Drawing
Build a legible graphic hierarchy
Use hatches and line styles to explain section depth and material relationships without competing with the geometry.
Begin with line hierarchy
A technical drawing should remain understandable before hatches or annotations are added. Establish a small, repeatable set of line roles first.
PrimaryCut geometryGive the geometry intersected by the section the strongest visual priority appropriate to the drawing.
SecondaryProjected geometryKeep visible geometry beyond the cut readable but subordinate to the section profile.
SupportingReference informationUse lighter or distinct styles for context that should not dominate the main view.
Use hatches with intent
- Assign a hatch because it communicates a material, cut condition, or clear grouping.
- Keep pattern density readable at the intended output size.
- Avoid using several nearly identical patterns for different meanings.
- Check that hatch contrast does not obscure boundaries or annotations.
Apply styles in a stable order
- 01
Resolve geometry first
Correct source or section problems before using styling to refine the view.
- 02
Set primary line roles
Create a visible distinction between cut, projected, and supporting information.
- 03
Add hatches
Introduce only the patterns needed to explain the section.
- 04
Review at output size
Zoom out or test the intended output so density and contrast remain useful.
Review after synchronization
- The strongest lines still describe the intended section profile.
- No hatch has become detached from its intended meaning.
- Dense patterns remain legible and do not create dark blocks.
- The same graphic role is represented consistently across related views.