ARCH Paper Sizes for CAD: A, B, C, D, E and E1
ARCH paper sizes are widely used for architectural and construction drawings in North America. ARCH D (24 × 36 in) and ARCH E1 (30 × 42 in) are especially common.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Recognize the ARCH sheet family and select the correct architectural paper size.
Where to start: Read the project title block dimensions or client sheet standard.
Beginner rule: ARCH and ANSI names can look similar but use different dimensions. Always check inches, not only the letter.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Identify the ARCH sheet
Where: Title block / issue standard.
Do this: Confirm A, B, C, D, E or E1.
Check: Dimensions are known.
Step 2 — Open Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Choose the output device.
Check: Media list is active.
Step 3 — Select matching ARCH size
Where: Paper Size.
Do this: Choose exact dimensions.
Check: Title block fits.
Step 4 — Set orientation
Where: Drawing Orientation.
Do this: Match the Layout.
Check: Sheet reads correctly.
Step 5 — Check printable area
Where: Layout dashed boundary.
Do this: Keep border inside it.
Check: No critical clipping.
Step 6 — Preview
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview.
Do this: Review the whole sheet.
Check: ARCH setup is ready.
Beginner example
ARCH D is 24 × 36 in. ARCH E1 is 30 × 42 in, which is different from ARCH E (36 × 48) and ANSI E (34 × 44).
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
| ARCH size | Dimensions | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH A | 9 × 12 in | Small architectural sheets |
| ARCH B | 12 × 18 in | Small plans/details |
| ARCH C | 18 × 24 in | Medium architectural drawings |
| ARCH D | 24 × 36 in | Common construction/permit sheets |
| ARCH E | 36 × 48 in | Large architectural sheets |
| ARCH E1 | 30 × 42 in | Large coordination/consultant sheets |
Useful next guides: Set ARCH A Paper Size · Set ARCH B Paper Size · Set ARCH C Paper Size · Set ARCH D Paper Size · Set ARCH E1 Paper Size
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| 24 × 36 title block clips | ANSI D selected | Choose ARCH D. |
| 30 × 42 missing | Device does not expose E1 | Configure supported media. |
| Border outside printable line | Device margins differ | Use printable area. |
| Sheet reduced | Fit/Shrink downstream | Use Actual Size. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Store ARCH D/E/E1 Page Setups in the architectural office template and test them against the real large-format plotter.
Official Autodesk references
AutoCAD labels and available media can vary by release, driver and output device. These Autodesk pages document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is ARCH D?
24 × 36 in.
What is ARCH E1?
30 × 42 in.
Is ARCH E the same as ANSI E?
No.
Explore more in CAD Paper Sizes, Margins & Printable Area.