Blueprint Reading Guide

Whether you’re new to machining, want to figure out that never before seen drawing symbol, or simply need a refresher, this is your home to learn more about engineering drawings and blueprints for machining.

Learn to Read Blueprints

There’s no better way to start learning about blueprints. Level up your knowledge of drawing symbols and notes.

GD&T Symbol Guide

True Position Blueprint GD&T Symbol target

Check out our complete guide to GD&T symbols with tips to help you read and understand your manufacturing blueprints.

Explore More Blueprint Reading Topics

Datums

Datum Blueprint GD&T Symbol a in a box with arrow

Find out how to use datums and where they fit into your measurement.

Basic Dimensions

Basic Dimension Blueprint GD&T Symbol dimension in a box

Learn how to work with basic dimensions in our guide.

Blueprint Symbols

Depth Blueprint GD&T Symbol line with arrow pointing down

Includes all symbols per ASME Y14.5 and info on lesser-known legacy blueprint symbols.

Tolerance Types

An introduction to the different types of blueprint tolerances with lots of examples.

Blueprint Notes

Surface Finish Blueprint GD&T Symbol check mark

Say what?! Learn the language of engineering drawings and machining blueprints.

Hole Features

Counterbore Blueprint GD&T Symbol u shape

Our guide to holes of all types and the most common blueprint callouts associated with them.

Additional Blueprint Reading Resources

Talk Like A Machinist

Learn to speak like a machinist and work with the numbers and values you will find on engineering blueprints. A practical guide with plenty of examples to help you learn.

GD&T Symbols Chart

Spotface Blueprint GD&T Symbol SF in a u

A simple guide to get you started reading blueprint symbols with all the most commons symbols included.

GD&T Keyboard Shortcuts

A guide to all of the keyboard shortcuts for inserting each blueprint symbol into your document.

Machinist Guides is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

PH +1 603 287 8259

21 durham ave
claremont, Nh 03743

Manage Consent

To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Functional Functional Always active

The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.

Preferences Preferences

The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.

Statistics Statistics

The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.

Marketing Marketing

The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.