ISO A-Series Paper Sizes for CAD: A0 to A4
ISO A-series sheets are the standard metric family used in many CAD workflows. Each step from A0 to A4 halves the area of the previous sheet, making title-block families and reduced prints easier to standardize.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Choose the correct ISO sheet and understand how A0 through A4 relate.
Where to start: Check whether the project title block uses metric ISO dimensions.
Beginner rule: Choose the real paper size first, then fit model views with viewport scales. Never shrink the title block to imitate another A-size.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Identify the ISO size
Where: Title block / project standard.
Do this: Confirm A0, A1, A2, A3 or A4.
Check: The intended sheet is known.
Step 2 — Open Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Select the approved PDF/plotter device.
Check: Its paper list is active.
Step 3 — Choose the exact ISO media
Where: Paper Size.
Do this: Select the matching A-series size.
Check: Paper dimensions match the Layout.
Step 4 — Set orientation
Where: Drawing Orientation.
Do this: Match portrait or landscape.
Check: The sheet reads correctly.
Step 5 — Keep Layout at 1:1
Where: Plot Area = Layout / Plot Scale.
Do this: Use normal full-size sheet output.
Check: No extra sheet scaling exists.
Step 6 — Preview
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview.
Do this: Check border and printable area.
Check: The ISO sheet is ready.
Beginner example
A1 is half the area of A0, A2 is half A1, and so on. This makes a controlled family of metric title blocks much easier to manage than unrelated custom sheet sizes.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
| Size | Dimensions | Typical CAD use |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | Large master/infrastructure drawings |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | Common issue sheet |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | Medium technical drawings |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | Details/reduced sets |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Documents/small diagrams |
Useful next guides: Set A0 Paper Size · Set A1 Paper Size · Set A2 Paper Size · Set A3 Paper Size · Set A4 Paper Size
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| ISO size missing | Device/PC3 does not expose it | Check output device. |
| Border outside dashed line | Printable area smaller than sheet | Adjust border/margins. |
| Sheet rotates | Orientation/media variant differs | Use Preview. |
| Reduced print is not measurable | Viewer used Fit/Shrink | Use Actual Size. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Store approved A0–A4 Page Setups and title blocks in the office DWT. Solve missing media at the device/PC3 level rather than changing sheet geometry.
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 A1?
594 × 841 mm.
Can one project mix A1 and A3?
Yes, using separate Layout/Page Setup standards.
Why might A0 be missing?
The selected device may not support/expose it.
Explore more in CAD Paper Sizes, Margins & Printable Area.