AC 131

GRAPHICS 1
MODULE 2: ARCHITECTURAL
LETTERING
CONTENTS
 Lesson Objectives
 Introduction of Topic
(Architectural Lettering)
 Types and Importance of
Lettering
 Platework Discussion
 Q&A

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 LESSON OBJECTIVES
1. Determine the meaning of lettering
and its types for better understanding.
2. Recognize the importance of lettering
in your course.
3. Practice and apply single stroke
lettering through exercises/plates
using their correct proportion.

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LETTERING
 WHAT IS LETTERING?

 Writing of titles, dimensions, notes and other

important particulars on a drawing is called lettering.
 Important part of a drawing.
 It should be clear, legible and uniform in its style.
 It should be in plain and simple style so that it could
be done free hand and speedily.

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 METHODS OF FORMING LETTERS

1. Freehand lettering is done without the assistance of tools. To

regulate lettering height, commonly 3 mm (1⁄8-in), guidelines are
drawn.

2. Mechanical lettering is done using tools such as lettering guides,

templates, or using a small mechanical pantograph (pantograph,
instrument for duplicating a motion or copying a geometric shape to a
reduced or enlarged scale).

3. Modern drawings are lettered with computer-aided design software.

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 ARCHITECTURAL LETTERING

This style of handwriting, simply stated, are uniform

block letters that are easy to read. This lettering was
established by architects long ago so that all writing on
blueprints were legible; therefore, costly mistakes
would not be made.

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 TYPES OF
LETTERING
SINGLE STROKE LETTERING
DOUBLE STROKE LETTERING

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 SINGLE STROKE LETTERS

• These are the simplest form of letters.

• Single stroke means that the thickness of
the line of the letter should be such as is
obtained in one stroke of pencil. (Does not
mean that the letter should be made in one
stroke without lifting the pencil.)
• Horizontal lines of letters should be
drawn from left to right and vertical lines
drawn from top to bottom.
• Single stroke letters are of TWO types:
1. Vertical
2. Inclined

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 DOUBLE STROKE LETTERS

• When more thickness is given to

single stroke letters, it is known as
double stroke or gothic letters.

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LETTERING
ANGLE
• VERTICAL LETTERING
• INCLINED LETTERING
Vertical lettering: in this type of
lettering the letters are inclined at
an angle of 90° to the horizontal.
 Vertical capital letters are preferred for
most technical work. They are formed
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within a 6x6 grid.
PRESENTATION TITLE 17
 • Most letters are slightly narrower than they are tall.
• The shapes of the letters are as open as possible.

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• The “H” and “N” are slightly narrower that they are tall.
• The “T” and “M” are just as wide as they are tall.
• Note: Proportion: width vs. height is very important in forming
letters.
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Inclined lettering: in this type of
lettering the letters are inclined at an
angle of 75° to the horizontal or
inclined to the right at an angle of 15°
from the vertical.
 WHY IS LETTERING NECESSARY?

Architects use drawings to pass or convey written information. These architectural

drawings are assessed and used by the contractor for building a structure as
envisaged by the architect. If the drawings are misinterpreted, it would prove
disastrous as they could cause safety issues, project delays and many other problems.

Architectural lettering written in neat block letters is easily readable as there is no room
for uncertainty. Everybody involved in building the structure can follow the clearly
written letters and work according to the specifications mentioned.

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 IMPORTANCE OF GOOD LETTERING
A. Legibility – Each letter must be distinct and not have to
be read in context to be understood. Industry can’t
tolerate errors caused by poor drawing legibility.

B. Corporate Pride – Some engineering companies only

have their drawings to sell. Poor lettering reflects
poorly on their product and makes potential customers
question their engineering accuracy.

C. Personal Pride – You owe it to yourself to do your very

best. Don’t settle for anything less than your best.
Successful people aren’t “average”. Pay your “dues”
and practice. You can improve with effort and don’t sell
yourself short. Believe in yourself.

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 PLATEWORK # 2 – LETTERING EXERCISES
1. Draw gridlines on your drawing space with 0.5cm interval/spacing between grids.
(HB graphite or 0.3mm mechanical pencil)
2. Practice writing the letters and numbers following the vertical and the inclined
lettering strokes. (2B graphite or 0.5mm mechanical pencil)
3. Create 3 rows of vertical lettering, and 3 rows of inclined lettering.
4. Letters should be alphabetically arranged and in uppercase.
5. Followed by numbers starting from 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . . 9, 0.
6. Allow 0.5cm (or 1 grid) spacing between letters and numbers.
7. After finishing one row of letters/numbers, give a 0.5cm space before continuing or
starting another row of alphabets/numbers.
8. Sample layout in the next slide.
9. No need to erase your gridlines afterwards but make sure they are lightly drawn.
10.Once done, take a clear photo of your work and submit in our Neo classroom.

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 45.5cm

1.5cm 42.5cm 1.5cm

0.5cm

1.5cm
0.5cm

This is an example
only.
0.5cm

There should be:

3 ROWS for
Vertical Lettering

30.5cm
25cm
&

3 ROWS for
Inclined Lettering

0.5cm
NAME, COURSE, YEAR&SECTION: SUBJECT, PLATE# &TITLE: INSTRUCTOR & DATE: RATING:
LOGO JUAN DELA CRUZ GRAPHICS 1 - PLATE # 2 CARLO WENDAM

2cm

1.5cm
BS ARCH 1E LETTERING EXERCISES 09-12-22

2.5cm 12.5cm 12.5cm 12.5cm 2.5cm

MATERIALS

• Sketchpad

• HB & 2B graphite pencils (or

0.3/0.5 mechanical pencils)

• Measuring tools

27
 RESOURCES:

https://www.whsad.org/teacher-posts/architectural-lettering
https://u.osu.edu/idvisualization/2015/09/25/handwriting-samples/
https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/52000/52097/52097_single_strk.htm
https://www.slideserve.com/galena/architectural-drafting
https://www.slideshare.net/hena2204/lecture-iii-lettering
https://designbuildacademy.com/architectural-lettering/
https://theserif.net/lettering/architectural-lettering/
https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-is-the-importance-of-lettering/#What_are_the_different_kinds_of_lettering
https://www.google.com/search
https://www.slideshare.net/hermiraguilar/engineering-drawing-engineering-lettering-lesson-3
https://www.educationalstuffs.in/lettering-and-numbering/
file:///C:/Users/ACER/Desktop/1606739809-engineering-drawing-week-04-ee-215-double-stroke-vertical-letters.pdf
https://qnaengine.com/lettering-in-engineering-drawing-no-1-comprehensive/
https://edengdrawing.blogspot.com/2013/02/technical-lettering.html
https://www.kuet.ac.bd/webportal/ppmv2/uploads/1598888206Civil%20Engineering%20Drawing.pdf
THANK YOU!!!