USITT GRAPHIC RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES – Proposed (intended for all disciplines)

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1.0 STANDARD USE

This latest version of USITT Graphic Recommended Best Practices is intended for use on all productions
and projects involving live entertainment. The original 1982 and 1992 revised versions, identified as the
USITT Scenic Design and Technical Production Graphic Standards, were developed for hand drafters
exclusively, CAD drafting still being very much in its infancy at that time. This document melds those

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documents with an “in progress” proposed Recommended Best Practices (RBP).

At this time USITT no longer creates standards and has determined that future documents should be
referenced as “recommended best practices” rather than as an actual standard. In this document, which
services both hand and CAD drafting, it is left to the user to determine what is applicable, or not.

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However, many aspects overlap, and graphic communication remains the same whether done by pencil
or computer. All sections are clearly labeled as one or the other, when the distinction seems of any
importance.

The following set of RBP is intended to guide drafting work, both within a specific organization, and

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within the entertainment field nationally. The intention is that it will produce information in a clean,
efficient and consistent manner that can be shared with colleagues and partners, as well as a guideline
in the instruction of students and young professionals. The document is not envisioned as being
complete or even necessarily 'correct,' but it is an attempt to address the needs of entertainment
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industry users nationwide.

This version was created using as its baseline both the aforementioned USITT 1992 Graphic Standard
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and the United States National CAD Standard (USNCS_Version4). Hopefully it will be updated as
subsequent USNCS releases are published. The guideline is meant to be appropriate to any existing and
future drafting software applications, i.e., platform-neutral.
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1.1 INTENT

1.1.1 To assist in classifying electronic design and construction data consistently, to

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streamline and simplify the exchange of data with the design and construction
departments, and to illustrate the appropriate presentation of two-dimensional
graphic standards. Key to this practice is that any information provided must be
clear, specific, consistent, accurate, comprehensive and tailored to the needs of
the end user, be it drafter or reader.
1.1.2 During design, use of the USITT-RBP is intended to efficiently transfer information between
producer, director, consultants, and production department heads
1.1.3 During construction, use of the USITT- RBP is intended to increase communication between
producer, designer, consultants, and vendors

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1.1.4 In post-production, use of the USITT- RBP is intended to facilitate continued use of archived
design and construction documents

1.2 SCOPE

1.2.1 The USITT- RBP assists in classifying and organizing electronic data within CAD data files;

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addressing issues such as layer names, line weights, dimensions and notation, symbols, and the
graphic organization of design and construction drawing sheets
1.2.2 Implementation of the USITT-RBP by users is intended to facilitate the exchange of data
between current and future CAD software and help ensure the future utility of today’s CAD data

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files

1.3 IMPLEMENTATION

1.3.1 Implementation of the USITT-RBP in whole or in part is voluntary. Each organization may

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determine its degree of conformance, noting that agreements between producer and design
professional or between design professional and consultant/contractor may require specific
conformance.
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2.0 LINES
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Clear use of different line forms, widths and colors can help convey extra meaning. Standardization of
line forms and weights is important to establish a logical hierarchy within the drawing, leading the
reader instinctively to the most important information.
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2.1 LINESTYLES

2.1.1 Each line is made of two variables:

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• Width (often referred to as “weight”)

• Type (continuous, dashed, dotted, dash-dot-dash, etc.)

Together, these elements form a Line Style. The most commonly occurring Line Styles are defined in the
following sections. These line types, their approximate proportions, and their associated widths and
purposes shall be used wherever possible.

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2.1.2 LINEWEIGHTS (CAD)

Fine 0.13 mm 0.005 in sightlines, hatch lines

Thin 0.25 mm 0.010 in dimension, extension, and arrows

Medium 0.35 mm 0.014 in object lines

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Thick 0.50 mm 0.020 in cutting plane lines, title block

Extra thick 0.70 mm 0.028 in border

Text 0.40 mm 0.016 in standard 3/32” or 1/8” lettering

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2.1.3 LINEWEIGHTS (Hand) (This recommendation is a modified ANSI standard)

Pen
Thin 0.010”— 0.0125” Pen (ANSI standard = 0.016”)
Thick

Pencil V
0.20” — 0.025” (ANSI standard = 0.032”)
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Pencil line weights can be varied by pressure and sharpness of lead.
Thin 0.30 mm F, H, 2H
Thick 0.50 mm 2B, B, HB
Extra Thick 0.90mm 3B, 4B
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2.1.3 LINESTYPES

2.1.3.1 Continuous lines

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Default Object Medium

Set Line Thin SL

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Leader line thin or

Section/Hatch line Fine

Sightline Fine

Title Block/Strip Thick

Section Outline Thick

Border Extra-thick

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Architectural Outline Extra-thick

(90 mm)
2.1.3.2 Dashed lines

Hidden Thin
CEILING LINE
Ceiling Line Thin

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Plaster Line Thin PL
2.1.3.3 Phantom lines

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Default Thin

2.1.3.4 Centerline lines

Default Thin

CL
INDUSTRY SPECIFIC LINES

2.1.3.5 Break lines

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Long Thin
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Short Thin

2.1.3.6 Section solid Thick

2.1.3.7 Cutting Plane Thick

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Cutting Plane (Alternate Form) Thick

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3.0 TEXT
Drawings and notation must be complete, accurate, and effectively communicate the project to the
drawing user in the simplest, most efficient manner possible. The placement of notes within the drawing
block should comply with the drawing block format requirements as described in Section 9.5.

3.1 NOTATION FORMAT

Fonts should be upper case, sans-serif, and proportionate. In most situations use one of the five
recommended font options shown in Section 3.4. Do not use italics, underlining, bold, or other
highlighting techniques.

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3.2 NOTATION VOICE

3.2.1 Developments in drafting technology and CAD systems have made the preparation of notes less
burdensome but have also made it easier to create overly long notes—diluting efficient
communication. Clearly, reference keynotes or sheet keynotes reduce drawing text by

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eliminating repetitious text and replacing it with a simple symbol and legend. The Project
Resource Manual—CSI Manual of Practice offers “streamlining” (more commonly known as
“active voice”) and the “imperative mood” as additional means to reduce and clarify
specifications.

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3.2.2 These same principles apply to drawing notes, as illustrated below:
• Avoid “indicative mood” note language: CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT SCALE DRAWINGS
• Use “streamlined” note language: DO NOT SCALE DRAWINGS

3.3 NOTATION EFFICIENCIES

3.3.1
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This Section lists some guidelines for proper development of efficient notes:

Match the generic terminology used by manufacturers. Names of materials and products
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appearing on the drawings should be identical to the generic names used to identify these
products. Identify objects and materials on the drawings with generic terminology and a
description adequate to distinguish among similar products.
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3.3.2 Write notes using complete terminology and avoid the use of abbreviations. Where an
abbreviation is essential, be consistent and use recognized abbreviations.
3.3.3 References to written specifications and/or other drawings should provide the reader with an
exact reference location, In the case of drawing sets, identify the reference by specifying sheet
and drawing numbers.
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3.4 FONTS
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On a drawing or drawing set, use only a few selected fonts and use only one throughout whenever
possible. Below are examples of easy-to-read, standard (readily available regardless of platform), and
attractive fonts.

• 
• ROMAND
• ARIAL
• CALIBRI
• 

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3.5 TEXT SIZES (varies by font and legibility)

• Notes – 3/32” – 1/8” height (10-13.5 font size)

• Labels – 3/16” height (20 font size)
• Titles – 1/4” height (26.5 font size)

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3.6 COMMON NOTATIONAL SHORTHAND / ABBREVIATIONS (sampling only)

Alternate = ALT Outside Diameter = OD

Center Line = CL Plaster Line = PL
Diameter = DIA Plywood = PLY

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Do Not Cover = DNC Reverse & Repeat = R&R
Each = EA Sheet = SHT
Hardware = HDW Stage Left = SL
Inside Diameter = ID Stage Right = SR
Loose Pin Hinge = LPH Tight Pin Hinge = TPH
Muslin = MUS
Not To Scale = NTS
On Center = OC
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Tongue & Groove = T&G
Typical = TYP
White Pine = WP
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4.1 UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

4.1.1 This standard system of measurement for lines is the imperial system, i.e., feet and inches.
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Precision shall be set to 1/16” or 1/8”. Set DIM Round off factor in Dimension Properties to
1/16” (or 1/8”) unless the project calls for dimensional precision greater than 1/16".
4.1.2 The standard system of measurement for angles is the decimal system. Except in instances
requiring increased accuracy such as machining, set the precision level using whole numbers
only, unless shop equipment allows greater accuracy.
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5.0 DIMENSIONING
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5.1 UNITS & PLACEMENT

5.1.1 Dimensions must be clear, consistent, and easily understood

5.1.2 Orientation of dimensioning should follow ANSI recommendations of Unidirectional or Aligned
Systems. Regardless of choice, one method should be maintained throughout the project.
5.1.3 Imperial dimensions less than 1’-0” are given in inches without a foot notation, such as: 6”, 9-
1/2”, etc. Dimensions greater than 1’-0” include the whole feet with a single apostrophe
followed by dash then inches followed by a double apostrophe: 7’-1/2”, 18’-5 ¼”, 1’-3”, etc.

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5.14 Metric dimensions less than one meter are to be noted as a zero, decimal point, and portion of
meter in numerals. Dimensions greater than one meter are given as a whole meter number,
decimal point, and portion of meter: 0.1m, 0.52m, 1.5m, and 2.35m.
5.1.5 Dimension lettering can be placed 1/16” above the dimension line or centered within a broken
dimension line allowing a 3/32’” gap of white space on each side.

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5.2 EXTENSION & DIMENSION LINES

5.2.1 Extension lines should allow 1/16” gap of white space between the object and the tail of the
extension line.

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5.2.2 Dimension lines run between extension lines and should allow for a ½” gap between object and
dimension lines and for a 1/4” to 3/8” space between dimension line.
5.2.3 Dimension lines should be punctuated at the ends with an appropriate arrowhead or thick
lineweight 45° slashes (Architectural tick). Arrowheads should be about 1/8”-3/16” in length.
5.2.4 Dimensions should be the same height as lettering. To avoid placing dimensions into spaces that

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are too small, use a leader line with an arrow at the end to indicate an edge or location. Use a
leader line with dot on the end if a surface is being identified. Any leader line should meet note
at the middle of the note’s first or last word with a 1/16” gap between line and notation.
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5.3 CIRCLES & ARCS
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5.3.1 A circle is dimensioned by its diameter; an arc by its radius.
5.3.2 Diameter dimensions should be preceded or followed by “DIA” or “Ø”
5.3.3 Radius dimensions should be preceded or followed by an “R” and be at the end of a leader line
with one arrowhead touching the arc.
5.3.4 All circles, arcs, and holes should be accompanied by a center mark that includes quadrant
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intersections.

5.4 COMMON DIMENSION SYMBOL SHORT HAND

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Diameter =

Radius = R

Angle =

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6.0 SHEET SIZES

6.1 System Designation inches mm

ANSI A 8.5x11 216x279

B 11x17 279 × 432

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C 17x22 432 × 559
D 22x34 559 × 864
E 34x44 864 × 1118
Architectural
A 9x12 229 × 305

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B 12x18 305 × 457
C 18 x 24 457 × 610
D 24 x 36 610 × 914
E 36 x 48 914 × 1219
E1 30 x 42 762 × 1067

7.0 SCALE
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7.1 Drawing scale is in imperial units and appropriate to the type of project, allowing for adequate
detail and clarity. Examples of typical scales are:
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¼” = 1’-0” Ground Plans and Sections

½" = 1'-0" Ground Plans, Sections, Elevations, and Construction (Shop) Drafting

1” = 1'-0” Small object Elevations and Construction (Shop) Drafting, and Details
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3” = 1’-0” Very–Small Object Drawings and Details

1” = 1” FULL SIZE: for maximum precision

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8.0 LAYERS/CLASSES
(Layers in AutoCAD relate to Classes in Vectorworks. Vectorworks users can assume that Layers in this
document refers to Vectorworks classes)

8.1 DEFINED LAYER NAME DATA FIELDS

Layer identification is used to group all layers from a single department together in an
organizational string

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8.1.1 Discipline Designator (mandatory)

• Denotes the category of subject matter contained on the specified layer and is a single-
character field
8.1.2 Drawing View Layer Name (mandatory)
• are specialized codes for layers that are organized primarily by drawing type
8.1.3 One or two Minor Groups (optional)

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8.1.4 What the layer actually consists of: e.g., walls, platforming, handrail, etc.

Each data field is separated from adjacent fields by a dash (“-”) for clarity. For example, the
designation below reads as:

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• S - E L - D I M S = Scenery - Elevation - Dimensions
• SELWALLS = Scenery Elevations Wall

For example: CP1 = Construction Drawings Platforming #01

8.2 DATA FIELD ELEMENTS

Discipline Designators

• A
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Architectural Structure
•
•
RI
RG
Riser Drawing
Rigging
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• U Audio Minor Groups
• L Lighting & Electrics
• DIMS Dimensions
• J Projections
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• LABL Labels
• P Props
• LEGN Legends/Symbol Keys
• S Scenery
• NOTE Notes
• E Special Effects
• REVC Revision Clouds
▪ C Construction Drawings
• REVS Revisions
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Drawing View Layer Name • SYMB Reference Symbols

• TABL Data Tables
• EL Elevations • TEXT Text
•
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DT Details • TITL Drawing & Detail Titles

• GP Ground plan • TTLB Border & Title Block
• SC Section • DDNN Discipline Dwg # – 2 digits

8.3 LAYER COLORS (CAD)

Individual layers should be assigned different colors for ready recognition on the monitor screen or
based upon an organization’s implemented plot style.

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8.3.1 Layer colors are difficult to mandate due to factors of organizational preferences, layer systems,
and the issue of color-blindness.

8.3.2 Below are several suggestions that appear to enjoy wide consensus

Layer Color Use

Default White/Black Blocks, etc.

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DAT Green Reference & Center Line
LN White/Black Basic Drawing Lines
DIM Red Dimensions
TXT Red Text

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9.0 DRAFTING SHEET CONTENTS and ORGANIZATION
9.1 BORDER

A border is strongly recommended to ensure that the complete drawing is contained in its entirety on

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the media on which it is presented. Printed plans, where possible, should always include a border. The
border should be kept simple and clear, the recommended choice being a continuous ultra-thick line.
While sheet/border size recommendations are presented below, the border placement should always
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consider the plotter’s printable area. (CAD)

9.1.1 A 1/2” border should be maintained from the papers edge, except the left border which should
be inset 1” to accommodate the full file name (folder file string) outside of the left border edge.
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(CAD)
9.1.2 If drawings are to be bound, the left margin should be 1-1/2” to accommodate binding.
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9.2 TITLE BLOCK/STRIP & CONTENT

The position of the title block should be changed only in exceptional circumstances, e.g., the drawings
are to be stored on a hanging rack. The title and number should remain clearly visible when the drawing
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is folded. Normally, the Title Block/Strip is anchored to the bottom right corner and read from either the
bottom or right-side edges of the sheet. If the left-hand edge of the title block/panel meets the top
border line, the area between left and right lines provides space for additional information including
notes, revisions, etc. Line and text widths and layout within the title block should be chosen for greatest
clarity.

Drawings Block and Strips shall contain:

• Producing Organization Name (and • Plate Title

contact information as space allows) • Filename
• Show Title • Director Name

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• Set Designer Name 2. Vertical Title Strip Format

• Technical Director Name
• Drafter Name
• Checker/Approval Name (if not required, list as N/A)
• Plate Number
• Drawing Date

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• Scale
• Full File String Name (If not placed along left border
edge outside of border) (CAD)

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1 Horizontal Title Strip Format

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3. Corner Title Strip Format

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

 
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




  


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9.3 REVISION TRACKING LEGEND

Locate the revision legend near the title block, either as shown in figure 4, or within the title block itself
if using one of the formats shown in figures 1 & 2.

9.3.1 If using a title block versus strip, placing the revision info in reverse order (most recent version

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at top of list, is easy and efficient. To accommodate anticipated revisions, leave sufficient space
open above the title block, e.g. 1-1/2” – 2”.
9.3.2 Revision legend should include Revision #, Date, Drawing # and sheet #, plus brief description.

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4. Revision Legend Typical Location on Drawing Sheet
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9.4 ELECTRONIC FILE STRING RECORD KEEPING

To maintain a complete file management system, the entire string should be located somewhere on the
drawing. The location shown in figure 5 is non-invasive and easy to locate on each drawing provided
standard sheet practice is observed.

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5. Insert complete file string name as shown

9.5 NOTES V
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General notes should be located above or to the left of the title block/strip. Local notes are attached
with leader lines and arrows to appropriate drawings. Use local notes whenever possible.
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9.6 LEGEND

The use of a Legend is necessary to define the meaning of non-standard symbols, line types (and line
widths) contained in the drawing. If the drawing conforms to the Standards laid down in this document,
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it is not necessary to include a Legend if the following phrase is clearly visible:



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The above statement is adequate unless non-standard Line Styles etc. are used.

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9.7 DRAWING FORMATS

With the advent of CAD, it has been possible to streamline notation and layout of drawings. A traditional
system is shown in figure 6. Figure 7 depicts the drafting with more detail views and notation to where
views are located. Figure 8 illustrates a close-up detail drawing. No matter what style the user uses they
must be consistent so that the reader will not be confused as to where information can be found.

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6. Traditional Sheet Format

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7. Element drafting with detail views

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8. Detail drawing Formats

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10.0 SYMBOLS / BLOCKS / RESOURCES

Blocks shall be created on the default layer in full size (scale 1:1) with using the default linetype and
color. Blocks with potential use beyond the current project should be added to the drafter’s
symbol/resource library as a stand-alone file. The use of blocks is encouraged as it will promote
consistency and ease of correction or alteration. What follows is a sample of some standard USITT CAD

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approved Symbols. USITT Symbols for Lighting and Audio practice are available in stand-alone
documents, available from the national office or on the USITT website: www.usitt.org

10.1 STANDARDIZED BLOCKS/SYMBOLS

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Symbol Name Symbol Notes:

Detail Reference Top portion of circle for

w/ Outline Box
drawing #, bottom portion
for Plate #. Hidden box

V outlines detailed section.

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or Callouts
Leader Line
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Top portion of circle for
drawing #, bottom portion
Section Reference
for Plate #. These indicate
where to find section. Arrow
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direction indicates view

direction.
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Scenic Unit Reference Icon Place Letter of Unit in

Pentagon

Top portion of circle for

Reference Line   drawing #, bottom portion
   for Plate #.

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Revision Cloud j is consistent with

Lineweight
dimensioning


Text Height is ¼” and on top
Set Line

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of line.


Center Line

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Text Height is ¼” and on top
of line.


Text Height is ¼” and on top
Plaster Line

Break Line
V of line.

Place to show an object

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continues.
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Replace existing dimension
Break Line Dimensions lines to show a break in
dimensioning.
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Break Cylindrical

10.2 HATCHES
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Use Example Hatch Scale

Plywood LINE 1

Wood ANSI31 1

Steel STEEL 1

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Composite AR-SAND .125

11.0 DRAWING AND PLOTTING PRACTICES (CAD)

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Model Space and Paper Space (Sheet Layers)

Whenever possible drawings should be generated in Model Space and plotted in Paper Space.
Dimensions, detail references, call-outs, title lines, notes, and title blocks should appear in Paper Space.

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For the above system to be most effective, drawings are created full size in Model Space. The scaling of
Model Space drawings to fit paper size is done through the use of viewports and model view scaling.

11.1 Text Height for 1/8” plotted notes created in Model Space seen through Viewports

Plotted Scale Text Height in Model Space

¼”
½”
1”
1-1/2”
6”
3”
1.5”
1”
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3” 0.5”
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12.0 PLATE NAMING (use a clear system of organization, in the spirit of what is shown below)

• All Ground Plans use GP → GP1 – Act 1 GP GP2 – Act 2 GP GP3 – Act 3 GP
• All Sections use SEC → SEC1 – Section Looking SR; SEC2 – Section Looking RL
• All shop drawings use:
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A: C1, C2, C3 etc. (C - construction drawing code); or

B: By type of unit: Walls start with W, Platforming P, Stairs S, etc.
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13.0 FILE MANAGEMENT (CAD)

13.1 The full file name should be listed vertically along the left border outside of the drawing area.

13.2 If the full file name is listed on the drawing, the organization should determine the file string
order that best meets its own organizational needs.

W
13.3 A suggested file string is depicted below.

<c:>
(Productions/Events)
(Name of Production/Event)

IE
(Drafting)

V
E
R
R
FO

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