A0 and A1 plan printing: file size, scale and paper guide
Ordering architectural or construction drawings for the first time can be confusing. This guide explains how to check the page size and scale, choose between colour and black and white, and supply your files correctly.
What File Format Should You Supply?
PDF is the preferred format for plan printing. It preserves the page size, fonts, line weights and layout more reliably than an editable drawing file. DWG and DXF files can change when opened on another computer, particularly when fonts, line styles or external references are missing. Where possible, export the drawing as a PDF at its intended paper size. For drawings that must remain to scale, save the PDF at the correct size and print it at 100% or Actual Size. Do not select Fit to Page, as this will alter the scale. If scale is not important, the drawing can be enlarged or reduced to make it easier to read or handle.
How Do You Check the Drawing Size?
The intended paper size and scale are often shown in the title block near the bottom of the drawing. You can also check the PDF in Adobe Acrobat or Reader by selecting: File > Properties > Description. The page size should be displayed in the document information. Standard plan sizes are:
- A0: 841 × 1189mm
- A1: 594 × 841mm
- A2: 420 × 594mm
- A3: 297 × 420mm
A drawing marked NTS means “not to scale” and can normally be printed at any practical size. We usually print drawings at the page size saved within the PDF. We check the supplied page sizes against the order and will contact you if something appears unclear.
Colour, Paper and Waterproof Options
Choose black-and-white printing for drawings containing only black lines, text and light shading. Black-and-white plans are printed in greyscale, so pale blues, greens and yellows may become very light and difficult to distinguish. Choose colour when colour is used to identify services, boundaries, revisions or other important information. Standard plans are printed on white 80gsm paper and can be machine-folded to approximately A4 for easier filing and transport. For drawings that will be handled repeatedly or used in damp site conditions, there are two more durable options:
- Plastic paper: Thin, flexible, tear-resistant and water-resistant. It can be written on, but drywipe marker will not wipe off cleanly.
- Laminated plans: Thicker and more rigid, with a gloss encapsulated finish. Permanent and drywipe markers can be used.
For short-term site use, several standard paper copies may be more economical than one waterproof copy.
Sending Files and Urgent Orders
You can upload your PDF files after placing an online order. Large batches can also be sent through our WeTransfer upload page. Paper plans can often be printed and dispatched the same day when suitable files are received early enough. Next-working-day tracked delivery is available throughout most of the UK. For urgent collection or same-day delivery within London, email your files, quantities, delivery address and deadline before ordering. We can confirm what is possible and provide a suitable courier quotation. We can also scan or copy marked-up paper drawings and return the originals. Scans are supplied as PDFs rather than editable DWG files.