Print full-size metal cutting templates – no plotter needed
Flanges, gussets, brackets, gaskets, sheet-metal flat patterns and plasma-cut art. Print the template at true scale on A4 or Letter, glue it to the plate and cut, punch or scribe to the line.
- Free
- Vector-sharp from CAD PDFs
- No upload
How to print a plasma or fabrication template
The fastest route from a CAD part to marked-out steel without a plotter or CNC table.
Export a 1:1 PDF
From Fusion 360, Onshape, SolidWorks, Inventor, LibreCAD or QCAD, print or export the part drawing to PDF at 1:1 scale.
Open & check
The PDF opens at its true size. Use Calibrate on a known dimension, like a bolt circle diameter, to confirm.
Print at 100%
Choose “Actual size”. Measure the 100 mm / 4 in ruler on the first sheet before printing the rest.
Mark the metal
Glue the template to the plate, centre-punch hole centres through the paper, then cut or scribe along the outline.
Built for shop-floor accuracy
Vector output
CAD PDFs stay vector, so hole centres and edges print as thin, precise lines instead of fuzzy pixels.
Scale proof on sheet one
A ruler and test square show the printer kept the scale before you waste a single sheet or cut.
Mirror opposite-hand parts
Print left and right gussets, brackets and panels from one drawing.
Layout grid
Overlay a 10 mm or ½ in grid to check squareness on large templates and to lay out welds.
Big parts, small paper
Tile a 1.2 m panel across Letter sheets, or send an A0 / Arch D file to a copy shop.
Ink saver
Filled silhouettes for plasma-cut art print as outlines with a light fill, saving toner.
Tips for using paper templates on metal
- Degrease the plate first, then use spray adhesive: paper templates on oily mill scale won't stay put.
- Centre-punch through the template at every hole centre and the ends of straight cuts before you peel it off.
- For plasma cutting, trace the outline with a scribe or soapstone and remove the paper: it can scorch.
- Allow for kerf: cut on the waste side of the line, and remember the paper line is about 0.3 mm wide.
- For repeat parts, transfer the template to thin sheet or hardboard and use it as a reusable guide.
Paper templates are great for layout, hand, plasma and oxy-fuel work. For tight-tolerance machined features, mark out from the template, then confirm critical dimensions with a rule or calipers.
Metalworking FAQ
How do I print a plasma cutting template at full size?
Export a 1:1 PDF of the part from your CAD program, open it in TrueScale Print, choose A4 or Letter and print at 100% / Actual size. Check the ruler, assemble the sheets, glue them to the plate and cut or scribe to the line.
Can I print a DXF file?
Not directly yet. Open the DXF in your CAD program (Fusion 360, Onshape, SolidWorks, LibreCAD, QCAD) and export or print it to PDF at 1:1 scale, then open that PDF here.
Is a paper template accurate enough for metal work?
For hand cutting, plasma, oxy-fuel and layout work, yes: home printers are typically within about 0.5%. Check the ruler before cutting. For tight-tolerance machined features, use the template for layout and confirm critical dimensions with a rule or calipers.
Can I scale up a design from a photo?
Yes. Photograph it straight on with a ruler or a known dimension in frame, open the photo, click Calibrate and measure along the ruler.
Print your next template full size
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