I was wondering if Inkscape includes tools for creating 3D isometric figures. I know I can create 3D objects in Inkscape but what I'm looking for is the ability to create scientific figures like in this example:
I suppose it would help for some basic figures. What about if I want to draw something like the torus mesh on this example? Or even the cylinder's circles so they are parallel to the plane?
I use transformed clones to make pseudo-3D isometric projections. This works well for simple surfaces with curvature in one plane but your torus curves in every direction. You could build this in FreeCAD or Blender and export as svg for finishing in Inkscape.
Create a group of shapes. Create few clones of the group. Using the Transform dialog [shift+ctrl+m] and some trigonometry we can change flat clones into 3D isometric projections.
You should now have top, left and front isometric projections of the original group. Adding an object to the parent group will generate a projection in all three clones. Once the transformations are completed, it's easy to generate more parent-clone pairs. Select a parent group and one of its clones, copy [ctrl+c] and then paste [ctrl+v]. The new clone will be linked to the new parent. (Duplicating [ctrl+d] a parent-clone pair links the new clone to the old parent.)
Normally just one of these three views is needed for 3D illustrations. Duplicate that clone, unlink it from the parent and ungroup the result. This yields transformed shapes to use in your drawing. I'll post an example when I have some more time. Until then, you can use the svg above as a template to play with.
Beyond the Basics 3D isometric figures
Inkscape.org
I was wondering if Inkscape includes tools for creating 3D isometric figures. I know I can create 3D objects in Inkscape but what I'm looking for is the ability to create scientific figures like in this example:
Would an Axonometric Grid help from the Document properties? Shearing objects plus snapping is easy.
I suppose it would help for some basic figures. What about if I want to draw something like the torus mesh on this example? Or even the cylinder's circles so they are parallel to the plane?
I use transformed clones to make pseudo-3D isometric projections. This works well for simple surfaces with curvature in one plane but your torus curves in every direction. You could build this in FreeCAD or Blender and export as svg for finishing in Inkscape.
Could you elasborate on how to do this? I couldn't find any tutorial online...
Here´s a neat extension that might come in handy: https://inkscape.org/~jdhoek/★inkscape-isometric-projection-21
Create a group of shapes. Create few clones of the group. Using the Transform dialog [shift+ctrl+m] and some trigonometry we can change flat clones into 3D isometric projections.
Face 1
[Scale > Width: 86.6025 > %] [Apply]
Note: 0.866025 = cos(30 degrees) = (3/4)^0.5
[Skew > Vertical: 30 > degrees] [Apply]
Face 2
[Scale > Width: 86.6025 > %] [Apply]
[Skew > Vertical: -30 > degrees] [Apply]
Face 3
[Rotate > Angle: 45 > degrees] [Apply]
Note: Use 135/225/315 degrees for alternative rotations
[Scale > Width: 122.474 > %] [Apply]
Note: 1.22474 = cos(30 degrees) / sin(45 degrees) = (3/2)^0.5
[Scale > Height: 70.7107 > %] [Apply]
Note: 0.707107 = sin(45 degrees) = (1/2)^0.5
You should now have top, left and front isometric projections of the original group. Adding an object to the parent group will generate a projection in all three clones. Once the transformations are completed, it's easy to generate more parent-clone pairs. Select a parent group and one of its clones, copy [ctrl+c] and then paste [ctrl+v]. The new clone will be linked to the new parent. (Duplicating [ctrl+d] a parent-clone pair links the new clone to the old parent.)
Normally just one of these three views is needed for 3D illustrations. Duplicate that clone, unlink it from the parent and ungroup the result. This yields transformed shapes to use in your drawing. I'll post an example when I have some more time. Until then, you can use the svg above as a template to play with.
Here's the example I promised. (I had a busy weekend. Better late than never.)
Thanks all for your suggestions, I think it's enough to get me started (and do some math heavy lifting)!