Document Formats

Note on Paper and PDF Drawing Formats

The many images required for architectural projects are in format transition and use both digital and paper formats. The specific use of those drawing documents seem to dictate the preferred format, but exceptions are many. Client and architect communications tend to be digital using both PDF and JPEG (raster) formats. Building departments are increasingly accepting, and sometimes demanding, digital permit applications and drawing sets. Contractors and the many subcontractors and vendors are similarly using a digital format in their communications and office work. Yet there are times where paper drawings and full drawing sets are better or simply required. Job sites, for example, are often better served with paper copies.

Paper

CAD and Paper Sizes: CAD (computer aided design/drafting) continues to use a traditional paper size to format and present images. This allows drawing sets to remain in digital format and viewed on screen-or be printed onto industry standard paper sizes.

Big Paper/Small Paper: Larger paper copies are easy to read. They are also physically cumbersome. Small paper copies are harder to read but much easier to print, copy, distribute and generally carry around.

Typical Architect/Engineer Paper Sizes for Residential Projects: Tradition has Architect paper sizes slightly larger than comparable engineering paper sizes. Engineering sizes are smarter because half size prints remain at half size scale- and can be printed on standard 11 x 17 ledger size paper, and standard 8 1/2 x 11 letter size paper.

Paper Sizes: C Size ‘Engineering’ 17″ X 22″, D Size ‘Engineering’ 22″ x 34″, C Size ‘Architectural’ 18″ x 24″, D Size ‘Architectural’ 24″ x 36

Paper Size Selection: Is done based what is the best fit for a project. One important criteria is allowing the floor plans (primarily) to be presented at 1/4″=1′-0″ scale, which is the most used and recognizable scale for residential floor plans. Bigger projects require a bigger paper format.

Scale/Scale Selection: Drawings being ‘scalable’ means the dimensions of anything on a scalable 2D drawing can be measured using an architects scale. Architects scales use fractions of an inch to represent feet. 1/16″=1′-0″, 3/32″=1′-0″, 1/8″=1′-0″, 3/16″=1′-0″, 1/4″=1′-0″, 3/8″=1′-0″, 1/2″=1′-0″ etc. It is recommended a client obtain an architects scale and get comfortable using it.

PDF and Scale: PDF images printed to scale can use the architects scale. Images printed ‘to fit’ will have a scale but not one that can be accurately interpreted using the architects scale. 

Color and Grayscale: Color is used in all images for better representation and understanding. It is ‘free’ in all computer viewing formats. But printing in color is more expensive whether done professionally or at home. Printing services, and home printers typically have a greyscale option which is cheaper and still pretty effective.

Copies + Printing

Professional Printing: PDF images can be printed professionally at full size and scale. ‘C’ and ‘D’ size paper require a ‘large format printer’ utilized by architects/engineers reproduction specialty services, as well as some of the office supply box stores and some UPS mailing centers. Delivering PDF’s to all these printing services via email is now common practice.

Home Printing: The advantage to using the engineering C size and D size sheets is that they can be printed on a home printer at half size using standard letter and ledger size sheets. Half size prints remain in scale.

PDF

The PDF Language: PDF files and file viewing are universal. All devices can view pdf files with a clarity superior to paper viewing. A device may offer several software managed pdf viewing options. Pick the one that offers more intuitive use and zooming capability.

Using the PDF Drawings: PDF sets are easy to scroll thru and allow zooming, and are a tidy way to carry around a set of drawings. Many contractors/subcontractors/vendors have gotten used to and comfortable with the PDF format and prefer it over paper. One caution is screen size. Laptops and tablets are usually suitable. Phones are obviously universal and convenient but present a real liability in examining drawings due to their screen size.

File Size/Distribution: Design Sets are typically published in a single PDF file.  Construction Sets might be published in both a single PDF file format and in one file folder with individual files representing each sheet. The latter format permits greater flexibility distributing individual sheets to specific people, vendors, subcontractors. Below are average Design and Construction Set digital sizes.

3D Model Interactive Viewing (optional)

OVERVIEW: Projects can be published and viewed interactively in 3d, using a proprietary format this ArchiCAD software calls BIMx. There are a few conditions that make this a bit burdensome on the production and viewing side. This can be discussed as an optional service.