Number and arrangement of principal views: Is the standard orthographic arrangement based on three principal views placed in a conventional layout?

Introduction / Context:
Orthographic drafting typically uses three mutually perpendicular principal views to communicate all necessary 3D information (width, height, depth). Recognizing this standard layout is essential for reading and creating technical drawings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Principal views considered: front, top (plan), and right/left-side.
• Views are arranged per first- or third-angle conventions.
• Additional or auxiliary views may be added if needed, but the base standard is three.

Concept / Approach:
The conventional set of three principal views provides sufficient information for most prismatic parts. The front view anchors the layout; the top and side views are placed according to the chosen projection method. This arrangement ensures consistent dimension mapping and clear feature relationships. While fewer views may suffice for simple parts, and extra views may be required for complex geometry, the “standard way” refers to the familiar triad layout.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check any engineering graphics reference: the three-view arrangement appears as the default teaching baseline. CAD templates also default to these three principal views, with options to add more as needed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “Only two views” may work sometimes but is not the standard baseline.
• “Five views required” is overkill for most parts and not a universal requirement.
• Pictorial views are different and do not replace orthographic standards.
• Applicability is general, not limited to a specific manufacturing domain.

Common Pitfalls:
Believing a fixed number of views is always mandatory; omitting necessary views and causing ambiguity; misaligning views and breaking dimensional correspondence.

Final Answer:
Correct: three principal views (front, top, side) are standardly arranged