A ply that can be shown in a flattened state so that it can be dimensioned and used for a pattern is called a flat ply. A flat ply view is always of a single ply, and it can exist in a regular drawing or in sequence drawings. When it exists in sequence drawings, changing the sequence and repainting does not affect a flat ply view.

Flat views of boundary plies with bias will be shown with cross-hatching indicating the angle of the bias.