Differences between 2D and 3D Shapes
The Objects which are drawn on two dimensions namely X and Y are called 2D shapes. While drawing shapes when the third dimension or direction enters namely Z direction and the shape which is projected towards Z direction is 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 different appearance. The use of both these shapes is special and proves to be unique in the same field. Most people who want to learn 3D shape has to go through 2D shape and then they have to step further. 2D is the base of 3D as the learner has to accumulate all 2D tricks else it becomes hard for it 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 structure then we can notice the difference between 2D and 3D Shapes. Suppose if we want to know the difference between the square and cube. A square has 4 edges and 1 face and if the cube is considered then it has 6 faces and 12 edges. This would be the right example to explain the difference.
Usually, 2D shapes start from the time when we were small, when we used to draw small sketches in drawing books and the time 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 circle, hexagon, etc. We make use of this as 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, describe the key differences between 2D vs 3D Shapes:
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- The basic key difference between 2D and 3D Shapes is an axis which is in 90 degrees with the other two axes.
- Shapes which don’t show the depth or width of an object or a structure are 2D shapes instead in 3D we can see the depth or height.
- In engineering drawings, 2D shaped drawing is hard to read by non-engineering people instead 3D shaped drawings can be read by many people.
- The number of surfaces and edges are more in 3D shape comparatively from 2D shapes.
- When we want to explain any product through 2D shapes then we have to draw the number of views like front view, top view, side view, and bottom view. Sometimes we have to draw more views depend upon the product but in 3D view, we can clear the objective view of the customer in a single view.
- Dimensionally if we consider then it is very much easier to explain the detailed dimensions of every single edge of a part in 2D shapes or drawings. In 3 dimensions only outer dimension gets cleared, it’s hard to show all details.
- Basically, when we draw sectional view or a detailed view of any part then small features and hidden features gets highlighted using 2D shapes. In 3D shapes, this detailing is not possible.
- Shadow of any object drawn on drawing paper isn’t possible to show when we draw in 2D shape drawing. As that show reflects in another degree or third axes namely Z. To show shadow we need is to be drawn in 3D always.
- 2D shapes show the primary effect like raw shapes available squares, pentagon, hexagon, etc which helps to draw any complex shapes in the software’s while drawing any 2D shape. Instead in 3D we can make use of these squares n pentagon but couldn’t accumulate 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. | Square, circle, and triangle are drawn using 2D shapes. | Cube, sphere, and prism are drawn using 3D shapes. |
| 3. | 2D shapes are used to show a top view, side view, bottom view, front view in engineering drawings | 3D shapes are used to draw isometric and orthogonal shapes. |
| 4. | Engravings, rangolis are drawn on 2D shapes that make the design looks more beautiful as it is drawn with the help of colors | Rangolis and engravings are hard to draw in 3D shapes as it may not be that perfect as it looks in 2 D shapes. |
| 5. | When we measure than 2 D shapes has length and breadth. | In 3 D shapes, it has length, breadth, and height as well. |
| 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) it gives the actual view of the structure. |
| 7. | Extensively these 2D shapes are used to draw simple images or sketch of a simple object. | The 3D shape is used to define the architectural view of an object. |
| 8. | Dimensions can be easily explained. | Only outer dimensions can be explained. |
| 9. | In 2D shapes, all edges used are clearly visible. | In 3D shapes, some edges are hidden and sometimes we have to hide some edges to get 3D shape. |
| 10. | 2D shapes are very simple to draw as one doesn’t have to think much while looking into it. He finds a better way to draw it easily. | Some complex shapes in 3D structure look very hard and the user finds it difficult to draw. Initially, he has to think from where he has to start else 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. It is concluded from the above that 2D is the originator of drawing or shapes where a learner has to learn this first and later he has to step further. 2D drawing consists of some regular shapes which helps us in improving our hands on drawing also it improves our accuracy.
Finally, it can be concluded that both these shapes have unique qualities as for particular drawings we have to choose. So, learning all complex features from 2D and 3D makes a student perfect candidate in the 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 infographics and comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
