7/24/2025 - 7 Minute Read
If you're getting ready to file a patent and need illustrations, the materials you send can make a big difference. The better the reference, the more accurate the final drawings will be. Whether you’re working on a utility or design patent, here’s a quick guide to what helps the most and what can slow things down.
High-quality photos or scans go a long way. They help show the proportions, structure, and little details that can be hard to explain in words.
Fuzzy or pixelated pictures make it hard to see key details. That often leads to extra back and forth, and the final drawing might not be quite right. Sometimes you need to print out an image to mark it up then scan it back in. This can degrade an image, and while its vital to have the markup, be sure to send the original image along with it.
If you have CAD or 3D files, like STP, STL, DXF, or OBJ formats or others, definitely include them. These files contain precise technical information and dimensions, which removes a lot of the guesswork. They’re especially helpful for mechanical inventions or anything with complex geometry, and they speed up the drafting process significantly. For non-design cases, it can sometimes be possible to take linework from these files depending on the project, this can cut down on your costs!
If CAD files aren’t available, sending the physical product itself can still be very helpful. Being able to hold and examine the item makes it easier to understand how it’s put together and how everything fits. This can be especially useful for products with moving parts or subtle details that might not show up well in photos.
Sketches don’t need to be fancy to be useful. Even a rough hand-drawn diagram can go a long way — especially when it’s labeled with notes. These help explain how parts interact, what certain features do, or what the overall shape is supposed to look like. It’s a great way to communicate your vision clearly, especially when a photo or file doesn't quite capture everything.
It’s really helpful to know what exactly is being claimed in the patent. This could be a structural element, a functional feature, or something purely ornamental. When I know what matters most from a legal or technical standpoint, I can tailor the drawings to highlight those areas, helping you stay focused on what the examiner will be reviewing.
Some Things to Watch Out for
Design patents usually require seven standard views: front, back, left, right, top, bottom, and a 3D perspective. If only one or two views are provided, it’s impossible to accurately capture the full design. While I can make an educated guess about what shows up in the missing views and make up details based on available information, the drawings will never be exactly the same as the real design without that information.
If you're sending over edits, markups, or notes, make sure they’re easy to read. Faint pencil marks, tiny handwriting, or text that blends into the callouts, or the background can get missed during the illustration process. Using a bright color like red for comments or corrections helps make sure nothing important gets overlooked.
Final Thoughts
Clear reference materials help speed things up, but don’t stress if you’re not sure what to send — I can work with whatever you have. A little extra context just helps reduce revisions and keep things moving smoothly.
Need professional patent drawings? Get in touch today, and if it’s your first time working with me, you’ll get 30% off your first project.
