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Import and trace a PDF floor plan

Keep the source drawing alongside your editable model. Start with a PDF or image, establish its scale, then trace the walls and openings you need for the proposal.

Worked example by Billy Mason · Published 28 October 2026

Try a renovation exampleImport your own plan

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Work through the example

  1. Choose a source you can check

    Use a clear floor-plan PDF or image that you have permission to use. A survey drawing with at least one known dimension gives you a reference for calibration. For practice, download the existing-layout PDF below. It describes our illustrative 7.2 × 4.8 m kitchen and dining room, measured inside the walls.

  2. Import the drawing

    Choose Import a plan in the editor’s starting choices and select the file. Keep the source as a drawing underlay. Importing a PDF or image provides a reference to trace; you still need to construct and check the editable walls, openings and room layout.

  3. Calibrate against a known measurement

    Use the underlay calibration controls to mark two points whose separation you know, then enter that distance in the displayed units. Choose a long, clearly dimensioned span. A printed page size or the width of an image is not a reliable substitute for a measured dimension.

  4. Trace and cross-check

    Draw the external and internal walls, then add doors and windows. Compare another known span against the resulting model before developing the proposal. If the source is distorted or dimensions disagree, resolve that discrepancy using the survey rather than adjusting furniture to make the plan look right.

  5. Develop the proposal and retain the reference

    Add the furniture and fittings needed for the design discussion. Inspect the room in 3D and export an evaluation PDF. Download an editable .planzoa backup before clearing browser storage. When the workflow fits your practice, Professional adds commercial use, cloud saving and view-only client links.

Base cabinet 1: 600 × 620 mmBase cabinet 2: 600 × 620 mmBase cabinet 3: 600 × 620 mmBase cabinet 4: 600 × 620 mmFridge: 600 × 650 mmDining table: 2000 × 920 mmDining chair 1: 480 × 520 mmDining chair 2: 480 × 520 mmDining chair 3: 480 × 520 mmDining chair 4: 480 × 520 mmKitchen island: 2400 × 1050 mm7.2 m4.8 mKitchenDiningIllustrative proposal A · opens as this editable model
Proposal A from the same editable model used in this guide.

Inspect the files

The sample is a 7.2 × 4.8 m kitchen and dining room. Open it directly, download an editable backup, or inspect the exported drawing.

Open the example →Proposal A PDFExisting-layout practice PDFEditable .planzoa project

Before using your own proposal

  • Check two independent dimensions after calibration.
  • Use the same measurement basis when comparing inside-wall sizes and wall centre lines.
  • Check opening widths, sill heights and product dimensions against the site survey.

Ready to use it in your practice?

Professional is £69/month, billed monthly until cancelled. It includes commercial use, cloud saving, view-only sharing and drawing/model exports. You can evaluate the local tools and outputs before subscribing.

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Questions about this workflow

Does importing a PDF automatically create the model?

This workflow uses a PDF or image as a calibrated underlay. Trace and check the editable geometry yourself. Do not assume that an imported drawing has been verified against the property.

Can I practise without an account?

Yes. Open the worked renovation example, or import the practice PDF into a local project. Local tools and exports are available for personal evaluation without an account or card.

Continue your renovation workflow

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