North Arrows 1 – AutoCAD Blocks

Full Description

This north arrow DWG file gives you 20 different ready-made north arrows as AutoCAD blocks. Drop them into site plans, floor plans and layout sheets to save time on every drawing set instead of drawing a north point from scratch.

What is a north arrow in AutoCAD?

A north arrow, also called a north point or north symbol, is a drawing reference symbol that shows the direction of north on a plan. In AutoCAD it is usually stored as a block so it can be inserted, scaled and rotated in one step. Site plans, floor plans, landscape plans and survey drawings normally include one so anyone reading the drawing can relate it to the real site, sun path and surroundings.

When to use it

• Site plans, grading plans and utility layouts.
• Architectural floor plans and reflected ceiling plans.
• Landscape and planting plans.
• Construction logistics and site setup plans.
• Presentation boards and title block templates.

What’s included

• 20 different north arrows for your drawings.
• Ready-made AutoCAD blocks in a single DWG file.

Pick the style that matches your drawing standards, from simple arrows to more detailed north points.

How to fill it out

1. Open the DWG and choose the north arrow style you want.
2. Copy it to your drawing, or insert it with the INSERT command or DesignCenter.
3. Place it in a clear area of the sheet, usually near the title block or the plan it refers to.
4. Scale it to suit the drawing or viewport scale so it reads clearly when printed.
5. Rotate it to match north on your plan, whether that is true north or project north.
6. Put it on your annotation or symbols layer so it follows your layer standards.

Tips

• If a plan is rotated to fit the sheet, rotate the arrow too. Do not assume north is up.
• Show both true north and project north when they differ, and label them.
• Use one style across the whole drawing set for a consistent look.

Related templates and guides

• North Arrows 2 – AutoCAD Blocks
• North Arrow – Autocad Block
• Drawing Symbols 1 – AutoCAD Blocks
• Title Block – Autocad Block
• More AutoCAD blocks

Frequently asked questions

How do I insert a north arrow in AutoCAD?

Open the DWG that holds the blocks, copy the north arrow you want and paste it into your drawing. You can also use the INSERT command or DesignCenter to bring the block in from the file. Then scale and rotate it to suit your plan.

What is the difference between true north and project north?

True north points to the geographic North Pole and is used for site orientation, sun studies and surveys. Project north, or plan north, is a convenient direction chosen so the building sits square on the sheet. When the two differ, many drawing sets show both.

Should the north arrow always point up?

No. Many offices set plans so north points up or close to it where possible, but the arrow must show the actual direction of north on the drawing. If the plan is rotated to fit the sheet, the north arrow is rotated to match.

Which drawings need a north arrow?

Any plan view that relates to the real site usually needs one, including site plans, floor plans, roof plans, landscape plans and utility layouts. Elevations and sections do not, because they are vertical views. Check your office or client drawing standards.

Can I use these north arrow blocks in other CAD software?

The file is in DWG format, which is native to AutoCAD and can be opened by many other CAD programs that support DWG. Results can vary slightly between programs, so check the blocks after opening the file in your software.