At a surface level, technical drawing and freehand sketching seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum. One is extremely precise, while the other is loose But are they really that unrelated? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Technical Drawing?
Technical drawing, also known as technical drafting or engineering drawing, is a detailed visual rendition of an object and how it works.
Due to its technical nature, technical drawing needs to be extremely precise, which excludes freehand techniques for the most part.
In order to ensure accuracy instruments such as rulers, compasses, technical pens, and lettering guides were used before Computer-Aided Design (CAD) became the industry standard.
Nowadays, engineers around the world use CAD software to create extremely accurate and detailed technical drawings without having to resort to other more time-consuming techniques.
What Is Freehand Sketching?
Freehand sketching consists in drawing without precision instruments, relying only on one’s hand and a pencil or pen.
Considering the need for accuracy that characterizes technical drawing, it’s easy to dismiss freehand sketching as a technique better suited for fashion or graphic design.
However, freehand skating also has a place within technical drawing and engineering. In fact, many technical drawings begin as freehand sketches. Engineers use freehand sketches to get concepts quickly on paper or convey crucial information before turning the hand-drawn schematics into a technical drawing.
To learn more about technical drawing, be sure to read our previous posts, “What Is Technical Drawing?” and “Is Technical Drawing Still Relevant?”
About Darnell Technical
Darnell Technical Services is an engineering design firm with extensive experience in a vast array of projects. Our headquarters are located in Santa Ana, California, and we have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Contact us today by telephone (714-285-0082 (CA), 702-945-2899 (NV)) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more about all the technical instruments and materials we put at your disposal.
