ISOMETRIC DESIGN FOR BEGINNERS: THE SSR METHOD

The SSR METHOD is a fantastic technique for converting objects into one of the three
isometric views (LEFT, RIGHT and TOP).

TOP
LEFT RIGHT

SSR stands for SCALE, SHEAR and ROTATE—the three actions that go into producing
each desired result. Depending on the desired view, the shear and rotate values will be
different. Note that there are two methods for the top view. This is because it can be
performed differently depending on which way you want your object to rotate when
entering the perspective view.

LEFT RIGHT
SCALE VERTICALLY 86.602% SCALE VERTICALLY 86.602%
SHEAR -30° SHEAR 30°
ROTATE -30° ROTATE 30°

TOP (COUNTER CLOCKWISE) TOP (CLOCKWISE)

SCALE VERTICALLY 86.602% SCALE VERTICALLY 86.602%
SHEAR -30° SHEAR 30°
ROTATE 30° ROTATE -30°

A set of reverse actions can also be performed to take an object out of it’s isometric
view and into a straight-on view. Perform the method that corresponds to the current
view of the object:

UNDO LEFT UNDO RIGHT

ROTATE 30° ROTATE -30°
SHEAR 30° SHEAR -30°
SCALE VERTICALLY 115.471% SCALE VERTICALLY 115.471%

UNDO TOP (COUNTER CLOCKWISE) UNDO TOP (CLOCKWISE)

ROTATE -30° ROTATE 30°
SHEAR 30° SHEAR -30°
SCALE VERTICALLY 115.471% SCALE VERTICALLY 115.471%

If you are using Adobe Illustrator, all of these actions can be performed through the
free downloadable AWESOMETRIC actions at https://gumroad.com/l/lDhzV.