This article reports on the study that has been conducted to elucidate the effect of three-dimensional visual displays with different realistic levels in the computer-based multimedia learning of the topic entitled Orthographic Drawing. Two different modes of courseware, namely the three-dimensional animated visual with solid colour (3DS) at high realistic level and the three-dimensional animated visual with wireframe (3DF) at moderate realistic level were systematically designed and developed. The study was based on the quasi-experimental 2x2 factorial design with the 3DS and 3DF display modes as independent variables, the mean scores of achievement for the orthographic drawing as the dependent variables and the students? spatial abilities as a moderating variable. The ANCOVA procedure revealed that students exposed to the 3DF display mode obtained significantly higher mean achievement scores compared to the students exposed to the 3DS display mode. A significant finding of this study showed that the positive effect of three-dimensional animated visuals towards learning depends on relevant visual cues contained in the visual display.