Printable isometric graph paper PDF

About isometric paper

Isometric paper is built from equilateral triangles. Its lines run in three directions, 60 degrees apart, which lets you draw a solid object so that all three axes are shown at the same scale. Lengths measured along any of the three directions are true, which is the main advantage over a perspective drawing.

With the vertical orientation, one set of lines is vertical and the other two slope at 30 degrees from the horizontal. This is the classic layout for drawing cubes, buildings and isometric pixel art. The horizontal orientation turns the pattern by 90 degrees and suits patterns, tessellations and some puzzle designs.

Choose lines when you want to trace over the grid, or dots when you prefer an open page. The dot version marks the same points as the line grid, so the two give identical geometry.

What you can use it for

• Technical drawing and design classes
• Isometric pixel art and game assets
• Furniture, packaging and building sketches
• Geometry and 3D visualisation lessons
• Tessellations and tiling patterns

The options explained

• Triangle side length. The distance between neighbouring grid points. 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) is a good starting size for drawing.
• Style. Full lines or dots at the intersections.
• Line direction. Vertical lines for 3D drawing, horizontal lines for a turned grid.
• Line or dot size and colour. Light grey blue keeps the grid in the background of your pencil lines.

Printing tips

• Draw the vertical edges first, then the 30 degree edges to the left and right.
• A 1 cm triangle makes it easy to work in whole centimetres.
• Print the grid light and draw on top in a darker pencil or pen.

For more detail, read the guide to printing grid paper at true size.

Frequently asked questions