Frequently asked questions

One PDF per plan set, exported at 1:1 scale at the page size you want printed (24″×36″ for ARCH D, 36″×48″ for ARCH E, etc.). Embed all fonts. Flatten layers if your CAD software allows it. We do not accept native DWG, RVT, or PLN files for production — convert to PDF first. Image files (PNG/JPG) can be printed but large-format quality is limited; PDFs from a CAD source are sharper.

Three checks before you upload. (1) In your PDF reader open Document Properties → Page Size; it must equal the sheet size you're ordering. (2) Do not check "Fit to page" or "Shrink to printable area" when exporting from AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, or Bluebeam. (3) If the drawing has a scale bar, measure it on a printed test page with a scale rule. If it's off, re-export at 1:1.

Yes — one PDF with all sheets is easiest. All pages in one PDF must be the same sheet size; if your set mixes sizes (ARCH D architectural + 30×42 civil), upload a separate PDF per size as separate line items.

Our uploader accepts files up to 50 MB. Above that, send a WeTransfer or Dropbox link to info@ecblueprints.com with your order number. Large files often mean rasterized exports; a vector PDF from your CAD tool is smaller and prints sharper.

We print exactly what you upload. We will flag obvious red flags (page size doesn't match the sheet ordered, a 50-page PDF when you ordered 4 sheets, a blank page) and email you before printing. We do not edit files, correct title blocks, or fix scale unless you request and pay for file prep.

If your files already include redactions or stamps, we print them as-is. We do not add redactions, "FOR REVIEW ONLY" watermarks, or PE stamps for you. Add those in your CAD or Bluebeam workflow before uploading.

20# bond — the industry standard for permit submissions, bid sets, and field copies. It takes plot ink cleanly, photocopies well, and is what plan reviewers expect. If a job calls for heavier stock (24#/28# bond), vellum, or mylar, request a quote with the sheet size and count and we'll handle it as a specialty run.

For most permit sets and bid sets, B&W is the standard. Use full color for renderings, marketing presentations, color-coded MEP coordination drawings, and anything where color carries information. Color costs roughly 3x more per sheet.

Yes. Calibrated large-format plotters for architectural and engineering output. If your PDF is exported at the correct page size at 1:1, the print comes off at exactly that size. We routinely print ¼″=1′ floor plans, ⅛″=1′ site plans, and engineering scales 1=10 through 1=200 with no distortion. Off-scale due to our error → free reprint.

Our online catalogue is 20# bond, B&W or color, which covers 95%+ of AEC print needs. For heavier bond, vellum, mylar, sepia, or specialty stock, email info@ecblueprints.com with sheet size, quantity, and substrate — we handle those as a quote-based job.

Letter (8.5″×11″), Ledger (11″×17″), ARCH B (12″×18″ — half-size D), ARCH C (18″×24″), ARCH D (24″×36″), ARCH E (36″×48″), and 30″×42″ engineering. Any PDF can be printed at 50%, 100%, or 200%. Need another size or an exact percentage? Quote it.

Orders placed by noon ET on a business day ship the same day via UPS. Orders after noon ET ship next business day. We do not ship on weekends or U.S. federal holidays. A Friday-afternoon order means Monday production and Tuesday delivery to NJ/NY/PA.

UPS Ground from Cape May County, NJ: 1 business day to NJ, NY, eastern PA, DE, most of MD; 2 days to MA, CT, VA, western PA; 2–3 days to the Carolinas and Southeast. Need overnight to a farther state? Choose UPS Next Day Air at checkout — we still ship same day if you order by noon ET.

Yes. Enter the job-site or building-department address at checkout. Any U.S. address, including UPS Access Point pickup if nobody's on site to sign.

Yes, built in. On the order page choose Multiple addresses, add each bidder, office, or trailer, and set how many complete sets go to each. First address ships at the normal rate; each additional address is $15 on Ground. Every address gets its own tracking number and a packing slip showing what's in that box.

Yes. Upload the full-size PDF, choose the half-size sheet (12 × 18 for an ARCH D file, 11 × 17 for ledger, 18 × 24 for an ARCH E file) and select Print at 50%. Order full-size and half-size of the same file as two items on one invoice.

Yes. 25 or more sheets of the same size receive 10% off, applied automatically. Larger projects (100+ sheets, or recurring orders for one firm) qualify for additional pricing — email us your typical monthly volume for a custom rate sheet.

No minimum. We'll print a single sheet. Once your subtotal hits $100 you ship free, which more than offsets waiting a day to combine small jobs.

All major credit and debit cards via Stripe at checkout. Payment is captured when you place the order.

Yes — create an account at checkout (or afterwards) and your uploaded files and order history are saved. To reorder, log in, open a past order, and click Reorder — same file, size, paper, and quantity are pre-filled; you can adjust before paying.

Yes. Email info@ecblueprints.com with "NDA request" in the subject. We have a one-page mutual NDA on hand; we can sign yours instead. Most are returned within one business day.

Email us within 7 days of delivery with a photo. If it was our error, we reprint and reship at no charge, or refund the full order at your choice. Errors in the source file (off-scale, missing sheets, wrong title block) are not covered, but we'll reprint a corrected version at our normal rate.

Permit set: submitted to a building department for plan review; usually 1–3 hard copies plus digital, B&W 20#. Bid set: sent to GCs and subs for pricing; typically 5–15 copies, B&W 20#. Construction set (CD set, field set): the final stamped drawings used to build; usually 3–6 copies, reprinted as sheets wear out — save the file to your account and a fresh set is one click. Tell us the set type in the notes.

Under the NJ Uniform Construction Code, most jurisdictions require two hard copies plus a digital PDF. Some shore towns require three. Confirm with the specific construction office — we'll print whatever quantity you specify. Informational only; not a substitute for your code official.

Yes. Common distributions are 8–15 sets plus 2–3 archive copies; we've printed 50+. Volume pricing kicks in at 25 sheets per size. Send a ship-to list to info@ecblueprints.com and we'll handle distribution.

Yes. 1=10 through 1=200 on 30″×42″ or ARCH E, B&W or color. As long as your PDF exports at 1:1 at the correct page size, the scale is preserved exactly.

Yes — Letter and Ledger, B&W or color, with stapling, 3-hole punch, or coil binding. Upload the PDF, choose size + finishing at checkout.