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Architectural boards are one of the most effective communication tools used by AEC professionals to express ideas and effectively portray design concepts. They use a combination of technical drawings, images, 3D drawings, and renderings to create a visual narrative of a finished project before work begins. Whether used for an academic project or a client presentation, boards must have the quality to reflect the merit and precision of your work. Poor resolution, uneven layouts, or the wrong materials can distract viewers from your message and reduce the visual impact. Professional-grade architectural board printing requires a quality printer and careful preparation to enhance your design.

This guide provides practical tips and best practices for preparing prints and architectural boards that accurately reflect your capabilities. We'll cover:

• Choosing the right file format and resolutions for high-quality architectural board printing
• Selecting media to enhance your design
• How HP DesignJet Series blueprint printers can help you elevate your presentation with quality architectural prints

The Purpose and Value of Architectural Boards

An architectural board describes design concepts through visuals. They're used in academic submissions, in design contests, and to pitch to clients. These presentation boards are increasingly becoming an expected part of any architectural sales package.

Communicating Concepts Through Visual Presentation

Architectural boards are used to create a professional and engaging presentation that showcases design skills to clients, project stakeholders, or professors and peers. They include key ideas from the project to showcase your professional capabilities in completing a proposed concept.

Common elements in an architectural board include:

• Internal and external images
• Exploded views
• Diagrams
• Descriptions
• Technical drawings

Common Formats for Client and Academic Use

Visual hierarchy is also a crucial component in effectively communicating a design concept. Common formats used to present information for both client and academic use include:

• Orientation: Landscape or portrait
• Page Size: A0 or A1
• File Type: JPG, PNG, TIFF
• Layout: Grid or central image with smaller supporting images
• Text: Sans-serif fonts, such as Helvetica or Futura

Preparing Files for Architectural Board Printing

Proper preparation is a vital part of producing prints that match your expectations. From line clarity in drawings to vibrant colours in visuals, the steps you take before printing will strongly impact your output.

Selecting the Right Resolution for Drawings and Images

High resolution is essential to produce sharp, clear printed images and precise lines. 300 DPI is the standard resolution for professional presentations.

Recommended File Types and Colour Modes

Graphic file types are generally recommended for architectural presentations. Common file types include JPG, PNG, and TIFF. Native application files are also used in some cases, including PSD in Photoshop and INDD in InDesign.

The best colour modes for digital presentations are not the same as for printed materials. RGB (red, green, blue) is commonly used in digital presentations or when saving images for web use. However, it's crucial to convert files to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) before printing to prevent unexpected colour shifts.

Layout Tips for Balanced and Readable Boards

Clear, attractive, legible boards depend on an attractive visual hierarchy. These tips can help you avoid distractions and clutter:

• Prominently display important information in larger images or top placement.
• Use a limited colour palette to avoid overwhelming the viewer.
• Use contrast to highlight important features.
• Choose clear fonts and typefaces for improved legibility.
• Create adequate space within the layout to avoid clutter.
• Balance visuals and text for enhanced visual appeal.

Choosing the Best Print Materials

Choosing the right media will further enhance your presentation. You'll need to consider the ideal paper type for prints and the best presentation board for your application and environment.

Paper Types: Matte, Satin, or Glossy Finishes

Paper finishes can impact colour vibrancy, line clarity, and even the durability of a print. Choose between matte, satin, or glossy finishes to achieve a specific tone during your presentation.

• Matte: A finish without shine can give images a refined and classic appearance. It can also reduce glare and resist smudges and fingerprints.
• Satin: A middle ground between gloss and matte, satin finishes enhance visuals without adding a distracting glare. It has a smooth texture and is versatile enough to use for both photos and text.
• Glossy: Gloss finish adds vibrancy and depth to images while creating a shiny surface that grabs attention. It can also add a layer of protection against dirt, dust, and fingerprints.

Foam Core and Mounting Considerations

Foam core is lightweight and durable. It also provides a smooth surface for mounting images, making it ideal for architectural presentations. The smooth surface is ideal for adhesives and finishes, and the boards retain their structure for as long as needed. When selecting the ideal type of foam core for your project, consider denser boards for applications requiring extra durability and acid-free finishes for presentations featuring artwork that requires long-term preservation.

Durability for Displays and Outdoor Use

The foam board you choose, along with finishes, can improve your board's durability. A board with higher density creates a stronger surface to withstand environmental conditions. Laminating your board on one side can add an extra layer of protection for improved durability and preservation.

Printing With HP DesignJet for High-Quality Output

Successful architectural board printing requires high-quality prints with precise lines and vibrant images. HP DesignJet Series printers deliver the quality that AEC students and professionals need with consistently clear prints, modern software tools, and lightning-fast speed.

Line Clarity and Colour Accuracy

HP's architectural DesignJet printers use advanced ink technology and high-resolution printing to achieve the line clarity and colour accuracy necessary for professional architectural prints. With resolution reaching up to 2400 x 1200 DPI, users get the line precision and vibrant colours they expect.

Software Tools for Print Preview and Layout Management

HP DesignJet printers often feature compatibility with popular design software and optimised print drivers. This connectivity allows users to take advantage of layout tools to simplify design hierarchy and print without unexpected changes. Using the DesignJet's print preview tool ensures every detail is exactly as intended before printing.

Fast Turnaround for Final Presentations

High printing speeds, reliable performance, and a user-friendly interface enable users to print images and drawings rapidly, reducing turnaround time. From student presentations to client proposals, every presentation can be completed on time.

Final Checks Before Printing

Along with calibrating your blueprint printer and checking print settings, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your architectural board printing proceeds as planned.

Reviewing Bleed, Margins, and Scale

Before printing, check that the scale is accurate to avoid pixelation and distortion in final images. Include a bleed area of 0.125 to 0.25 inches to prevent white edges when trimming.

Testing Small Sections Before Full Print

Testing small sections of your print will allow you to ensure the print matches what you see on your monitor. Crop vital sections from your full-size print and save them in your chosen file format. Print test sections to ensure accurate results before creating a full print.

Storing and Transporting Boards Safely

All printed materials should be stored in a cool, dry environment with stable temperature and humidity levels. Wear clean gloves when handling prints to prevent smudges caused by oils from your skin. Protect boards for transport by enclosing them in a sturdy box or placing the presentation board between two larger pieces of foam core.

Elevate Your Presentation With Professional Prints

HP DesignJet printers are designed to produce clear and vibrant images, perfect for the needs of AEC professionals. Don't let print quality be the issue that makes your boards fall flat. Contact HP today to discuss your AEC and architectural board printing needs.