Resource · Guide
Plotter paper sizes & types: the complete HP DesignJet guide
Architects, engineers, and print shops in Austin ask us the same questions every week: which roll size do I load, what weight do I need, and when should I use vellum vs. coated bond? Here's the plain-English answer.
Wide-format paper sizes
Plotter paper is sold in rolls, and roll width is what determines the largest print you can produce. HP DesignJet plotters typically accept 24-inch or 36-inch rolls, with some Z-series and T-series models supporting 42-inch or 44-inch widths.
| Name | Dimensions | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Arch A | 9 x 12 in | Detail sheets |
| Arch B | 12 x 18 in | Small drawings |
| Arch C | 18 x 24 in | Presentation sets |
| Arch D | 24 x 36 in | Standard architectural drawings |
| Arch E | 36 x 48 in | Full construction sets |
| Arch E1 | 30 x 42 in | Large-format engineering |
| ANSI D | 22 x 34 in | Engineering drawings |
| ANSI E | 34 x 44 in | Large engineering plots |
Rule of thumb: a 24-inch roll handles Arch D drawings; a 36-inch roll handles Arch E and every smaller size.
Paper types & when to use them
Bond paper (20–24 lb)
The workhorse. Uncoated, bright white, cheap per foot. Use for daily check plots, redlines, and construction sets that get marked up on-site.
Coated bond (24–36 lb)
A thin inkjet-receptive coating gives sharper lines and richer color than plain bond. Best for client-facing plots and color renderings that don't need photo gloss.
Vellum (20 lb translucent)
Semi-transparent, dimensionally stable. Traditional for architectural overlays, historic archiving, and any workflow that needs light-table use or diazo copies.
Photo paper (satin or gloss)
Heavy (36–60 lb), coated for photographic dye and pigment inks. Use for presentation boards, marketing renderings, and any final deliverable that has to look premium.
Mylar / polyester film
Waterproof, tear-resistant, archival. Chosen for field drawings, as-builts, and long-life record sets.
Matching paper to your HP DesignJet
- T-series (T120, T520, T650, T730, T1700): dye + pigment inks. Bond and coated bond for daily CAD; photo satin for renderings.
- Z-series (Z6, Z9+, Z6100): full pigment. Rated for photo, canvas, backlit, and fine-art media — use coated or photo stock to see the color gamut.
- Older DesignJet 500 / 800 / 1050: stick with bond, coated, and vellum. Photo paper works but is rarely worth the ink cost on legacy heads.
Need the right roll in Austin?
We stock bond, coated, vellum, and photo rolls in every common width — and we'll beat any competitor's price on HP DesignJet paper. Local delivery across Austin and surrounding cities.