BLUEPRINT MAKER

Produce drawings for creating a building, part, product, and more.

What is a blueprint?

Blueprints are designs used to create buildings, products, and more. Blueprints got their name from the historic process of creating technical drawings on paper coated with a chemical mixture that would turn the background blue while the drawing lines remained white when exposed to light.

The difference between blueprints and floor plans

Blueprints are detailed drawings referenced to build something. They can include many types of drawings and diagrams such as floor plans, elevations, and details. A floor plan shows a bird’s-eye view of a building or structure and typically displays the location of walls, fixtures, and furniture.

How to read blueprints

Learn the fundamentals to get started in creating and navigating blueprints.

  • A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BLUEPRINTS

    Learn about construction plans and blueprints.

  • BLUEPRINT READING BASICS

    Discover how to read blueprints for construction.

  • UNDERSTANDING BLUEPRINT SYMBOLS

    Take the mystery out of reading blueprints by learning how to read blueprint symbols.

  • NAVIGATING A SET OF PLANS

    Get to know how construction documents are organized so you can find your way around blueprints.

Blueprint maker software

  • Software for 2D and 3D CAD. Subscription includes AutoCAD, specialized toolsets, and apps.

    Learn more

  • Cost-effective 2D CAD software for drafting, drawing, and documentation

    Learn more

  • View, create, edit, and share DWG™ files on the go from your mobile device. Free version also available, included with AutoCAD products.

    Learn more

  • Plan, design, construct, and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modeling.

    Learn more

  • Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design

    Learn more

Compare
Learn more

Helpful videos on making blueprints in AutoCAD

Classroom floor plan tutorial

This video demonstrates how to use AutoCAD and the draw and modify tools to create a floor plan drawing of a classroom.

Ground floor plan tutorial

This video demonstrates how to use AutoCAD to draft a ground floor plan.

See how AutoCAD is used to make blueprints

  • STRATFORD FESTIVAL

    Set design comes to life with AutoCAD

    Canadian theater festival uses AutoCAD and other technologies such as 3D printing to deliver incredible set designs.

  • RED BEAN INTERIOR DESIGN

    AutoCAD LT opens doors for interior designer

    Interior designer highlights her skills with AutoCAD LT to land a new job and creates a competitive advantage for her current firm.

  • STRUCTURAL SURVEYS, LTD.

    AutoCAD mobile app provides instant solution

    For a new design department, the discovery of the AutoCAD mobile app brings on-site design, as well as unexpected benefits with workflow and accuracy.

Blueprint design resources

Learn how to use Autodesk CAD software to create blueprints and CAD drawings.

Frequently asked questions on blueprint design

Technical drawings known as blueprints include details and measurements that illustrate how to build or design a structure or object. Blueprints were originally negative reproductions of hand-drawn plans that show up as white lines on blue paper. Today, computer-aided drawing programs like AutoCAD make blueprint drawing easier and more accurate.