Symbols are frequently used in architectural drawings as a form of shorthand to describe the position and location of elements in the building. This shorthand is used by all members of the construction team from building contractors, suppliers and installers to architects and designers.
When creating a freehand line drawing these symbols can be generated using a template. If creating digital drawings, CAD software programmes incorporate object libraries, allowing the user to select the relevant symbol and position it on their drawing. Recognised symbols include pieces of furniture (which give scale to the drawings and can indicate suggested internal layout), bathroom fittings (such as a bath, shower or sink) and kitchen fittings (to show the location of the sink or cooker).
Electrical and mechanical layout drawings have to explain an invisible network of cables, ducts and switches. These drawings also need to incorporate standard conventions and relate to the practical functional requirements of the building. Dotted lines are used to explain runs of cables and connections in the building. Light switches and electrical switches have their own coding system. All these code and symbol systems will be described and explained on the drawing in a legend.
There are various stages in the development of the architectural design that have different categories of drawings associated with them.