Module 2 - Sheet Organization

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Sheet Sizes
2.3 Sheet Layout
Drawing Area
Title Block Area
Production Data Area
Cover Sheet

2.4 Mock-up Sheets

2.5 Supplemental Drawing Sheets
2.6 Appendix A - Electronic Media

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Sheet Organization Module establishes guidelines for consistency in the systematic presentation of drawings
organized on sheets. Sheets thus organized are suitable for compiling into sets according to the Drawing Set
Organization, UDS section 1.2 guidelines, thereby providing a uniform location of graphical data.
The Sheet Organization Module:
Provides a consistent sheet format
Presents usable examples of sheet formats
Provides a location system for drawings on a sheet
Establishes guidelines for management, notation, and title block information
The benefits of sheet organization standards are:
Enhanced communication among drawing preparers and users
Improved quality control by providing a quality assurance standard
Easier data management
Consistent sheet format among design disciplines, conveying a coordinated image

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.2 SHEET SIZES
Many commercial sheet sizes are available. Sheet size selection is dependent on many factors. A common sheet size
for all projects facilitates filing hard copy documents, provides efficiencies in reducing multiple media requirements, and
maintains consistency for users of printed documents. Other factors influencing sheet size may include plotter
capabilities, project complexity or size, filing capabilities, and handling of hard copy deliverables. Some firms or owners
also require reduced size sheets for bidding or office use.

The single most important determinant in selecting the sheet size is to prepare a floor plan drawing on a single sheet
without dividing the plan into sections. Large projects, however, may require the plan to be divided into multiple parts
depending upon sheet size and scale. When plans are divided, a key plan is necessary on each plan sheet to indicate
the sector or quadrant location. The key plan location is described in the drawing area portion of this module.
As of January 1, 1992, the federal government requires all construction documents used for federal government projects
to be developed using the International System of Units (Systeme International d'Unites), or SI System, commonly called
the metric system. Typically, government agencies also require that construction documents be prepared on American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) sheet sizes. UDS Figure 2.2-1 indicates the standard sheet sizes and their typical
uses.
SHEET SIZES
ANSI

ISO

Architectural

Mark

Size mm
(inches)

Mark

Size mm
(inches)

Mark

Size mm
(inches)

Typical Uses

216 x 279
(8.5 x 11)

A4

210 x 297
(8.3 x 11.7)

229 x 305
(9 x 12)

Project book.
Supplemental drawings.
Mock-up sheets.

279 x 432
(11 x 17)

A3

297 x 420
(11.7 x 16.5)

305 x 457
(12 x 18)

Reduced drawings from "D" size and "A1" originals.

Supplemental drawings.
Mock-up sheets.

432 x 559
(17 x 22)

A2

420 x 594
(16.5 x 23.4)

457 x 610
(18 x 24)

Small projects accommodating preferred plan scale.

559 x 864
(22 x 34)

A1

594 x 841
(23.4 x 33.1)

610 x 914
(24 x 36)

Projects accommodating preferred plan scale.

Government projects.

864 x 1118
(34 x 44)

A0

841 x 1189
(33.1 x 46.8)

914 x 1219
(36 x 48)

Large projects accommodating preferred plan scale.

Mapping and GIS.

762 x 1067
(30 x 42)

Alternate size for projects accommodating preferred

plan scale.

UDS Figure 2.2-1 ANSI, International Organizations for Standardization, and all but F of Architectural size sheets have
a consistent sheet module within each system. The sheet size for each type of sheet is an equal module to the next
larger sheet size.

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.3 SHEET LAYOUT
As illustrated in UDS Figure 2.3-1 sheets are divided into three main
areas: drawing area, title block area, and production data
area. The drawing area and title block area are required, while the
production data area is optional. Each of these areas contains
information concerning construction or reference information, project
management or presentation information, and project production
information.
Each of these areas contains different types of information necessary
for the presentation and management of the project. These areas
should be defined by a border, tick marks, or other means to graphically
separate them from each other.

Drawing Area: That portion of the sheet containing

drawings, keynotes, key plans, schedules, and other
graphic and text data necessary to illustrate the work.
Title Block Area: That portion of the sheet
containing project, client, designer, sheet identification,
and sheet management information needed by the user
of the sheet.
Production Data Area: That portion of the sheet
containing information on the production of the sheet.

Sheet margins are the space between the edge of the sheet and the sheet area. The sheet margins may vary depending
on plotter capabilities, sheet size, and sheet area dimensions.

The practical minimum sheet margins are as follows:

Top and bottom margin: 20 mm (3/4 inch)
Left margin: 40 mm (1-1/2 inch)
Right margin: 20 mm (3/4 inch)

UDS Figure 2.3-1 Overall sheet layout.

Drawing Area
The drawing area is that portion of the sheet containing drawings, keynotes, key plans, schedules, and other graphic
and text data necessary to illustrate the work. The drawing area is divided into modules. Factors that may influence the
number and size of modules include sheet size, margins, title block area, client requirements, and typical drawing block
size. The user should establish a standard drawing module size as required to meet these factors. Examples of typical
modules may be 38 mm 38 mm, 75 mm 75 mm, and 150 mm 150 mm (1" x 1", 3" x 3", 6" x 6"). Modules should
remain the same throughout the drawing set. This allows the creation of library files of standard graphic and text
information that may be located easily within the drawing area grid or be moved between sheets or projects. Refer to
Drawing Set Organization, UDS section 1.4 for a discussion of library files.
Individual drawings may comprise one or more drawing modules.
Drawing modules containing graphic or textual information are called
drawing blocks. Each drawing block is identified by the drawing area
coordinate system.

Drawing Blocks: Drawing modules containing

graphic or textual information.

Drawing Area Coordinate System

The drawing modules are arranged in columns and rows. Columns are identified with numerical characters starting with
1 and increasing to the right. Rows are identified with alphabetical characters beginning at the bottom starting with A

and increasing toward the top of the sheet. Each module is therefore identified by a letter and a number. A drawing block
may be composed of one or more drawing area modules and is identified based on the lower left hand location.
Therefore, a drawing located in the lower left hand corner of the drawing area, two modules high by two modules wide,
would be identified as A1. UDS Figure 2.3-2 indicates examples of how several drawings would be identified.
It is preferred that drawing area coordinates be positioned outside the drawing area itself, although some plotting
hardware may require that the coordinates be located within the drawing area. At a minimum these coordinates should
be placed on the left hand side as well as the top or bottom of the drawing area. Coordinates may be placed in the sheet
margins to avoid interfering with text and graphics in the drawing area. However, it is preferred that they appear on all
four sides of the drawing area. Coordinates are not required for schematic design drawings.
This numbering system allows drawings to be numbered during early stages of the project or as late as construction
record drawings while providing for a consistent location throughout the drawing set and project cycle.

UDS Figure 2.3-2 Drawing area coordinate system.

Note Block
The note block is the module or modules within the drawing area where keynotes, general notes, and key plans are
located. Not all sheets will have a note block. The note block is located in the far right column of the drawing area. A key
plan block, when used, should always be located in the lowest module of the note block. Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-3. If
the sheet does not have a note block locate the key plan block in the lowest module next to the title block. Refer to UDS
Figure 4.2-14 in the Drafting Conventions, UDS section 4.2.

UDS Figure 2.3-3 Note block.

Title Block Area

The title block area is that portion of the sheet containing project, client,
designer, sheet identification, and sheet management information needed by the
user of the sheet. Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-4. The guidelines for the title block
area provide criteria for the location of like information shown in data blocks
within the title block area for easy and consistent retrieval and filing of drawings.
Data blocks include the following:
Designer Identification Block
Project Identification Block
Issue Block
Management Block
Sheet Title Block
Sheet Identification Block

UDS Figure 2.3-4 Title block.

Designer Identification Block

The designer identification block is
Preparer: Registered and unregistered designers,
that portion of the title block area
manufacturers, contractors, material suppliers, and
identifying the designer or preparer
others.
of the sheet. Refer to UDS Figure
2.3-5. This block may include information about the preparer including:
Name
Address
Telephone and fax numbers
E-mail address or other means of electronic communication
This block may also include the preparer's logo, professional seal(s), certifications, and the names
and addresses of consultants. In the case of a design-build project it may include the entire project
team.
The requirements for professional seals vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Single seals are
required by most states while others require both individual and corporate seals. Drawing preparers
should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements for the use of professional seals in the
state or jurisdiction of the work.
Project Identification Block
The project identification block is that portion of the title block area that identifies the project. Refer
to UDS Figure 2.3-6. This block may contain information on:

 Project name and address

Building or facility name
Construction phase sequence
Project logo
The address, telephone and fax numbers, and logo of the owner/client may also be included in the
project identification block.

UDS Figure 2.3-6 Project identification block.

Issue Block

UDS Figure 2.3-5 Designer.

The issue block is the portion of the title block

area that shows the chronological issue of,
and revisions to, the sheet. Refer to UDS
Figure 2.3-7. The issue block has three
columns identified as mark, date, and
description. The data fields in this block may
include:
Phase issue dates
Addendum issue dates
Clarification dates
Revision issue dates
UDS Figure 2.3-7 Issue block.
The number of data field lines is user
dependent. The initial entry should be placed at the bottom of the issue block, with subsequent entries placed above
each previous entry, allowing for expansion into the project identification block if necessary.

Management Block
The management block is the portion of the title block area that
contains the management information generally used for project
filing, record keeping, or other project management information.
Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-8. Data fields in this block may include:
Drawing preparer's project number
Owner's contract number
Owner's project number
File number
Design/construction phase number
CAD drawing file number

UDS Figure 2.3-8 Management block.

 Drawn by
Checked by
Copyright
When projects require space to indicate special management information, such as owner approval, the management
block should be expanded to include them.
Sheet Title Block
The sheet title block is the portion of the title block area that indicates the type of information presented on the sheet.
Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-9. The sheet may contain one or more types of drawings. The title block may only include the
major type of information shown on the sheet, or may indicate multiple types of information (e.g., floor plan, schedules,
and details).

UDS Figure 2.3-9 Sheet title block.

Sheet Identification Block

The sheet identification block is the portion of the title block area that contains
the sheet identifier. Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-10. The system for determining the
sheet identification and its format is contained in the Drawing Set Organization
UDS section 1.0. It indicates the discipline designator, sheet type designator,
and the sheet sequence number. Optional data as part of the sheet identification
block includes a number indicating the sheet count and total number of sheets
within the set. The sheet count can be for all sheets in the drawing set, or for the
count within each discipline.

UDS Figure 2.3-10 Sheet identification block.

Formats for Title Block Area

Two standard title block formats have been identified as a part of the
sheet organization formathorizontal text format UDS Figure 2.3
-11 and vertical text format UDS Figure 2.3-12. In either horizontal
or vertical text formats, the sheet identification block, the sheet title
block, and the management block are always oriented horizontally.

Horizontal Text Format: Title block text is oriented

parallel to the bottom of the sheet.
Vertical Text Format: Title block text is oriented
parallel to the right side of the sheet.

UDS Figure 2.3-11 Horizontal text format.

UDS Figure 2.3-12 Vertical text format.

Production Data Area

The production data area is an optional portion of the sheet that contains information on the production of the sheet. This
data is typically covered by the binding strip once the drawing set has been assembled. Because some plotters will not
plot in the binding margin, this information may need to be inserted manually or within a preprinted production block.
Refer to UDS Figure 2.3-13. The production data area may include the following blocks of information.
Plotter Time and Date Block
The plotter time and date block is the portion of the production data area where the time and date of the plot are located.
This information is typically located near the A1 drawing block. The time and date can be automatically inserted by most
CAD software.
Production Block
The production block is that portion of the production data area that
contains management information concerning the production of the
sheet. Data that may be assigned to this block includes:
File path
Sheet file name
Default settings
Pen assignments
Printer/plotter commands
Overlay drafting control data

 Reference file(s)
Layers plotted
Production hours
Scanning Scale Block
The scanning scale block contains a graphical scale that may be used
if the sheet is to be scanned, photographically reduced, or microfilmed.

Cover Sheet
The cover sheet is unique to the sheet organization format. The cover
sheet may identify the project, owner, and other project team members
involved in preparing the drawings. The cover sheet may also contain a
photograph, rendering of the project, or logo of the owner or preparer.
UDS Figure 2.3-13 Production data area.

If the cover sheet contains specific project data such as a list of sheets,
a listing of abbreviations, general notes, a building code summary, or a key plan, etc., it should be identified with a sheet
identifier containing the discipline designator G for general, sheet type 0, and the sequence number 01 (G-001). Refer
to Drawing Set Organization, UDS section 1.7 for further explanation of the sheet identification format.

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.4 MOCK-UP SHEETS
Mock-up sheets are often developed to assist in the layout and production of the drawing set. Individual mock-up sheets
are developed as a miniature of each proposed sheet, prior to production. Drawings, schedules, notes, and other data
are located on the mock-up sheets within the drawing area modules. Planning with mock-up sheets enables one or more
persons to work on a drawing set at the same time, while maintaining a coordinated effort.
Mock-up sheets are normally 216 mm x 279 mm (8-1/2 inches x 11 inches) or 279 mm x 432 mm (11 inches x 17
inches). A scaling factor is used to determine the size of the drawing or drawings to be located on the completed sheet.
The drawing area module grid also assists in placing drawings on the mock-up sheet and determining the number of
drawings that will fit on the sheet.
Scale factors for mock-up sheets are:
Full size scale: 3"

= 1'-0"

3" scale:

3/4"

= 1'-0"

1-1/2" scale:

3/8"

= 1'-0"

1" scale:

1/4"

= 1'-0"

3/4" scale:

3/16" = 1'-0"

1/2" scale:

1/8"

1/4" scale:

1/16" = 1'-0"

1/8" scale:

1/32" = 1'-0"

1/16" scale:

1/64" = 1'-0"

= 1'-0"

The UDS Figure 2.4-1 is included below for use as a template for preparing scaled mock-up sheets.

UDS Figure 2.4-1 11" x 17" Mock-up sheet of a full size ANSI D 34" x 44" sheet.

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.5 SUPPLEMENTAL DRAWING SHEETS
The supplemental drawing sheet format is similar to the
standard sheet format, but modified to accommodate the
reduced sheet size. This format should be used for project
detail books and supplemental drawing sheets. Refer to UDS
Figure 2.5-1 for an example of a supplemental drawing
sheet.
The practical minimum margins for supplemental drawing
sheets are:
Top and bottom margin: 15 mm (1/2 inch)
Left and right margin: 15 mm (1/2 inch)

UDS Figure 2.5-1 Supplemental drawing sheet.

Module 2 - Sheet Organization

2.6 APPENDIX A - ELECTRONIC MEDIA
SHEET SIZES
Sheet Type

Mark

mm

inches

ANSI

216 x 279

8.5 x 11

279 x 432

11 x 17

432 x 559

17 x 22

559 x 864

22 x 34

864 x 1118

34 x 44

A4

210 x 297

8.3 x 11.7

A3

297 x 420

11.7 x 16.5

A2

420 x 594

16.5 x 23.4

A1

594 x 841

23.4 x 33.1

A0

841 x 1189

33.1 x 46.8

229 x 305

9 x 12

305 x 457

12 x 18

457 x 610

18 x 24

610 x 914

24 x 36

914 x 1219

36 x 48

762 x 1067

30 x 42

216 x 279

24 x 36 (8.5 x 11)

279 x 432

30 x 42 (11 x 17)

ISO

Architectural

Mock-up