MasterFormat®, a publication of CSI and CSC, is a master list of numbers and titles classified by work results. It is primarily used to organize project manuals and detailed cost information, and to relate drawing notations to specifications.
Construction projects use many different kinds of delivery methods, products, and installation methods, but one thing is common to all – the need for effective teamwork by the many parties involved to ensure the correct and timely completion of work. The successful completion of projects requires effective communication amongst the people involved, and that in turn requires easy access to essential project information. Efficient information retrieval is only possible when a standard filing system is used by everyone. MasterFormat provides such a standard filing and retrieval scheme that can be used throughout the construction industry.
MasterFormat is the master list of titles and numbers used to organize specifications and other project information for most commercial building design and construction projects in North America. It lists titles and section numbers for organizing data about construction requirements, products, and activities. By standardizing such information, MasterFormat facilitates communication among architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers, which helps them meet building owners' requirements, timelines and budgets.
CSI endeavors to safeguard the efforts of its members and others who have contributed to the development of its documents and standards by protecting its intellectual property rights. For more information and license terms, please contact CSI at masterformat@csinet.org.