Updated May 23, 2023
Differences Between 2D and 3D Shapes
The Objects drawn on two dimensions, namely X and Y, are called 2D shapes. While drawing shapes, when the third dimension or direction enters, the Z direction and the shape projected towards the Z direction are called 3D shapes. In this topic, we are going to study 2D and 3D Shapes. These shapes are drawn on the same plane irrespective of direction, which shows a different appearance. Using both shapes is special and proves unique in the same field. Most people who want to learn 3D shapes must go through 2D shapes and then step further. 2D is the base of 3D as the learner has to accumulate all 2D tricks; otherwise, it becomes hard to draw 3D shapes.
Shapes aren’t a matter, but their planes decide their dimensional feature. If we check the difference between any 2D structure and 3D structures, we can notice the difference between 2D and 3D Shapes. Suppose we want to know the difference between a square and a cube. A square has 4 edges and 1 face; if the cube is considered, it has 6 faces and 12 edges. This would be the right example to explain the difference. Usually, 2D shapes start when we are small when we use to draw small sketches in drawing books, and when we grow old, we stick to 3D. In graphical design, we see that while learning, we have to accumulate all 2D shapes initially, like drawing circles, hexagons, etc. We use this to start drawing a flower or any other small creature.
Head to Head Comparison Between 2D and 3D Shapes (Infographics)
Below is the top 10 difference between 2D vs 3D Shapes:
Key Differences Between 2D and 3D Shapes
Below are the lists of points that describe the key differences between 2D vs 3D Shapes:
- The key difference between 2D and 3D Shapes is an axis 90 degrees from the other two axes.
- Shapes that don’t show the depth or width of an object or a structure are 2D shapes; in 3D, we can see the depth or height.
- In engineering drawings, 2D-shaped drawing is hard to read by non-engineering people; instead, many people can read 3D-shaped drawings.
- 3D shapes have a greater number of surfaces and edges compared to 2D shapes.
- When explaining any product through 2D shapes, we must draw several views like the front, top, side, and bottom views. Sometimes we have to draw more views depending upon the product, but in 3D view, we can clear the objective view of the customer in a single view.
- Dimensional, it is much easier to explain the detailed dimensions of every single edge of a part in 2D shapes or drawings. In 3 dimensions, only the outer dimension gets cleared; it’s hard to show all details.
- When drawing a sectional or detailed view of any part, we highlight small and hidden features using 2D shapes. In 3D shapes, this detailing is not possible.
- When drawing objects on paper in 2D, it is not possible to depict their shadows. That show reflects in another degree or third axes, namely Z. To display the shadow, it is necessary to draw it in 3D consistently.
- 2D shapes show the primary effect like raw shapes available squares, pentagons, hexagons, etc., which helps to draw any complex shapes in the software while drawing any 2D shape. Instead, in 3D, we can use these squares n the Pentagon but can’t accumulate them all together.
Comparison Table Between 2D and 3D Shapes
Below is the topmost comparison between 2D vs 3D Shapes:
| Sr. No | 2D Shape | 3D Shape |
| 1 | It has 2 Dimensions, namely X and Y. | It has 3 Dimensions, namely X, Y, and Z. |
| 2 | Individuals draw squares, circles, and triangles by utilizing 2D shapes. | People draw cubes, spheres, and prisms by utilizing 3D shapes. |
| 3 | Engineers utilize 2D shapes to illustrate various views, including the top view, side view, bottom view, and front view, in engineering drawings. | People use 3D shapes to create isometric and orthogonal shapes. |
| 4 | People draw engravings and rangolis on 2D shapes to enhance the beauty of the design, utilizing colors in the process. | Rangolis and engravings are hard to draw in 3D shapes as they may not be as perfect as it looks in 2D shapes. |
| 5 | When we measure, then 2D shapes have length and breadth. | In 3D shapes, it also has length, breadth, and height. |
| 6 | When we draw any plan of a structure in 2D shape, then it gives the overview and explains all details. | While drawing, the isometric view (3D) gives the actual view of the structure. |
| 7 | Extensively these 2D shapes are used to draw simple images or sketches of a simple object. | The 3D shape is used to define the architectural view of an object. |
| 8 | Dimensions can be easily explained. | Only the outer dimensions can be explained. |
| 9 | In 2D shapes, all edges used are visible. | In 3D shapes, certain edges may be concealed or hidden from view, and occasionally it is necessary to obscure specific edges to obtain a complete 3D shape. |
| 10 | 2D shapes are very simple to draw as one doesn’t have to think much while looking into them. He finds a better way to draw it easily. | Some complex shapes in 3D structures look very hard, and the user finds drawing difficult. Initially, he has to think about where to start; the structure may run into an odd shape. |
Conclusion
While considering the difference between 2D and 3D Shapes, we must know their features and their use. The above analysis concludes that learners should start with 2D as the foundation for learning drawing or shapes before taking further steps. The 2D drawing consists of some regular shapes, which helps us improve our hands-on drawing and accuracy. In conclusion, these shapes possess unique qualities that make them suitable for specific drawings that we need to select. So, learning all complex features from 2D and 3D makes a student a perfect candidate for drawing.
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This has been a guide to the top difference between 2D and 3D Shapes. Here we also discuss the 2D and 3D Shapes key differences with the infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
