Underlays

Put an image or a page of a PDF under the plan, set its scale with two clicks and a length you know, and draw the walls over it. It sits behind the drawing, faded, and never prints unless you ask.

Trace a plan

Every property, and what it does

Select the underlay and these are its rows.

The tools

In CAD tools, Blocks, and in Settings, Imports.

FieldWhat it doesValues
UnderlayPuts an image or a page of a PDF under the plan (UNDERLAY, UL). Dropping the file on the plan does the same.Image or PDF
CalibrateSets its scale: click two points you know the distance between, then type it (CALIBRATE, CAL).Two clicks and a length

Underlay

The picture's own rows.

FieldWhat it doesValues
PictureThe file, its name and its size in pixels.Kept in the drawing
ScalePlan millimetres per pixel, from the calibration, and how wide it is.Read only
WashHow strongly the picture shows behind the drawing.5 to 100%
LockedA locked underlay stays put while the drawing over it is moved.Locked, Free to move
PrintsWhether the picture goes on paper: the PDF, the SVG and the DXF.Screen only, On paper
DeleteTakes the picture out of the drawing.One click

How to trace a plan

  1. Put it under the plan

    Type UNDERLAY (UL) and choose an image or a PDF page, or drop the file on the plan.

  2. Calibrate it

    Type CALIBRATE (CAL), click two points you know the distance between, and type that distance.

  3. Trace the walls

    Draw the walls over it with the Wall tool; they snap and close into rooms as usual.

  4. Fade or hide it

    Set its wash, lock it, and leave it off the print.

Underlay questions, answered.

Can I trace a PDF floor plan?

Yes. Put a page of the PDF under the plan, calibrate it with a length you know, and draw over it.

Will the picture print?

Only if you ask. Its Prints row puts it on the PDF, SVG and DXF; by default it stays on screen.

Can I import a DXF instead?

Yes. A DXF or DWG comes in as lines, and Walls from lines turns them into walls.

Read on