Short Answer:

Pictorial drawings are drawings that show a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface in a way that makes it look realistic and easy to understand. These drawings help people visualize how the object will look in real life without needing multiple views like in orthographic drawings.

There are mainly three types of pictorial drawings: isometric, oblique, and perspective. Each type presents the object in a different way. Isometric shows equal angles, oblique shows the front view clearly with depth added at an angle, and perspective shows depth realistically using vanishing points. These drawings are very useful in mechanical design, engineering, and product illustration.

Detailed Explanation:

Different Types of Pictorial Drawings

In the field of mechanical engineering, design, and architecture, it is very important to show how an object will appear in real life. Pictorial drawings help in this by showing all three dimensions—height, width, and depth—in a single view. These drawings are more understandable and visual compared to flat 2D technical drawings.

There are three main types of pictorial drawings used in engineering and design. Each type has its own style, method, and purpose.

Isometric Drawing

Isometric drawing is the most commonly used type of pictorial drawing. It is drawn using three axes:

One vertical axis (height)
Two 30° inclined axes (width and depth)

In isometric drawings:

All three dimensions are shown at equal angles (120° between axes)
All sides are drawn to the same scale
No face is shown in its true shape
It gives a balanced 3D view of the object

Uses:

Engineering components
Mechanical parts
CAD design and 3D models

Benefits:

Easy to measure and construct
Shows full object in one view
Neat and clear presentation

Oblique Drawing

Oblique drawing is another pictorial method where the front face of the object is drawn true to shape and size, and the depth is added by drawing lines at an angle (usually 45°).

There are three variations:

Cavalier Oblique – depth drawn full size
Cabinet Oblique – depth drawn half size
General Oblique – depth drawn at custom scale

In oblique drawings:

The front is kept flat and accurate
The other sides are slanted to show depth
It is quick and easy for simple objects

Uses:

Instruction manuals
Furniture drawings
Basic engineering sketches

Benefits:

Easy to understand
Good for beginners
Quick to draw

Perspective Drawing

Perspective drawing is the most realistic type of pictorial drawing. It shows how the object looks from a particular point of view, just like the human eye sees.

It uses vanishing points to create depth:

One-point perspective – one vanishing point (used for straight views)
Two-point perspective – two vanishing points (used for corner views)
Three-point perspective – three vanishing points (used for tall buildings, dramatic scenes)

In perspective drawings:

Objects appear smaller as they go further away
Parallel lines meet at vanishing points
Depth looks natural and real

Uses:

Architecture and buildings
Interior design
Illustrations and scenes

Benefits:

Most natural-looking
Shows space and depth correctly
Great for client presentations and realistic views

Other Variations of Pictorial Drawing (Less Common)

Exploded view drawing: Shows parts separated to explain assembly
Cutaway view: Shows internal features by cutting a section
Axonometric drawing: Similar to isometric but includes dimetric and trimetric views

These are often used in advanced technical illustrations or detailed presentations.

Conclusion

Pictorial drawings help us see the full shape and appearance of an object in one clear picture. The three main types—isometric, oblique, and perspective—each provide a different way of showing height, width, and depth. Isometric is good for technical accuracy, oblique is easy for fast sketches, and perspective gives the most natural look. By choosing the right type of pictorial drawing, engineers and designers can communicate ideas clearly and effectively.