A Guide to Blueprint and Architectural CAD Printing in Beyoğlu, Istanbul

For architecture firms, civil engineers, site managers and design students, printing blueprints and plan copies is a critical stage in bringing a project to life. An incorrect scale or line weight can cause problems on site or during a jury presentation that are hard to correct.

Serving Beyoğlu, Istanbul, since 1968, Kopyaevi has put together the basic rules to follow for professional blueprint and CAD printing:

1. Vector PDF Format and Line Weights

When printing from AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD or Vectorworks, the most reliable format is a vector PDF.

• Make sure the CTB or STB pen settings are loaded correctly when exporting your drawings to PDF.
• Keep line weights at a minimum of 0.05 mm–0.09 mm; thinner lines may appear faint on a high-speed plotter.
• Ensure fonts are embedded in the PDF.

2. The Need for Exact Scale (1:1 / 100%)

One of the most common mistakes in architectural projects is selecting “Fit to Printable Area” in the print dialog.

• This can reduce the board to 94%–96% of its intended size, making measurements with a 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200 scale ruler inaccurate.
• Always select 1:1 scale (100%) in the print settings and adjust margins to the plotter roll width.

3. Standard Paper Sizes and Weights

| Format | Size (mm) | Use | |--------|------------|----------------| | A0 | 841 x 1189 | Site layouts, competition boards | | A1 | 594 x 841 | Architectural floor plans, sections and elevations | | A2 | 420 x 594 | Detail projects, electrical and mechanical plans | | A3 / A4 | 297 x 420 / 210 x 297 | Permit files, copies for municipal approval |

Paper types: - 80–90 gsm Standard Plotter Paper: An economical, durable choice for daily checks and site plans. - 120–180 gsm Matte Coated Paper: Provides rich color for architectural competition presentations, color renders and jury boards. - Tracing Paper & Acetate: Suited to light-table checks and specialized technical archiving.

4. Folding Project Drawings to DIN Standards

Boards submitted to municipalities, public institutions or archives must be folded according to DIN 824.

• The project’s title block (A4 size, 210x297 mm) should remain visible on the front of the folded board.
• Allow a 20 mm filing margin on the left and use an accordion fold.
• In our Kopyaevi workshop, automatic precision folding machines prepare your drawings for filing.

5. WhatsApp Preflight for Urgent Site and Jury Deadlines

We know how valuable time is. Offices and students in Beyoğlu, Taksim, İstiklal, Karaköy, Cihangir, Şişhane and Beşiktaş can send files by WhatsApp or email before visiting our workshop.

We check your file beforehand (scale, dimensions and color), prepare the print, and have it ready when you arrive or deliver it to your address by motorcycle courier.

Print Center: 0212 245 83 84 Send Files by WhatsApp: +90 531 841 83 80 Address: Tomtom Mh. Postacılar Sk. No:4/A, Beyoğlu — Istanbul