# Line Drawings from 3D Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1810.01175 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.01175/

## Key facts

- Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Oct 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Learning to generate line drawings that convey geometry and semantics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.12691/) (2022)
- [CLIPasso: Semantically-Aware Object Sketching](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.05822/) (2022)
- [3Doodle: Compact Abstraction of Objects with 3D Strokes](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.03690/) (2024)
- [SketchDreamer: Interactive Text-Augmented Creative Sketch Ideation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.14191/) (2023)
- [Towards 3D VR-Sketch to 3D Shape Retrieval](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.10020/) (2022)
- [WIR3D: Visually-Informed and Geometry-Aware 3D Shape Abstraction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.04813/) (2025)
- [Sketching With Your Voice: "Non-Phonorealistic" Rendering of Sounds via Vocal Imitation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.13507/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This tutorial describes the geometry and algorithms for generating line drawings from 3D models, focusing on occluding contours. The geometry of occluding contours on meshes and on smooth surfaces is described in detail, together with algorithms for extracting contours, computing their visibility, and creating stylized renderings and animations. Exact methods and hardware-accelerated fast methods are both described, and the trade-offs between different methods are discussed. The tutorial brings together and organizes material that, at present, is scattered throughout the literature. It also includes some novel explanations, and implementation tips. A thorough survey of the field of non-photorealistic 3D rendering is also included, covering other kinds of line drawings and artistic shading.