An independent reference for learning technical drawing and design on your own. It is not a forum, an educational institution or a design firm, and it is not connected to the former website on this domain; we do not sell projects or drawings.
Resources
You do not need a big library to learn drawing without a teacher. One sound textbook, access to the text of the standards, somewhere to make things and the habit of drawing every day are enough. Below are the types of resources and what each is good for. We deliberately do not name publications, software or organisations.
A designer's most useful reference is a sketchbook of their own, showing how they have grown.
How this page works: we describe types of resources and the tasks they solve, and give criteria for choosing. We do not name, compare or recommend specific books, services, software or institutions.
Six pillars that self-study in engineering graphics rests on.
A good textbook leads from geometric constructions to views, sections, dimensions and assembly drawings, with exercises for every topic. Look for books that follow a recognised drawing standard, such as the Russian ESKD or ISO standards.
In Russia, drawing rules are set out in the GOST series 2 standards (ESKD); other countries use their own standards, and ISO standards are widely used internationally. Read official texts from trustworthy sources and check the edition date.
Group sessions with a mentor give you what a book cannot: live feedback on your mistakes and access to equipment. For school pupils this is often the easiest way into design.
A place where you can try making a part from your own drawing quickly teaches you to think about manufacturing. Before starting work, always find out the safety rules of that particular workshop.
There is software for 2D drafting, for 3D modelling, and tools that combine both. First understand the basics on paper, then choose a tool using the criteria in the questions section.
Start a notebook or folder and draw the objects around you: tools, fasteners, household items. Date each page; in six months it will be your best study aid.
Freehand sketching, 3D models, machine parts, woodworking, mock-ups and prototypes, house projects. The article catalogue is here too.
Six core lessons: lines and lettering, views, sections, dimensions, sheet sizes and scales, and the assembly drawing.
Answers about this reference, about technical drawing, and about how student projects and final projects are organised.
Drawing rules here follow the Russian ESKD standards listed in the sources; everything else is described in general terms based on engineering graphics textbooks. Other countries use their own drawing standards, and ISO standards are widely used internationally. Standards are revised from time to time, so check the current edition and your instructor's requirements before handing in work.