North arrows
North arrows - Free downloads
Avoid using low-quality and unprofessional north arrows from Google Images; we’re not drawing pirate maps! Overly complicated north arrows can be distracting and take focus away from your design. Our minimal architectural north arrows provide a range of choices while maintaining clarity, simplicity, and professionalism.
We have a range of north arrows available in AutoCAD DWG, Rhino 3DM, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and transparent PNGs.
AutoCAD Blocks .DWG - North arrows
Adobe Illustrator .AI - North arrows
Adobe Photoshop .PSD - North arrows
Transparent .PNG - North arrows
What are north arrows?
North arrows indicate the orientation of a map, site plan, or building plan. When a plan or map is rotated, the north arrow must also be adjusted accordingly. North arrows apply only to plan or aerial views and ensure that anyone reading the drawing correctly understands the design in its real-world context.
A north arrow typically points to true north. Technically, it could also point to magnetic north or grid north, but for architectural purposes, this distinction is usually unnecessary.
Some north arrows include labels for North, South, West, and East, but these can add unnecessary visual clutter. A single arrow without labels is generally understood to indicate north.
How to use north arrows
Rotate your drawing so the north is up, or rotate the arrow to point north. Place the north arrow in a consistent location, such as a corner of the drawing or page. Keep the north arrow small and unobtrusive, no larger than a few lines of text.
Which drawings require a north arrow?
North arrows should be included on:
- Site plans
- Location plans
- Roof plans
- Landscape plans
- Floor plans
North arrows are not required for sections and elevations.
How do you find north?
If you don’t know where north is, use Google Maps to locate your site. The red arrow in Google Maps points north, and you can match this direction in your drawing.
Should the north arrow point up?
The orientation of the north arrow depends on the type of drawing:
- Site location plans – The north arrow should generally point up.
- Building plans – Drawings should be presented square to the page for clarity, even if this means rotating the north arrow accordingly.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your architectural drawings remain clear, professional, and easy to interpret.
