Drawings, diagrams, illustrations, and related documents prepared by an engineer employed or retained by a contractor, subcontractor, manufacturer, or fabricator to show how something is to be constructed or installed on a construction project. Shop drawings expound on the design intent reflected on construction documents prepared by a design professional and provide the details of how something will be built. They are also used to coordinate the work of different subcontractors to confirm the dimensions.

Specialty subcontractors generally prepare shop drawings to show exactly how something will be constructed. For example, steel erection shop drawings detail the number and size of the steel components and how they will be connected. Fabricators or suppliers of prefabricated components, such as elevators and air handling units, may also submit manufacturer's catalog cutouts (cut sheets) and other product data.

Design professionals generally review shop drawings for conformance with the contract documents and specifications. However, the contractor, subcontractor, manufacturer, or fabricator remains responsible for the construction means and methods detailed on the shop drawings.