See Inside: Cutaways That Explain Prompt pack

About this prompt pack

Learn to show what's inside an object while keeping its shape and parts easy to read. These eight prompts move from a sliced flask and a speaker section to an inspection window, contrasting materials, a visible air passage, a transparent cover, an exploded lantern, and a labeled music box. Swap in your own subject while keeping the rules for openings, depth, and part placement.

What you'll learn

• Choose one cut plane — A single plane gives the viewer a stable slice to follow. The intact half supplies the outside shape while the cut half explains the volume.
• Open only what matters — A local window keeps the product recognizable. Size the opening around the mechanism you want to explain and leave the rest of the housing intact.
• Keep parts on one axis — An exploded view works when the assembly order stays visible. One axis, consistent orientation, and open gaps make the parts easy to mentally reassemble.
• Let labels finish the story — Add labels after the interior reads on its own. Reserve room for type and check each leader endpoint against the actual part it names.
• Give the cut thickness — Start with the cut edge. Separate solid wall, empty gap, and inner vessel so the viewer can read thickness without a label.
• Separate the materials — Texture separates the foam, brass, glass, and outer shell even where their boundaries sit close together. Give each material one clear visual cue.
• Make the passage continuous — An internal route needs connected empty space. Trace it from opening to opening, then check that the visual guide stays inside the passage.
• Ghost one cover — Selective transparency preserves the outline without hiding the contents. Ghost one cover and keep the parts behind it opaque so their depth stays readable.