How to read technical drawings - from beginner to advanced

Name: How to read technical drawings - from beginner to advanced
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Technical drawings - Read, interpret and use

Created byMarius Baluta

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

How to orient yourself in a technical drawing
Different types of lines used in a technical drawing
Views, details and sections
About the title block and what information it contains
Functional and non functional dimensions
Basic and auxiliary dimensions
Location and form dimensions
Modifiers
Datums and target datums
How to read automotive technical drawings

Course content

5 sections • 32 lectures • 2h 38m total length

1.1 What is a technical drawing?1:27
You will know exactly what a technical drawing is and where it can be used.
1.2 How to find anything in the drawing?2:06
Exactly what the title says, in this lesson you will find out how to find anything in the drawing with ease. Does not matter if you are looking for a dimension or a view, after watching this you will know how to do it.
1.3 Types of lines used in technical drawings8:41
There are different types of lines used in drawings, after watching this lesson you will be able to differentiate them.
1.4 What are the angles of projection?3:07
How to identify the views the details and the sections from the drawing.
1.5 How to identify views?6:00
Where is the identifier located, what information are present in it.
1.6 How to identify sections?5:13
1.7 How to identify details?2:33
1.8 What is the indicator ? And what information provides ?3:01
How to orient in a technical drawing

2.1 Rules of dimensioning on technical drawings1:50
In this lesson you will learn what are the rules that designers have to respect when they make the drawing.
2.2 Non functional dimensions3:29
This lesson describes non-functional dimensions, how to identify them on the drawing and why are they important too.
2.3 Functional dimensions4:37
In this lesson you will find out how to identify the functional dimensions from the drawing and why are they so important.
2.4 Auxiliary dimensions2:57
2.5 Basic dimensions3:52
2.6 Symbols to take in consideration3:36
Dimension classification - Quiz

3.1 What are datums?4:25
In this lesson we will learn together what are Datums, and why are they the most important elements from a technical drawing.
3.2 How datums are indicated on technical drawings4:44
Now that we know what datums are, it's time to know how to identify them on technical drawings. Find out in this lesson.
3.3 Datum systems3:05
Datum systems is what keeps together an assembly, so listen carefully what is represented in this lesson!
3.4 Datum targets4:58
This lesson will present datum targets, they are also important types of datums. Find out why inside the lesson.
3.5 RPS and best fit systems5:12
Some designers prefer to use RPS to align the parts, and some parts does not need any kind of alignment. This lesson explains why.
3.6 Datum modifiers7:01
All the modifiers that are applied to datums are explained in this lesson.
Datums - Homework

4.1 What are tolerances, and why do we need them ?3:39
In this lesson you will learn what tolerances are, why are they necessary, and the types of tolerances used in technical drawings.
4.2 Types of linear tolerances5:39
Now that you know what tolerances are, we will classify them into categories. In this lesson you will learn what types of linear tolerances are placed on technical drawings.
4.3 Classes and standards for tolerances5:26
It's important to know where to find more information. Classes and standards show us the way we have to interpret and work with technical drawings. In this lesson you will learn what standards are used to set tolerances on technical drawings, so it will be easier for you to find them, and learn more information from them.
4.4 Angular tolerances!4:33
With this lesson you will understand how angle tolerance works, and with the help of the examples presented you will be able to interpret angle tolerance correctly from now on.
4.5 Form and location tolerances! Part 1.15:48
In this part of the lesson you will discover the definition of form and location tolerances, how some of them are represented on technical drawings and why some of them are datum related and some of them are not.
4.5 Form and location tolerances! Part 2.14:29
This lesson continues with the explanation of the rest of the form and location tolerances.
4.7 Surface condition tolerance3:31
The final lesson from this chapter covers surface condition tolerances, and more precise the roughness tolerances. You will learn what types of roughness tolerances are set on technical drawings and how to interpret them, and where to find more information on them.

5.1 What are modifiers3:48
Modifiers are symbols, notations, or conventions used in technical drawings to provide additional information beyond the basic geometric shapes and dimensions.
5.2 Maximum and least material condition6:19
Understand the concepts of maximum material condition (MMC) and least material condition (LMC) as they relate to the tolerance zones specified in drawings. Learn to identify the symbols or notations used to indicate MMC and LMC in technical drawings.Understand how to interpret and apply MMC and LMC concepts to determine the allowable variation in part dimensions.
5.3 Envelope and independency principle5:31
Recognize the significance of the envelope principle in ensuring proper fit and function of parts, especially when dealing with complex assemblies.Recognize the significance of the independency principle in avoiding unnecessary restrictions on part tolerances and ensuring flexibility in manufacturing.
5.4 Gauss, Tangent, Max inscribed, Minimum circumscribed6:04
5.5 Thank you!2:02

Requirements

Anyone who wants to learn technical drawing interpretation and reading is welcome to take the course.
No prior experience with technical drawings is required

Description

Struggling to understand technical drawings? Do you want to improve your communication and collaboration skills within technical teams? Search no more, this is the course for you.

Here is what you'll learn:

Fundamentals : Gain a solid understanding of the basics, including types of lines, angles of projection, views, details, sections, and identifiers.

Dimensioning Techniques: Master the rules of dimensioning, differentiate between functional, non-functional, auxiliary, and basic dimensions, and learn to apply special symbols effectively.

Datum Systems: Explore the concept of datums, their indication on drawings, datum systems, targets, and modifiers, including RPS and Best Fit methods.

Tolerance Analysis: Understand the importance of tolerances, their types, classes, standards, and applications for linear, angular, form, and location tolerances.

Modifier Mastery: Learn about various modifiers, including maximum and least material conditions, envelope and independency principles, Gauss, tangent, maximum inscribed, and minimum circumscribed.

Why choose this course:

This course is packed with real-world examples and exercises to help you apply your knowledge immediately.

Learn from an experienced professional that have deep understanding of technical drawing principles and practices.

This course guarantees a strong basis in technical drawing since it addresses all necessary subjects.

Study at your own pace with this online course, you'l find inside materials and interactive lessons.

Who this course is for:

Quality Technicians, Quality Engineers
Quality Project Engineers
Project Managers
Quality Managers
Design Technicians, Design Engineers
Process Technicians, Process Engineers
CMM Technicians, CMM Engineers
CNC Technicians, CNC Engineers

How to read technical drawings - from beginner to advanced

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction8 lectures • 32min

Dimension clasification6 lectures • 20min

Datums6 lectures • 29min

Tolerances7 lectures • 53min

Modifiers from technical drawings5 lectures • 24min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: