Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The key difference between first angle and third angle orthographic projection lies in the orientation of views. In first angle projection, the object is positioned in front of the viewing plane, which means that the top view is placed below the front view, and the right-side view is shown to the left of the front view. This method is commonly used in Europe and many other parts of the world.

In contrast, third angle projection positions the object behind the viewing plane. Consequently, the top view is placed above the front view, and the right-side view appears to the right of the front view. Third angle projection is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada.

Understanding the orientation of views is crucial for accurately interpreting and creating technical drawings, as it affects how dimensions and spatial relationships are represented.