• An architect uses a compass, pencil and scale to draw blueprints.compass on blueprint image by FrankU from Fotolia.com
  
  An architect uses a wide variety of supplies from a simple tool set of a pencil and paper to more technologically-advanced equipment, such as computer-aided-drafting (CAD) software. Throughout history most architects drafted by hand using drawing utensils, scales and compasses to ensure accuracy and efficiency to the best of their ability. Today, computer programs have largely replaced these tools with computerized equivalences and other superior options available only through new technology.
  
  

Drawing Tools

• When drawing by hand, architects use a variety of lead weights and technical ink pens to achieve desired line weights. According to Paul Ross Wallach in Fundamentals of Modern Drafting, line weight determines the type of lead chosen with which to draw. He states, “hard leads are used for fine layout work, medium leads for most object lines, and soft leads for lettering and rendering.” Sketches and drafts are completed with these drawing utensils on vellum (also known as “bum wad”), trace paper, and drawing paper in various thicknesses. Erasers such as ink erasers and gum erasers, as well as electric erasers, all remove erroneous lines from drawings.
  
  

Rendering Tools

• To complete life-like images, architects rely on the same rendering tools commonly known to artists. These include colored pencils, markers, pastels and watercolors.
  
  

Accuracy Tools

• In order to convey the correct measurements and proportions, architects draw their building proposals to scale by using tools in a variety of combinations. They rely on t-squares, triangles, compasses, French curves, templates and scales to make lines the correct angle, curvature and length. To draw at the correct angle, t-squares are used for straight lines parallel or perpendicular to the drawing paper edges, and common triangles have edges that form 45-45-90 or 30-60-90 angle degrees. Similarly, an adjustable triangle can be set at a certain degree in order to form any particular angle. Curves are drawn using a compass for circles, whereas templates are usually replied upon for ovals. French curves or bendable rulers arrange specific curves. Additionally, architects rely on different scales to draw lines to the correct length. The most commonly used are the architect’s triangular scale, engineer triangular scale, and a metric scale.
  
  

Computer Drafting Tools

• With the prevalence of computers and available software programs, many architects have converted to primarily using technological tools for drafting. However, hand drafting may still be used for preliminary sketching and layouts. Software programs allow architects to draft by selecting the type of line they wish to draw and the angle or curvature desired. No longer having to rely on the manual layout of tools, the use of the computer greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of drafting. Programs now exist that allow the architect to design in three dimensions and to create realistic 3-D models and renderings.