLAN Architecture and ALLPLAN Engineering – feature powerful rendering engines that enable textures to be applied to the model to create photo-realistic visualizations.

2D and 3D modeling are the same as 2D and 3D CAD. In 2D modeling, a geometric model of the proposed structure or object is created within a two-dimensional plane, and each view of the object (plan, section, elevation, or detail) is drawn as an individual 2D representation. With 3D modeling, the geometric model is created using three dimensions, much like a virtual representation of the final structure. The additional details that are needed are easily created from the 3D model, which acts as a single source of truth for the project.

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