Building efficient AIC factories in Arknights: Endfield can take hours of planning and setup. Here's the thing - you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. The game's blueprint system lets you save your best factory layouts and share them with other players, creating a community-driven library of optimized designs.
What Are AIC Blueprints and Why You Need Them
AIC Blueprints function as saved snapshots of your factory configurations. Think of them as architectural plans that capture the exact placement, connections, and settings of your production lines. When you apply a blueprint, it automatically reconstructs the entire layout exactly as it was saved.
The blueprint system becomes essential once you understand how complex AIC automation can get. Production chains involve multiple machines, precise ratios, and intricate belt networks. What most players miss is that blueprints don't just save time - they preserve working configurations that you can iterate on without losing your original design.

Blueprint creation interface
Important
Not every structure can be saved in blueprints. The system filters out certain buildings automatically, so always verify your selection before saving.
How to Create Your Own AIC Blueprints
Step 1: Perfect Your Factory Layout
Before creating any blueprint, ensure your production line runs smoothly. Test all connections, verify ratios work correctly, and confirm items flow without bottlenecks. You'll want to document what resources the layout produces and its intended purpose.
Step 2: Enter Blueprint Creation Mode
Access your AIC and switch to Top View mode. This perspective gives you the best angle for selecting multiple structures efficiently. Use the Bulk Action tool to drag and select the specific factory section you want to preserve.

Bulk action selection tool
Pro tip: Start with smaller, focused blueprints rather than trying to capture your entire factory. Specialized production line blueprints are more useful and easier to implement.
Step 3: Save and Configure Your Blueprint
Hit Ctrl + S (or the Triangle button on PS5) to open the save dialog. You'll need to provide several details:
The key here is writing descriptions that help other players understand what they're getting. Mention input requirements, expected outputs, and any special setup considerations.
Step 4: Submit for Community Review
After saving, your blueprint appears in My Blueprints with an "Under Review" status. Click Submit for Review to make it shareable. The review process ensures blueprints function correctly and meet community standards.

Blueprint review interface
Tip
Review times vary, but most blueprints get approved within a few hours. You'll see the status change to "Share" once approval completes.
Sharing Blueprints with Other Players
Direct Friend Sharing
The simplest sharing method works through your in-game friends list. Click the Share button on any approved blueprint and select Share with Friends. Your friends receive the blueprint instantly and can place it immediately in their AIC facilities.
Community Code Sharing
For broader distribution, use the Share with Others option. This generates a unique sharing code that you can post on Reddit, Discord, or other community platforms. Players copy this code and import it through their blueprint menu.
When sharing codes publicly, include a screenshot of the blueprint layout. This visual preview helps players understand what they're downloading and whether it fits their needs.

Blueprint code sharing
Warning
Blueprint codes are server-specific. North American server codes won't work on Asian servers, so always specify which server your blueprint supports.
Importing and Using Community Blueprints
Finding Quality Blueprints
The Arknights Endfield subreddit serves as the primary hub for blueprint sharing. Players regularly post their most efficient designs with detailed explanations. YouTube creators also share blueprint codes alongside their factory optimization guides.
Import Process
Navigate to Shared Blueprints in your AIC menu and click Import Blueprint. Paste the code you found and the blueprint appears in your shared collection. You can preview it before committing to construction.
Implementation Tips
Before placing any imported blueprint, verify you have the required facilities unlocked. The game prevents you from using blueprints that contain buildings you haven't researched yet. This actually helps you learn the progression system naturally.

Blueprint import menu
Consider these factors when implementing community blueprints:
- Tech Requirements: Ensure you've unlocked all necessary facility types
- Space Availability: Check if you have adequate factory floor space
- Resource Needs: Verify you can supply the required input materials
- Power Capacity: Confirm your power grid can handle additional machines
Blueprint Limitations and Considerations
Technical Restrictions
The blueprint system has several important limitations. Certain building types can't be saved, and the game will notify you during selection which structures are excluded. Additionally, blueprints only capture building placement and connections - they don't include stored materials or current production states.
Learning vs. Efficiency Trade-offs
While blueprints save tremendous time, they can skip important learning opportunities. Our Arknights Endfield AIC Factory Guide covers the fundamentals of factory design, which helps you understand why certain layouts work effectively.
Pro Tip: Use community blueprints to get started quickly, then experiment with modifications once you understand the underlying principles.
Server and Version Compatibility
Blueprint compatibility depends on several factors. Server regions maintain separate blueprint databases, so codes shared by Asian server players won't work on North American servers. Game updates can also affect blueprint functionality if they change building mechanics or requirements.
Advanced Blueprint Strategies
Modular Design Philosophy
The most effective blueprint creators design modular systems. Instead of massive factory-wide blueprints, they create focused modules that handle specific production chains. This approach offers several advantages:
- Easier Troubleshooting: Problems isolate to specific modules
- Flexible Scaling: Add or remove modules based on needs
- Better Sharing: Other players can use individual modules without rebuilding everything
Version Control for Your Designs
As you refine your factory layouts, save multiple blueprint versions. Name them systematically like "Battery Line v1", "Battery Line v2 Optimized", etc. This lets you experiment with improvements while preserving working configurations.
Community Contribution
Once you've mastered blueprint creation, consider contributing your designs back to the community. Well-documented, efficient blueprints help new players get started while showcasing innovative approaches to factory automation.
For players just starting their automation journey, check out our Arknights Endfield Ultimate Beginner's Guide for essential foundation knowledge.
Troubleshooting Common Blueprint Issues
Import Failures
If blueprint import fails, double-check the code for typos. Pay special attention to similar-looking characters like 'O' vs '0' or 'l' vs 'I'. The import function is case-sensitive and requires exact character matching.
Missing Buildings After Import
When imported blueprints appear incomplete, you likely lack required tech tree unlocks. Review the blueprint description for prerequisites and unlock the necessary facilities before attempting placement again.
Power Grid Overload
Large blueprints often exceed your current power capacity. Before implementing community designs, check your available power and upgrade your grid capacity if needed. Our Arknights: Endfield Depot Node Guide covers power management strategies.
Important
Always test imported blueprints in a separate area before integrating them with your main production systems.
The blueprint system transforms AIC factory management from a tedious rebuilding process into a collaborative optimization experience. Whether you're sharing your innovations or implementing community designs, blueprints accelerate your progression while fostering knowledge sharing across the player base.

