A Guide to Large Format Printing For Architects and Designers

Professionals in the architecture and interior design industries face an enormous task when communicating project ideas from concept to completion. Visual communication is key in presenting ideas that make a lasting impression on clients, collaborators, and stakeholders. Whether you're crafting a technical floor plan or a stunning concept rendering, large format printing allows you to showcase work clearly and at scale to effectively bridge the gap between digital design and physical experience—and the right printer for architects and designers makes a significant impact.

The capabilities of large format machines extend beyond those of desktop printers to handle oversized drawings, detailed schematics, and high-resolution visuals with speed and precision. Whether you need to communicate early-stage concepts or provide stunning visuals for a final presentation, large format plotters and printers turn digital designs into impactful printed materials ready for meetings, site reviews, and competitions.

If you are new to large format printing or considering whether to invest in a large format printer for your firm, then we're here to help with an informative guide that details everything you need to know about large format printing for architects and designers. We'll explain:

• What large format printing is
• How it supports architectural and design workflows
• Which printer for architects might be best suited to your studio's needs

Large format printing in architecture refers to the practice of producing technical drawings and construction plans on media sizes larger than those standard printers can produce. The added space allows for a more detailed scale replica of a structure or space.

Large format machines print on paper sizes that exceed the limitations of standard desktop printers. Architectural drawings and plans use standard blueprint paper sizes to comply with Malaysian standards as well as local standards, regulations, and building codes. Standard blueprint paper sizes are divided into architectural paper sizes and engineering paper sizes to comply with building standards in various regions.

Architects use the following paper sizes:

• A3: 29.7 cm x 42 cm
• A2: 42 cm x 59.4 cm
• A1: 59.4 cm x 84.1 cm
• A0: 84.1 cm x 118.9 cm

Some of the most common applications for large prints in construction include:

• Floor plans
• Site plans
• Cross-section drawings
• Landscape drawings
• Technical drawings
• MEP system drawings
• Elevation drawings

Size is the biggest difference between standard and wide format printing. Wide format printers handle media widths of 24 inches and beyond. However, sophisticated large format machines also have advanced features that allow them to print with higher resolution and precise line widths critical to accuracy in blueprints and other technical drawings. Quality wide format printers are also known for having precision, colour vibrancy, and speed that meet the needs of architectural firms and design studios.

Like architects, design professionals must be able to show clients and stakeholders visual representations of a potential project before work begins. Large format printing is essential for creating presentation tools, such as technical drawings, mood boards, and concept boards.

In the past, interior design presentations were often created on large boards with designs painted or glued onto them. Today, these tools are primarily digital. Creating impactful visual images for clients in the interior design industry demands large and vibrant prints that make details easily visible in meetings and virtual presentations. Standard printers are incapable of producing the detail necessary to convey a finished project.

Technical drawings are used in the planning and execution of interior design projects to visualise spaces and ensure elements are proportionally aligned. Some of the most common technical drawings used in interior design include:

• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Sections
• Detailed drawings to capture specific elements of a design

Large format printers are essential for producing these drawings at scale in sizes suitable for presentations and works in progress.

Large format printers are ideal for creating large and vibrant mood boards, concept boards, and renderings for visual representations of a project. Larger prints make it easy for designers to include all the necessary elements and accurate colours to match a client's wishes.

The best large format printer for architects and designers should have essential features for crystal-clear imagery and other vital features to improve workflows and productivity. But every company is different, and finding the right printer for your business needs will depend on common use cases and your printing frequency.

The features you seek in your large format printer for architects should support high-quality, clear prints and meet your workflow needs. Key features to consider include:

• High resolution for clarity and precision, and vibrant colours
• The types and sizes of media you can use
• Printing speed

While entry-level printers cost less than professional models, they're not suitable for every business. Entry-level printers are meant for smaller or less extensive projects, while professional models offer higher resolution, faster print speeds, and more advanced features for technical use.

With features to help professionals cut costs without sacrificing quality, these HP DesignJet printers are ideal for design studios.

• HP DesignJet T250
• HP DesignJet Studio
• HP DesignJet T850/950

The capabilities of large format printers help professionals achieve their goals for visual presentations and technical applications.

Large format printers allow architects and design professionals to print floor plans and other documents to scale, showing an accurate representation of space. When printing to scale, use the drawing scale option to select the scale that meets your project specifications. Always recheck the scale on your saved file before printing.

Large format printers with precise line widths are crucial for creating architectural renderings that incorporate both 2D and 3D representations. Select a printer that integrates with your architectural software and preview the design before printing.

Architectural competition and design project mood boards demand clear and vibrant visuals supported by large format printers. Before printing, ensure you've selected the right colour profile and calibrate your monitor to ensure consistent colours every time.

Choosing the right printer for architects in your studio requires an examination of your print volume needs and your budget vs. output needs.

Your daily workload and print volume will be the first indicator of what you need from a large format printer. Determine how frequently you expect to produce large format prints, and seek a printer with print speeds to match your expected output.

A plotter's size can be a real concern for small design studios. Consider aesthetically pleasing printers, such as the HP DesignJet Studio or the HP DesignJet T200, that meet your output needs without occupying too much space.

Ensuring you'll have the support you need is crucial for smooth workflows now and in the future. Cloud-based and telephone customer support means you can have issues quickly analysed and receive professional advice to get back to work quickly.

Large format printers are vital tools for design and AEC professionals to communicate ideas from early-stage concepts to final presentations. These machines handle oversized drawings, schematics, and vibrant concept renderings to allow professionals to showcase their work at scale. As a long-time provider of large format printers in the AEC and design industries, HP offers many DesignJet large format printers ideal for architecture firms and design studios. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you find the right large format printer for architects and all your professional needs.