Ready to move beyond 2D? This article features a collection of AutoCAD 3D practice drawings for beginners designed to help you build your 3D modeling skills step by step.
Each exercise is provided as a clear visual drawing, ideal for those learning to use AutoCAD’s 3D workspace. You can also download the full collection as a Free PDF eBook at the end of this article.
Why Learn 3D in AutoCAD?
While AutoCAD is known for its 2D drafting tools, its 3D capabilities allow you to create realistic models for:
- Mechanical parts and assemblies
- Structural elements and prototypes
- Architectural components like stairs, railings, and volumes
Learning 3D helps you understand volume, extrusion, surface modeling, and improves your ability to work across CAD software platforms.
How to Use These 3D Practice Drawings
These exercises are image-based. This means:
- You’ll manually recreate each 3D model from a visual reference
- No DWG files are provided – this improves spatial reasoning and design logic
- Great for self-learning, student exercises, or practice before moving to Inventor, Revit, or Fusion 360
We recommend switching your AutoCAD workspace to “3D Modeling” before starting.
AutoCAD 3D Practice Drawings – Beginner Level
Below are several visual drawing exercises designed to gradually introduce you to 3D commands like EXTRUDE, REVOLVE, UNION, SUBTRACT, and PRESSPULL.
Drawing #1 – Basic Extrusion of a 2D Profile
Focus: POLYLINE + REGION + EXTRUDE
Drawing #2 – Revolved Shape (Cone-like Object)
Focus: REVOLVE command with a symmetrical profile
Drawing #3 – Hollow Box with Fillets
Focus: BOX + SHELL + FILLETEDGES
Download the Free PDF eBook
All exercises in this article are compiled into a single, printable PDF eBook you can use offline. Great for students, self-learners, and classrooms.
Click here to download your Free AutoCAD 3D Practice Drawings PDF for Beginners
7 Tips to Complete These AutoCAD 3D Practice Drawings More Effectively
1. Use the 3D Modeling Workspace
Switch from the 2D Drafting workspace to 3D Modeling to access full toolsets.
2. Start from a 2D Profile
Most 3D objects in AutoCAD begin with a 2D shape. Master POLYLINE, RECTANGLE, and CIRCLE first.
3. Keep Views Dynamic
Use the ViewCube and Orbit (SHIFT + mouse wheel) to constantly check your geometry from different angles.
4. Use Visual Styles
Switch between Wireframe, Shaded, and Conceptual modes to better analyze your models.
5. Practice Boolean Operations
Learn how to use UNION, SUBTRACT, and INTERSECT to combine or cut 3D solids effectively.
6. Save in Stages
Use versioned saves: model-v1.dwg, model-v2.dwg, etc. to avoid overwriting clean stages.
7. Use UCS and Object Snaps
For non-standard geometries, modify the UCS (User Coordinate System) and turn on 3D Object Snaps for precision.