An exploded axonometric drawing shows the installation of your 3D model down to its internal and structural elements. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to pull elements apart to create beautiful presentations.

exploded axonometric

What is the difference between orthographic and perspective? Axonometric and isometric? Before we pull out our elements, we should understand the orientation of our model.

Axonometric VS Isometric

Isometric projections, also known as “centered” projections, are a type of axonometric projection in which the X and Z axes are inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal plane. In contrast, axonometric projections have an angle of 120 degrees between their axes.

To view your model isometrically, click on the edge of the ViewCube.

This is how you orient your model in axonometry:

  1. Click on “Full navigation wheel” in the navigation bar.
  2. Hold down the left mouse button on “Orbit” and move the mouse pointer down.
isometric vs axonometric

Learn more about rotating 3D views.

While isometric projections may be more accurate, axonometric projections are useful for certain trades that rely on floor plans.

✨ Tip: Follow our tutorial on section boxes to keep only important elements in view.

Create Exploded Axonometric

Details: Use the Displace Elements tool to explode your 3D model, and then add colored path lines between the elements and their origin.

After you have adjusted the orientation of your model, don’t forget to save the 3D view.

Steps

  1. In the project browser, duplicate your default 3D view.
  2. Hold down the CTRL key and then select multiple elements.
  3. Go to the Modify | Multiple-Select tab > View panel > click Displace Elements.
  4. Move the XYZ arrow to change the position of the elements.
select multiple elements
how to explode in Revit

Edit

Add or remove elements from the displaced group.

  1. Select a group of displaced elements.
  2. Go to the Modify | Displacement Set tab > Displacement Set panel.
  3. Click Edit.
  4. Click Add > select the elements you want to add to the group.
  5. Click Finish.
edit displaced elements

Reset

Restores all elements to their origin.

Path

Add a line between the elements and their origin.

  1. Click Path.
  2. Move the mouse pointer over an element.
  3. Press TAB to cycle between lines and elements.
  4. Left-click to apply path line.
exploded axon

To change the linetype and color:

  1. Go to the Manage tab > Settings panel > click Object Styles.
  2. On the Annotation Objects tab, type “displacement” in the search bar.
  3. Change the line weight, color and pattern.
  4. Click OK.
edit line style

Background Color

To change the background color of your view:

  1. Go to the File tab > click Options.
  2. In the Options window, go to Graphics.
  3. Click on the Background Color field to change it.
  4. Click OK.
background color

Learn more about transparency in views.

These features allow you to visualize how the different elements of your model interact with each other. By adjusting the level of detail and visibility settings, you can also fine-tune the view to highlight specific elements and improve the overall readability of the drawing.