The drawing sheet
The Drawing tab generates an ANSI B (17 × 11 in) engineering drawing from the model: top, bottom, front and right views in third-angle projection at one standard scale, an isometric view, a parts list, five general notes, and a title block with the classification.
- Type
- Wood stringer
- Footprint
- 48.00 × 40.00 in
- Height
- 4.75 in
- Lumber
- 13.5 bd ft
- Est. weight
- 59 lb (27 kg)
- Fasteners
- 84
Every dimension is editable. Get the drawing free, or request a quote.
The Drawing tab turns the model into a dimensioned engineering drawing, the document a pallet shop builds from. It is generated from the same data as the 3D model, so it is always in sync. You can see finished examples on every template page, such as the 48 × 40 GMA.
Sheet layout
The sheet is ANSI B, 17 × 11 in, with a zoned border (columns 1 to 8, rows A to D) so you can refer to an area of the drawing by zone.
| Area | Contents |
|---|---|
| Upper left | TOP VIEW and BOTTOM VIEW |
| Lower left | FRONT VIEW and RIGHT VIEW |
| Upper right | PARTS LIST |
| Middle right | ISOMETRIC VIEW |
| Lower right | NOTES and the title block |
Slip sheets use a simpler layout with a large top view and a front view.
Views and scale
The four orthographic views use third-angle projection, the North American convention. The symbol is in the title block.
- Top view looks down on the top deck. It shows every top deckboard, the fastener positions as dots, the overall length and width, and a chain dimension of each deckboard and gap.
- Bottom view looks up at the bottom deck with a chain dimension of its boards and gaps.
- Front view looks at the long side. It shows the stringer profile with notches and radii, the notch chain (end, notch, flat span, notch, end), the overall length and height, and the cumulative leading-edge position of each top deckboard, which is how shops lay out a deck.
- Right view looks at the end. It shows the layer heights (top deck, stringer or block, bottom deck), the overall height, and a chain of the stringers, blocks or runners across the width.
All four views share one standard scale such as 1:6 or 1:8, picked as the largest that fits. The scale is shown in the title block. Note 5 says "DO NOT SCALE DRAWING": build from the dimensions, not by measuring the print.
Click any part in a view to select that part group in the model and the Parts tab.
Parts list
The PARTS LIST block has ITEM, QTY, DESCRIPTION and size columns. Sizes are thickness × width × length in fractional inches, or in mm when the units are metric. The last row is the fastener count. The sheet shows up to 11 rows. The Parts tab in the inspector has the full list with board feet. See Parts list and board feet.
General notes
| Note | Text |
|---|---|
| 1 | All dimensions in inches (or millimetres), actual size at manufacture. |
| 2 | Wood: tolerances per the Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets unless noted. Other types: supplier to confirm ratings and test standard with quote. |
| 3 | ISPM 15 heat treat (HT) and mark on 2 sides, or no ISPM 15 treatment required, from Compliance & marking. |
| 4 | The load per pallet, load type, and "racked" if the pallet is racked. |
| 5 | Do not scale drawing. |
Title block
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| TITLE | The document name, first 30 characters |
| DWG NO. | DRAFT in the designer, SHARED on a share link, or your request code on a quote request |
| REV | A |
| SCALE | The sheet scale, for example 1:8 |
| SHEET | 1 OF 1 |
| CLASSIFICATION | The classification string, for example "48.00 x 40.00, Stringer-Class, Double-Face Non-Reversible, Flush, Partial 4-Way, Reusable, New Manufacture" |
| UNITS | INCH or MM |
| DATE | Today's date, or the request date |
Below the frame, the overall length × width × height is printed for reference.
Representative drawings
For molded plastic, presswood and the Anything else type, geometry is indicative: the drawing shows the envelope and base style, not a specific product. The sheet is headed "REPRESENTATIVE GEOMETRY. SUPPLIER TO SUBMIT MODEL DRAWING MEETING REQUIREMENTS." See Other pallet types.
Viewing and printing
In the designer the sheet sits on a dark drafting background and fits the window. Use −, + and the percentage button in the lower-right corner to zoom. Print drawing in the top bar prints the sheet alone, without the designer around it. See Sharing and printing. To learn to read any pallet drawing, see How to read a pallet spec sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit the drawing directly?
No. The drawing is generated from the model. Change a property in the inspector and every view, dimension and note updates.
What paper size should I print on?
The page size is set to ANSI B, 17 × 11 in (tabloid or ledger). If your printer only takes letter or A4, choose landscape and fit to page in the print dialog; the text will be smaller.
Can I download a DXF or DWG?
Not yet. The designer produces the drawing on screen, in print, and as a PDF on the request page after you request a quote.
Related
- GuidesHow to read a pallet spec sheet: every field explainedA pallet spec sheet has four parts: identification and classification (size, class, deck style, entry, use), component tables (count and actual size of every board, stringer or block), materials (lumber species, grade, moisture, fasteners), and often an analysis of safe load and deflection by support condition.
- GlossarySpec sheetA pallet spec sheet is a document that defines a pallet design completely: overall size and classification, every component's count and dimensions, lumber species and grade, fasteners, treatments and, when an analysis was run, load ratings by support condition.
- DocsParts list, board feet, weight and fastener countsBoard feet are the sum of thickness × width × length ÷ 144 over every wood part, in actual inches, with no deduction for notches. Weight is board feet × a pounds-per-board-foot factor for the species and moisture. Fastener counts follow the Uniform Standard minimums by board width.
- DocsSharing and printing a pallet designShare copies a link that contains the entire design in the URL hash, so nothing is stored on our servers. Anyone with the link sees the drawing, spec and checks, and can print it or open a copy in the designer. Print drawing prints the 17 × 11 in sheet or saves it as a PDF.
- DocsUnits and dimension conventionsEvery length is stored in inches at actual size and shown in inches or millimetres. Length is the stringer or stringerboard direction and is stated first. Drawings use decimal inches or whole millimetres; parts lists use shop fractions to the nearest 1/16 in.
- Sizes48 × 40 pallet (GMA): dimensions, weight and specsA 48 × 40 in pallet (1219 × 1016 mm) is the North American standard, also called the GMA pallet. The typical build is a partial 4-way stringer pallet about 4.75 in tall with 7 top and 5 bottom deckboards on 3 notched stringers. Pooled 48 × 40 block pallets (CHEP, PECO) share the same footprint.
More in Using the designer
- DocsGetting started with the pallet designerOpen a template, edit its properties in the inspector, clear any errors in the Checks tab, then switch to the Drawing tab for an ANSI B sheet. From there you can share a link, print, or request a quote. No account is needed and the designer is free.
- DocsPallet templates in the designerThe designer ships with 21 templates across eight pallet types: 7 wood stringer, 4 wood block, 4 plastic, 2 metal, and one each for presswood, paper, slip sheet and anything else. Each opens as a complete, valid design you can edit.
- DocsThe designer interface and keyboard shortcutsThe designer has a top bar (name, Model and Drawing tabs, Share, Print drawing, Request quote), a toolbar for views and display modes, a Browser panel listing parts and templates, a 3D viewport, an inspector with Properties, Checks and Parts tabs, and a status bar.
- DocsDesigning wood stringer palletsWood stringer pallets are modeled board by board. You set the build (pallet, skid or plastic lumber), wings, top and bottom deckboard count, thickness and widths, stringer count and size, optional 4-way notches, lumber and fasteners. Deckboards are spaced evenly with flush ends.
- DocsDesigning wood block palletsBlock pallets are modeled as 9 blocks in a 3 × 3 grid under 3 stringerboards, with a top deck and a perimeter, cruciform or 3-board bottom. You set deckboard direction, board counts and widths, block sizes and material, and whether the pallet is Euro-size or EPAL-licensed.
- DocsPlastic, metal, presswood, paper and slip sheetsBesides wood, the designer covers molded plastic (by requirements and archetype), metal, presswood (by load grade), paper and honeycomb, slip sheets (material, caliper, tabs) and an Anything else type. Plastic, presswood and Anything else are drawn as representative geometry.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 755 words.