Creating a Cut-away Drawing with a BIM Software
How to obtain a cut-away drawing from a BIM architectural project in just a few simple steps: here is the step-by-step procedure
BIM software emerges as a powerful ally in streamlining and enhancing the designer’s workflow. This technology enables automatic generation of comprehensive project documentation—from floor plans and elevations to sections, axonometric views, cut-away drawings, reports, and schedules—with a single input, dramatically accelerating the entire design process.
The cut-away drawing stands as a critical visualization tool, offering profound insights into spatial distribution, furniture arrangement, and material selection, transforming complex architectural concepts into comprehensible visual narratives.
This approach facilitates more transparent communication of design intent, allowing comprehensive exploration of project variants and enabling more nuanced, informed evaluations before actual implementation.
Edificius, the advanced BIM architectural design software, empowers designers to create precise cut-away drawings through an intuitive, fully automated workflow.
Contents
What is a cut-away drawing
A cut-away drawing is a three-dimensional representation that combines the clarity of technical axonometry with the informative depth of a section. In this graphic technique, the object or building is ideally “cut” with one or more section planes, allowing the internal parts to be shown without losing spatial reference to the outside. Unlike a simple axonometric view that only shows the external volumes, the exploded axonometric drawing reveals the internal composition, maintaining geometric coherence along the Cartesian axes. The three-dimensionality of the drawing facilitates the reading and understanding of the spatial organization, offering a synthetic and complete view of the project.
In practical design, the cut-away drawing represents an extremely effective tool for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating the internal articulation of a building. Architects, engineers, and designers use it to highlight functional distribution, the location of systems, the relationship between volumes, and the positioning of furnishings. It is particularly useful in the phase of comparing design variants, validating construction solutions, and communicating with clients and technicians on site. Furthermore, it allows for the identification of spatial or functional criticalities already in the preliminary phase, reducing the risk of errors during the execution phase.
From a graphic point of view, the cut-away drawing maintains the real proportionality of dimensions along the three main axes (X, Y, Z), without applying perspective distortions. The section can be horizontal, vertical, or inclined, and is often combined with the rotation of the object to maximize the visibility of relevant information. The cut parts are clearly represented, but always in relation to the whole, offering a coherent and readable picture of spatial connections. This type of representation is particularly suitable for documenting and presenting complex buildings, especially in technical and professional contexts.
Cut-away drawings vs perspective sections
The main differences between cut-away drawings and perspective sections lie in the projection geometry. The perspective section mimics the natural vision of the human eye, with parallel lines converging towards vanishing points, generating an effect of visual depth and realism. However, this representation does not preserve real proportions, making direct measurements difficult. In contrast, the cut-away drawing maintains uniform proportions and does not apply perspective deformations: the lines remain parallel and the scales are maintained along all axes. This makes it more suitable for technical drawing, where precision, clarity, and measurability are fundamental requirements.
Angles in exploded axonometric drawings
The axonometric projection can be orthogonal or oblique, depending on the orientation of the projecting rays with respect to the drawing plane. The three main variants of orthogonal axonometry are:
- Isometric – the three axes (X, Y, Z) form angles of 120° between them; all dimensions are represented in real scale, simplifying the reading and production of the drawing;
- Dimetric – two axes share the same scale and inclination, while the third has different angle and scale; it is a more realistic representation compared to isometry, while maintaining good readability;
- Trimetric – each axis has its own inclination and scale; this variant is the most complex to create manually, but can offer a more natural view of the object, useful in specific visual contexts.
In technical representation, the angles and scales of the axes are regulated by standard conventions, ensuring consistency among the various project documents. Parallel lines do not converge and proportions are respected according to the chosen scale. The section planes are chosen based on the elements to be highlighted: horizontal to show functional distributions per floor, inclined to bring out specific components or particular spatial articulations. The sectioned surfaces are often highlighted with hatching, shading, or conventional coloring. This approach ensures precise and effective technical communication, making the drawing one of the most reliable tools in project documentation.
How to create cut-away drawings with Edificius
Within the project, from the Level node, we insert a Plan or a Section.
Inserting Section
From the 3D View node, we select the Floor Plan or the Section previously inserted, and click on add cut-away drawing.
We automatically obtain the exploded axonometric drawing.
Customization of a cut-away drawing
Edificius offers numerous functions for customization. From the top menu, it is possible to apply a color to the cut part of the objects.
We can adjust the Transparency of the sectioned part of the objects.
With the DO NOT cut button, it is possible to view the selected entities uncut within the drawing.
Cut-away Drawing from RTBIM
With Edificius, it is possible to navigate, in real time, within the building and view it with the quality of Real-Time Rendering technology.
Viewing the drawing is very simple.
From the Real Time Rendering node, we select Real Time Effects and apply the Exploded Axonometric mode.
It is possible to choose from the list of previously created cut-away drawings and apply it to the RTBIM environment.
Sharing the cut-away drawing on the web
Thanks to Edificius-VR, the cloud platform integrated into Edificus, it is possible to share cut-away drawings online with anyone, simply by sending a link to be viewed on a PC or mobile browser, without the use of any software.
Video tutorial – BIM cut-away drawings
Discover the art of creating cut-away drawings through our concise tutorial video. In addition, immerse yourself in our cutting-edge virtual reality project where you can explore the design in a first-person perspective, offering an unprecedented interactive experience.Below is a short video on how to make an exploded axonometric drawing.
FAQ cut-away drawings
What is a cut-away drawing?
It is a three-dimensional representation that combines axonometry with one or more sections to show the internal composition of a building or object, while maintaining real proportions and spatial consistency.
What is the purpose of a cut-away drawing?
It is used to visualize, analyze, and communicate the internal layout of a building in a clear and three-dimensional way, making the project easier to understand for both clients and technical professionals.
What is the difference between a cut-away drawing and a perspective section?
A perspective section uses perspective to mimic natural vision but does not preserve actual proportions. A cut-away drawing maintains uniform proportions along the axes, without perspective distortion, making it more suitable for technical drawings.
What types of axonometry are used in exploded views?
The three main variants are: isometric (axes at 120°, uniform scale), dimetric (two axes identical, one different), and trimetric (all three axes different). Each type has specific advantages depending on the representation context.
How do you create a cut-away drawing with Edificius?
You insert a floor plan or section from the Level node, then from the 3D View you select “Add Exploded View”. The software automatically generates the exploded view.
Can a cyt-away drawing be customized in Edificius?
Yes, you can change the color of the cut elements, adjust the transparency of sectioned objects, and display uncut entities using the “Do Not Cut” option.
How do you view a cut-away drawing in RTBIM?
In Edificius, go to the Real Time Rendering node, select “Real Time Effects” and apply the “Axonometric Exploded Views” mode, choosing from previously created views.
Can an exploded axonometric drawing created with Edificius be shared online?
Yes, with Edificius-VR you can share the exploded view online via a simple link, viewable on both desktop and mobile browsers without installing any software.
