How to Draw an Impossible Cube: Easy 10-Step Optical Illusion

Ready to trick your eyes? This impossible cube tutorial is a fantastic way for artists ages 8 and up to explore geometry and perspective. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler to create this classic optical illusion that looks like it defies the laws of physics.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished impossible cube drawing showcasing the completed optical illusion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Establishing the Vertical Framework

Three vertical lines connected at the bottom to form the base structure of an impossible cube.

Draw three vertical lines of equal length. Place the middle line slightly lower than the two outer ones. Connect them at the bottom with straight horizontal lines. Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler to ensure these lines are perfectly parallel; precision is key to making the illusion work.

Step 2: Defining the Top Plane

A quadrilateral shape drawn on top of the vertical lines to define the top surface.

Draw a quadrilateral shape connecting the tops of your vertical lines. This creates the 'roof' of your cube. Tip: Keep your pencil strokes light, as you will be adding more detail inside this shape shortly.

Step 3: Detailing the Top Surface

Adding interior lines to the top panel to create depth for the impossible cube.

Sketch a smaller square inside the top panel. Extend a short line from the top corner, then draw two parallel lines extending from it. Tip: Imagine you are drawing a smaller box sitting on top of the first one.

Step 4: Adding Side Panel Detail

A square drawn inside the left side panel of the cube structure.

Draw a square within one of the side panels. This square will eventually help create the 'impossible' twist in the perspective. Ensure the lines are parallel to the outer edges of the cube.

Step 5: Balancing the Side Panels

A square drawn inside the right side panel to match the left side.

Repeat the process by drawing a corresponding square within the remaining side panel. Tip: Check that your squares are roughly the same size to keep the cube looking symmetrical.

Step 6: Connecting the Corners

Connecting corner lines to create the illusion of overlapping edges.

Extend short lines from the opposite corners of your squares, then draw parallel lines to connect them. This is where the 'impossible' geometry starts to take shape. Take your time—this is the trickiest part!

Step 7: Forming the Base Rectangles

Drawing rectangular base extensions to complete the impossible structure.

Extend three lines from the bottom corners on both sides. Allow the middle and bottom lines to meet, forming rectangles. This creates the base of the cube that appears to twist.

Step 8: Cleaning Up the Illusion

Erasing unnecessary guide lines to reveal the final impossible cube shape.

Carefully erase the extra guide lines that overlap inside your shapes. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser if you have one; it’s perfect for lifting graphite without smudging your clean lines.

Step 9: Finalizing the Outline

Adding the final connecting lines to complete the impossible cube outline.

Draw the final side by connecting three parallel lines between the upper and lower back corners. This locks the perspective in place. Your cube should now look like a solid, impossible object.

Step 10: Adding Color and Depth

A finished, colored impossible cube with shading to enhance the optical illusion.

Bring your cube to life with color! Use different shades for each face to emphasize the illusion. Tip: Try using a darker shade on the 'inner' faces to make the cube look like it has depth.