Construction Drawing Glossary

Common terms you’ll see on plan sets and in print orders, in plain English.

ARCH sizes

The architectural sheet sizes: ARCH C 18×24, ARCH D 24×36, ARCH E1 30×42, ARCH E 36×48.

ANSI sizes

Engineering sheet sizes, such as ANSI B 11×17, ANSI D 22×34 and ANSI E 34×44.

As-built drawings

Drawings updated at the end of a project to show what was actually built.

Bid set

Drawings and documents issued to contractors so they can price the work. See bid set printing: how many copies contractors need.

Blueprint

Originally a cyanotype print with white lines on blue; today the word means any printed construction drawing.

Bond paper

The uncoated paper used for most plan printing.

Construction documents (CDs)

The final drawings and specifications used to permit and build the project.

Detail

An enlarged drawing showing how a specific part is built.

Elevation

A straight-on view of a building face or interior wall.

Field set

The set kept on the job site for the crew and inspectors.

Full-size / half-size

A half-size set is printed at 50% of the original sheet dimensions, so it can’t be scaled as drawn.

Graphic scale

A scale bar drawn on the sheet that stays accurate when the print is enlarged or reduced.

Large-format printing

Printing on sheets wider than a desktop printer can handle, typically 18 inches and up.

MEP

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing.

Permit set

Drawings submitted to the building department for review.

Plot / plotter

A large-format print, and the printer that makes it.

Reflected ceiling plan (RCP)

A plan of the ceiling as if seen in a mirror on the floor, showing lights and grid.

Revision cloud

A scalloped outline marking what changed on a revised sheet.

Schedule

A table listing doors, windows, finishes, fixtures or equipment.

Section

A view of the building as if sliced through, showing how it’s assembled.

Sheet index

The list of every sheet in the set, usually on the cover.

Specifications (specs)

The written requirements for materials and workmanship that accompany the drawings.

Title block

The area on each sheet with project info, sheet number, revisions and the designer’s seal.

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