Printing drawings to scale is such a simple task to those that know-how. But what if you don’t know? What about if you have no idea what size or scale you need to print your drawings at?
In most cases, a drawing will include an indication of its scale, which denotes the proportional relationship between the dimensions of the drawing and the actual object or space being represented. Common scale indicators include ratios such as 1:100, 1:50, or 1:10, which convey how much smaller the drawing is compared to the real-world object or area. However, a more comprehensive approach to conveying scale is to not only specify the ratio but also include information about the paper size on which the drawing is presented.
Ideally, a drawing should explicitly state the paper size to provide additional context. This information can be included in various ways. Sometimes, the paper size is mentioned within the title of a specific area depicted in the drawing, allowing viewers to understand the size of the represented portion in relation to the overall paper dimensions. Alternatively, the paper size may be specified in a designated section of the drawing known as the title block, where important details about the drawing are typically recorded. Within this title block, you might come across informative text indicating the paper size, such as “this is an A1 drawing” or a notation like “1:100 @ A1.” We have inlcuded an example title block in the image below.
By incorporating both the scale ratio and the paper size, a drawing provides a more comprehensive understanding of its dimensions and facilitates better comprehension for those interpreting the drawing. This combination of information enables viewers to accurately gauge the size and proportions of the objects or spaces being depicted, fostering clearer communication and facilitating more precise planning and execution in various design and construction processes.
Printing drawings to scale on the correct paper size.
Understanding the paper size of your drawings is crucial for ensuring accurate printing at the desired scale. By having this information at hand, the process of getting your drawings printed correctly becomes much more straightforward.
To conveniently have your drawings printed and promptly delivered through Clickpost, you can follow these simple steps. Firstly, visit the website https://click-post.co.uk/upload/ where you’ll find an easy-to-use platform specifically designed for this purpose. Once there, proceed to upload all the PDF files containing your drawings that you wish to have printed.
After successfully uploading your PDF files, you will be presented with various customisation options, including the ability to select the appropriate paper size. It’s essential to choose a paper size that corresponds precisely to the size indicated on the drawings’ title block, which is typically displayed prominently. The common paper sizes for architectural and engineering drawings are A0, A1, A2, and A3. These designations represent standardised dimensions for paper sheets, with A0 being the largest and A3 being the smallest among the mentioned sizes.
By accurately specifying the paper size during the printing process, you can ensure that your drawings are reproduced faithfully, adhering to the intended scale and preserving their intricate details. This attention to detail will help you achieve the desired outcome and maintain the integrity of your original designs.
To ensure accurate and properly scaled prints, it is essential that you do not select the ‘scale to fit’ option. This option, if enabled, can automatically adjust the print size to fit the page, potentially distorting the scale of the printed plans. If you or someone else intends to measure the plans using a scale ruler, it is crucial to print them at a 100% scale. This ensures that the measurements on the printed plans correspond accurately to the intended dimensions. It is of utmost importance to guarantee correct printing when sharing plans with a builder for pricing or any other purpose requiring accurate scaling. By printing the plans without ‘scale to fit’, you can maintain the integrity and precision of the original design.
The ‘scale to fit’ option should only be used when you intend to resize your drawing to accommodate a different paper size. It is crucial to bear in mind that drawings scaled to fit may not accurately reflect the intended scaling for the end user. Therefore, when printing with the ‘scaled to fit’ option enabled, it is advisable to utilise the drawings as references rather than relying on them for precise measurements. In such cases, only dimensions provided within the drawing should be considered for accurate calculations and measurements.
By now, you should have acquired a fundamental comprehension of the process involved in printing drawings to scale. We have covered the necessary information and provided you with a foundation to proceed confidently. However, if you find yourself with any lingering doubts, uncertainties, or specific inquiries regarding the printing of your plans to scale, we encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation. You can easily get in touch with our support team by sending an email to support@click-post.co.uk. We are here to assist you and address any concerns you may have.
If you feel adequately prepared and equipped to move forward, ready to transform your plans into reality, simply click the “Order Now” button below. This will initiate the ordering process, allowing you to proceed with confidence and convenience.