Best App For Draing Isometric Designs

These days, you can easily observe isometric illustrations often in digital products because of their simplicity and functional characteristic. Frankly, what would you choose to have more impact between a flat and an isometric image? That's why it keeps being a trend this year too!

Many of us don't know that isometric drawings are not genuine 3D drawings, those are made in 2D, but they look like 3D.

Curious, isn't it?

You can draw impressive and complex isometric designs effortlessly once you learn the trick. The "Geometric Technique" is a method preferred by many, to create astonishing isometric illustrations.

But first, let's see several basic concepts, like what a plane means. As a follow-up, you'll understand what are the three distinct geometric plane structures you need to know before drawing an isometric illustration.

A Plane is a two-dimensional (2D) flat surface which extends to the infinity.

All the isometric artworks are created by using 3D Geometry composed of three distinct geometric plane structures: XY, YZ, and ZX.

In XY, the object is placed in X and Y planes. The object's size can be changed in X and Y planes and his depth in the Z plane.

In YZ,the object is placed in Y and Z planes. The object's size can be changed in Y and Z planes and his depth in X plane.

In ZX, the object is placed in Z and X planes. The object's size can be changed in Z and X planes and his depth in Y plane.

Geometric plane structures

The easiest way to work on isometric illustrations is with Adobe Illustrator even if it's a 2D illustrating tool. To be honest, most of the tutorials made with this software are easier to follow.

If you're not familiar with this program, check below some other software options that you can use for isometric artworks.

Are you planning to improve your design skills and you're looking for the best isometric tools? Check below to find out more.

With the following techniques, making a representation of this trend it seem like a piece of cake!

In one of our latest articles we explained how to make an isometric grid step-by-step. We even have an illustrative tutorial in Adobe Illustrator, you can check it out here.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ5CGM6o338]

Easiest method – The „Geometric Technique"

For a beginner, this method makes more sense in designing an isometric cube. It takes little effort and a nice result!

#1: Draw a square

#2: Scale vertically, about 86%

#3: Shear to 30 degrees

#4: Rotate it at -30 degrees

#5: You have a top side now!

#6: Make the other side by change the rotation angle to 30 degrees

#7: Congrats, you have a cube!

5 steps to make an isometric cube

For intermediate Illustrator users, this is a faster technique that makes the perfect isometric cube

#1: Draw a square, with the color preferred

#2: Go to Menu, choose Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel

#3: Change the position: Isometric Left / Right / Top / Bottom

#4: Increase or decrease the extrude depth until you reach your wanted shape

Making an isometric cube with Adobe Illustrator settings

Make your own grid by following the next steps:

#1: Select the Line segment tool (the shortcut for this tool is / ) and draw a vertical having the fill set to none and the stroke at least 1pt.

#2: With the line selected, click on it, hold Alt and drag it to the right to make a copy.

#3: Press CTRL (Command) + D several times to repeat the same process.

#4: Select all the lines and group them together.

#5: With all the lines still selected, press Rotate Tool (R) and then press enter to access the advanced options.

#6: Add 60 degrees to the angle box and click copy.

#7: With the lines still selected, select Reflect Tool (O) and press enter again.

#8: Choose the vertical axis and click copy.

#9: Select everything (CTRL+A) and resize the lines.

#10: Set the stroke transparent and pick Shape Builder Tool (Shift + M)

#11: You're all set to design custom isometric elements!

Inkscape for isometric design

In Inkscape, you don't have to worry about the grid. Actually, it's already set up in the program.

Enable the grid by clicking on

File -> Document Properties -> Grids -> Axonometric grid -> New.

Change the spacing, depending on what level of details you're making in your artwork.

From this point, it is similar to Adobe Illustrator in terms of use. It is easier and faster to work with and even more precise.

Here you have a tutorial about how to make a simple isometric tutorial.

Top software isometric drawing tools

Isometric Drawing Tool is another option to consider in spite of the most used program to create isometric illustrations, Adobe Illustrator.

Isometric Drawing Tool is the straight forward online instrument to draw isometric geometrical shapes. You can use this tool to create simple drawings on already set up isometric dot paper.

You can use options like decompose, rotate, change colors, and view in 2‑D or 3‑D.

This tool is optimized for your desktop and tablet and makes easier the process of sketching an illustration.

But, if you want to be pro, it is recommended to use software like Adobe Illustrator or AutoCAD.

One Click Isometric Grid Lite

If you're looking for optimizing your workflow, we recommend this free amazing action in Adobe Illustrator that builds for you the perfect grid in one single click.

You can also follow this tutorial to see how you can design your own isometric assets for your work. It's easy to install and convenient.