What is an orthographic projection?

An orthographic projection is a technique of presenting different views of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane, such as a drawing surface. It is also referred to as "multiview" drawing, which is a useful tool in engineering design.

A projection is illustrated by looking at an object on an imaginary plane, called the "plane of projection." In representing a solid geometric figure as an orthographic projection, the object is positioned inside an imaginary glass box, where each of the object's surfaces is projected at a 90-degree angle onto its particular side of the box. The common views of an orthographic projection include the top view, front view and side view.