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Measure & drawings

Drawings, layouts, tags, photos, reports, AR and every measuring tool.
35 articles · 160 answers

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Questions

Where are my drawings saved?

A drawing is saved on your device first, and it works with no internet. Settings, App, Storage chooses where drawings live and shows sync. Signed-in accounts can sync personal drawings, and Free includes 500 MB of account sync. An iCloud container or a folder from a file provider is separate from account sync. Account sync is live on the web now. The installed apps need an update for it. Drawings shared to a team sync live between the team's devices.

Can I use iCloud to sync drawings?

Yes. In Settings, App, Storage you can choose the app's iCloud container or a folder from any iOS file provider, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. These folders are separate from account sync, which has its own 500 MB on Free. Sign in to the same account on each device.

How do I export a drawing?

Open the drawing, then use the Drawings browser menu to export. Drawings export as a portable file that can be shared with other Measure Tech PRO users or archived for backup. The export includes all layouts (Grid, Sketch, Document, Elevation, Drafting), photos, tags, notes, and metadata.

How do I import a drawing?

From the Drawings browser, use the import option to load a previously exported drawing file. The drawing will be added to your local drawing list. You can also open an exported file from the Files app, email attachment, or use the Share Extension from any app.

What is the difference between local and cloud storage?

Local storage keeps a drawing only on the current device. Account sync and cloud folders put a copy where your other devices can open it. Free includes 500 MB of account sync. Local work stays available when the cloud allowance is full.

Will I lose my drawings if I delete the app?

Local drawings are stored in the app's document directory. Deleting the app removes local drawings permanently. If you use cloud storage, your drawings are preserved in the cloud folder. Always export important drawings before deleting the app.

How do I back up my drawings?

The most reliable backup method is to export each drawing using the Drawings browser export option. Store exported files in a cloud folder, email them to yourself, or save them to an external drive. If you use cloud storage, drawings back up automatically.

Can I work on the same drawing across multiple devices?

Yes. Personal account sync is included on Free with 500 MB. Sign into the same account in each browser, wait for Synced to your account, then open the drawing on the other device. Local-only changes are not yet available elsewhere. Web account sync is available now. Native account sync requires an upcoming app update.

How many drawings can I create?

There is no limit on drawings on any plan, and layouts are not limited by plan either. A free account can have as many layouts as it likes in a drawing. A paid plan adds the CRM, removes the export watermark, and unlocks tools such as AR Measure and the Elevation Scanner.

How does the Share Extension work?

The Share Extension lets you import files from other apps into Measure Tech PRO. In any app with a Share button (Files, Mail, Safari, Photos), tap Share and select Measure Tech PRO. The file is saved and the app opens to process it. This is the fastest way to get blueprints, PDFs, or reference images into your drawing.

Does the app auto-save my work?

Yes. Drawings auto-save regularly as you work. The auto-save interval is automatic and you do not need to trigger it manually. If the app closes unexpectedly, your most recent auto-saved state is preserved. Use the history command to view the drawing timeline.

What is drawing history?

Drawing history is a timeline of changes made to your drawing. Use the history command to open it. You can review past states and see what was changed and when. Use history clear to clear the timeline if needed.

What does the sync status indicator show?

The sync indicator in the header shows: Live (connected, syncing in real time), Syncing (actively uploading or downloading changes), Offline (no internet, changes queued for later), or Error (connection issue — close and reopen the drawing). Offline changes sync automatically when connectivity returns.

How do I undo a change?

Tap the undo button in the toolbar or type the undo command. You can undo multiple steps. Use redo to reapply an undone change. Undo history is per-layout — switching layouts doesn't affect the undo stack.

Why can't I draw on the grid?

Check if the grid is locked. A lock icon in the toolbar indicates editing is disabled. Tap it or type unlock to re-enable drawing. Also make sure you have a draw tool selected (grid draw or pencil draw), not the erase or fill tool.

How do I change line and fill colors?

Open the Customize screen with the customize command or the toolbar button. From there you can adjust the selected color, line color, closed-shape color, and background color. Save combinations as presets for quick switching.

What does snap mode do?

Snap mode constrains drawn lines to specific angles. Straight snap locks to horizontal and vertical lines. Diagonal snap adds 45-degree angles. Turn snap off for fully freehand placement. Use snap s, snap d, or snap off.

What is the difference between grid draw and pencil draw?

Grid draw snaps to the grid cells and is ideal for structured floor plans with straight walls. Pencil draw is freehand and supports shape-assisted modes like rectangle, circle, arch, and arrow for more complex outlines. Both modes draw on the same canvas.

How do I zoom the grid?

Pinch with two fingers to zoom in and out, and drag with two fingers to pan. The zoom command takes a value from 0.5 to 5 on iPad and Mac, and 0.25 to 5 on iPhone, for example zoom 1.5.

How do I fill a shape with a texture?

First, draw a closed shape on the grid. Then switch to the fill tool using the fill command or toolbar button. Tap the closed shape to open the texture picker. Browse material categories and select a texture to apply it.

How do I erase part of my drawing?

Switch to the erase tool using the erase command or toolbar button. Tap or drag over the lines you want to remove. Erasing removes individual line segments. You can also use undo to step back through recent changes.

Can I draw circles and arches?

Yes. Switch to pencil draw with draw pencil, then set the shape mode with pencil circle, pencil arch, or pencil halfcircle. Draw roughly in the shape you want and the recognition engine will refine it. Short forms: c, a, hc.

How do I reset the grid to default colors?

Use the reset colors command to return line, fill, and selected colors to defaults. Use reset background for just the background color. Use reset styles all to reset every style setting including colors, label styles, and grid appearance.

How do I maximize the grid for more drawing space?

Use the maximize command or tap the maximize button. This expands the grid to fill the screen by collapsing the header and toolbars. Use restore to return to the normal view with all toolbars visible.

What are style presets?

Style presets save a complete color scheme (selected color, line color, closed-shape color, background color) into one of six slots. Tap a preset to load its colors instantly. Long-press a slot to save the current colors. Presets persist across sessions and appear in the Customize screen.

How do overlays work?

Overlays let you import an image or PDF to display behind your drawing as a reference layer. Use overlay import to add one, overlay show/overlay hide to toggle visibility, and overlay remove to delete it. Overlays do not affect the drawing — they are purely visual references for tracing.

What pencil shapes are available?

Pencil draw supports shape-assisted modes: freehand (f), arrow (arr), square (s), rectangle (r), oval (o), threesided (u), circle (c), halfcircle (hc), halfeyebrow (he), and arch (a). Set the shape with pencil <shape>. The recognition engine refines your rough gesture into a clean shape.

What fill texture categories are available?

Fill textures include: solid colors with a custom color picker, brick (running, basket, English, Flemish bond), wood (grain and plank styles), stone, tile, concrete, stucco, metal, glass, fabric, roofing, siding, landscaping, water, blinds, synthetic, and asphalt. Use fill to open the texture picker.

How does Apple Pencil palm rejection work?

When an Apple Pencil is connected, the app automatically enables palm rejection so your hand resting on the screen does not create unwanted marks. You can toggle this behavior in Settings. The app detects the Pencil via UIPencilInteraction and shows a toast notification when it connects for the first time.

What layout types are available?

Grid (floor plans with snap and tags), Sketch (freehand with eight PencilKit tools), Document (pages for notes and PDFs), Drafting (CAD with layers, snap and DXF export), Elevation (a scanned house side, paid plans) and Site Plan (a property map you trace roofs and lots on). You can also add a photo from your library or import a file. Tap + in the layout bar to see what your team has turned on.

When should I use Grid vs. Sketch?

Use Grid for structured floor plans where walls follow a cell grid — it gives you snap, fill textures, and tag support. Use Sketch for freehand drawing where you need complete freedom: detail drawings, quick field sketches, annotations, or artistic rendering. Grid is better for geometry; Sketch is better for expression.

When should I use Document vs. Drafting?

Use Document for page-based writing and annotation: scope notes, checklists, specifications, meeting notes. Use Drafting for precision technical drawing: floor plans, shop drawings, architectural details. Document uses PencilKit tools; Drafting uses CAD tools with layers, snap, and DXF export.

What drawing tools does the Sketch layout have?

Sketch layouts use Apple's PencilKit and offer 8 drawing tools: pen (smooth strokes), marker (translucent highlights), pencil (textured graphite), monoline (uniform width), fountain pen (pressure calligraphy), watercolor ink (blending washes), eraser (remove strokes), and lasso (select/move/copy/resize). Each tool supports color, opacity, and line width.

What is pan mode?

Pan mode lets you navigate the canvas by dragging without accidentally drawing. It is available in Sketch, Document, and Drafting layouts. Toggle pan mode from the toolbar to switch between drawing and navigation. This is especially useful on large canvases or multi-page documents.

What background patterns are available?

Sketch and Document layouts support 6 background patterns: blank, lined, grid, dot grid, graph paper, and isometric. Choose a background when creating the layout. Backgrounds are visible on screen and in exports. Use isometric for 3D views, graph paper for scaled drawings, lined for notes.

What page sizes does the Document layout support?

Document layouts support standard page sizes including Letter (8.5x11"), Legal (8.5x14"), A4 (210x297mm), and Tabloid (11x17"). Select a page size when creating the layout. Multiple pages are supported with visible page break separators.

How does the Elevation Scanner work?

The Elevation Scanner analyzes a photo of a building exterior with AI and builds an interactive blueprint of windows, doors, siding and trim. Take a straight-on photo, then edit the detected elements and tag the openings. It needs internet and a paid plan.

What tips improve Elevation Scanner results?

Capture a clear, straight-on photo of the building exterior. Good natural lighting produces the best results — avoid heavy shadows or glare. Stand far enough back to capture the full facade in one shot. Avoid extreme angles. The AI works with residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Can I import files as layouts?

Yes. From the layout picker (+ button), choose Import File to bring in PDFs, images, or drawing files. PDFs can be imported page-by-page. You can also use the Share Extension to send files from other apps directly into Measure Tech PRO.

Can I mix layout types in one drawing?

Yes. One drawing can hold any mix, for example Grid for the floor plan, Elevation for each side, Site Plan for the roof, Sketch for details and Document for scope notes. All layouts print in the report in the order you made them.

How large is the Sketch canvas?

The Sketch canvas is 8192x8192 pixels. This provides a large high-resolution area for detailed drawings. Use pan mode to navigate across the canvas and pinch to zoom in and out. The large size means you can create very detailed drawings without running out of space.

Does Apple Pencil work with Sketch and Document layouts?

Yes. Sketch and Document layouts use Apple's PencilKit, which fully supports Apple Pencil with pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. Pressure affects line thickness (especially with fountain pen and pencil tools), and tilt affects shading angle. Finger drawing also works on all devices.

What drawing tools does the Drafting layout have?

The Drafting layout has 19 tools in four groups. Drawing: Select, Line, Polyline, Rectangle, Circle, Arc, Construction Line. Modification: Move, Offset, Rotate, Mirror, Copy, Trim, Extend, Fillet. Annotation: Dimension, Angular Dimension, Leader, Text. Select a tool from the toolbar and tap or drag on the canvas to use it.

What are construction lines?

Construction lines are infinite reference lines drawn as dashed lines on the canvas. They are placed on the non-printable Construction layer by default, so they appear while you work but do not show in PDF or PNG exports. Use them to set up alignment guides, reference axes, or layout baselines before drawing final geometry.

How do I use the Offset tool?

Select the Offset tool from the toolbar, then tap the entity you want to offset. Drag to set the distance and direction of the parallel copy. Offset works on lines, polylines, and shapes, creating a parallel duplicate at the specified distance. It is useful for drawing wall thicknesses or parallel structures.

How do I trim lines at intersections?

Select the Trim tool from the toolbar, then tap the line segment you want to remove. The segment between the two nearest intersections is deleted. If the line does not intersect anything, nothing happens. Trim is useful for cleaning up overlapping lines at corners and junctions.

How does the Fillet tool work?

Select the Fillet tool, then tap two lines that meet or nearly meet. The tool creates a rounded arc between them, forming a smooth corner. Fillet is useful for rounding wall corners, creating curved transitions, or adding decorative arcs to architectural drawings.

How does the Extend tool work?

Select the Extend tool, then tap the endpoint of a line you want to lengthen. The line extends to the nearest intersecting entity in that direction. If no entity is found in the path, nothing happens. Use Extend to close gaps between lines that should connect.

What snap types are available in Drafting?

Six snap types guide precision placement: Grid Snap (yellow crosshair — snaps to grid points), Endpoint Snap (green square — snaps to line ends), Midpoint Snap (green triangle — snaps to line midpoints), Intersection Snap (green X — snaps to where entities cross), Perpendicular Snap (snaps to perpendicular points), and Center Snap (green circle — snaps to circle/arc centers). Enable or disable each type in Snap Settings.

What is Ortho Lock?

Ortho Lock constrains all drawing and movement to strictly horizontal or vertical directions. Enable it from the toolbar when you need clean right-angle geometry. When Ortho Lock is on, you cannot draw diagonal lines — all strokes snap to 0 or 90 degrees. Turn it off when you need angled lines.

How do I enter exact coordinates?

Tap the keyboard icon in the toolbar to expand the coordinate input row. Type exact coordinates in two formats: Cartesian (x,y) for absolute positioning, or relative polar (@distance<angle) for distance and direction from the current point. Press Enter to apply. This works with Line, Circle, Text, and Move tools.

How do layers work in Drafting?

Layers organize your drawing into logical groups. Four default layers are auto-created: Walls (white, weight 2.0), Dimensions (cyan, weight 0.5), Construction (gray, non-printing), and Notes (green, weight 0.5). Tap a layer name to make it active — all new entities go on the active layer. Toggle visibility (eye icon), lock (lock icon), and printable (printer icon) per layer.

Can I rename or add layers?

Yes. Long-press a layer name in the layer panel to rename it. Tap the Add Layer button to create a new layer (auto-named Layer N+1, renamable). Delete a layer if you have more than one — its entities move to a fallback layer. Each layer has its own color, line weight, visibility, lock, and print settings.

What line types are available?

Five line types: Solid (continuous line), Dashed (8px dash + 4px gap), Dot-Dash (dash-gap-dot-gap), Center (long dash-short dash), and Hidden (short dash, typically for non-visible edges). Set the line type per entity from the Properties panel. Line types are preserved in DXF export.

What line weights are available?

Five line weight presets: 0.25 (thinnest), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 (thickest). Each layer has a default weight, and you can override it per entity from the Properties panel. Heavier weights make elements stand out — use 2.0 or 4.0 for walls and 0.5 for dimensions and annotations.

What units does Drafting support?

Five unit systems: Feet-Inches (default, e.g. 12'-3.5"), Inches (e.g. 147.5"), Millimeters (e.g. 3745 mm), Centimeters (e.g. 374.5 cm), and Meters (e.g. 3.745 m). Set units from the toolbar before drawing. Units affect dimension labels, coordinate display, and DXF export.

What scales are available?

Seven scale presets: 1:1 Full Scale, 1/4"=1'-0", 1/8"=1'-0", 1/2"=1'-0", 1"=1'-0" (architectural scales), 1:50, and 1:100 (metric scales). Set the scale from the toolbar. Scale affects how dimensions display and how DXF exports are interpreted by desktop CAD software.

How do I export a Drafting layout as DXF?

Tap the export menu in the toolbar and choose Export DXF. The file includes all visible and printable layers, geometry, coordinates, dimensions, and text with 6-decimal precision. Layer names are preserved. Open the DXF file in AutoCAD, SketchUp, or any other CAD software. Units are embedded in the file.

What export formats does Drafting support?

Three formats: DXF (fully editable in CAD software, preserves layers and coordinates), PDF (professional print quality with title block, border, and scaling), and PNG (2048px raster image for quick sharing). All exports include a title block with drawing name, scale, units, and date. Only visible, printable layers are included.

How do I add dimensions to my drawing?

Select the Dimension tool from the toolbar, then drag between two points. A dimension line with the measured distance appears. For angles, use the Angular Dimension tool and tap three points (center, then two rays). Dimensions display in your selected unit system. You can override the dimension text from the Properties panel.

What is a Leader annotation?

A Leader is an arrow pointing from a text label to a specific location on the drawing. Select the Leader tool, drag from the label position to the target point, and enter the label text. Leaders are useful for callouts — identifying specific features, noting materials, or referencing specifications.

Can I change an entity's properties after drawing it?

Yes. Select any entity with the Select tool and the Properties panel opens. You can edit geometry (coordinates, dimensions, angles, rotation), change the line type and weight, set a custom color override, move the entity to a different layer, and toggle a polyline's Closed property. For multiple selected entities, you can batch-move them to another layer.

How far can I zoom in Drafting?

The Drafting canvas supports a zoom range from 0.1x (very far out) to 20x (very close). Pinch to zoom. A real-time coordinate display at the bottom-left shows your cursor position in the current unit system. Red and green reference axes mark the origin point for orientation.

What is the difference between Mirror and Copy?

Mirror flips selected entities across an axis line you drag — like reflecting in a mirror. The original entities are replaced by their mirrored version. Copy duplicates selected entities and lets you drag the copy to a new position — the original stays in place. Use Mirror for symmetric designs; use Copy for repeating elements.

How do I add a window or door tag?

Use tag windows (or tag w) or tag doors (or tag d) in the command bar, or select the tag tool from the toolbar. Tap on the layout where the opening is located to place the tag. A detail sheet opens for entering dimensions, style, material, and notes.

Can I copy measurements from one tag to another?

Yes. Open a tag's detail sheet and tap the copy button in the header. Then open another tag of the same type (window-to-window or door-to-door) and a Paste menu appears. Choose Paste All (size, style, notes), Paste Size Only, Paste Style Only, or Paste Notes Only. The clipboard persists during your session so you can paste to multiple tags.

How do quantity groups work?

When you set a tag's quantity to more than one, it creates a quantity group of linked sibling tags. All siblings share the same name, size, and style. Use the chevron arrows in the tag detail header to navigate between siblings, even across layouts. You can edit the group quantity to add or remove siblings, ungroup a tag to detach it, or apply notes to all siblings at once.

What is mull configuration?

Mull configuration defines how multi-unit window or door assemblies are arranged — when multiple units are joined with mull bars. Open the mull editor from a tag's detail sheet. Four layout types: Ribbon (side-by-side), Stack (top-to-bottom), Matrix (rows and columns), and Custom (asymmetric). Six quick-start templates provide common patterns.

How does the Rough Opening calculator work?

In a tag's mull configuration, enter the Rough Opening (R.O.) width and height — the hole in the wall for the assembly. Set the clearance (gap between R.O. and frame) using presets (1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" in imperial; 3mm, 6mm, 10mm, 13mm in metric) or a custom value. Frame size = R.O. minus clearance. Use 'Set R.O. from units' to calculate back from individual unit dimensions.

Can I define different unit types in a mull?

Yes. Each unit in a mulled assembly can have its own type (A, B, C, etc.) with distinct width, height, and window style. Color-coded visual previews show unit arrangement. The auto-calculate feature distributes sizes evenly across the R.O. Mull notation is generated automatically (e.g., 'a-b-a' for a 3-wide assembly).

Can I attach photos to individual tags?

Yes. Each window and door tag has a Photos section in its detail sheet. Tap the camera button to quick-capture a photo attached to that specific tag. Tag photos are stored separately from the main gallery and appear alongside the tag's measurements in reports. This is ideal for documenting each opening's condition, label, or specific details.

How do I customize tag label appearance?

Each tag label's appearance is customizable: background color, border color, text color, font, font size, and alignment (left/center/right). Ten preset colors are available. Use labelstyle save to save the current style for reuse. Six style preset slots (Default, Blueprint, Warning, Clean White, Red Flag, Dark Mode) let you switch styles instantly.

How do I delete all tags?

Use delete tags current layout to remove all tags from the active layout, or delete tags all layouts to remove all tags across every layout in the drawing. Both commands require confirmation. Individual tags can be deleted from their detail sheet.

What is the difference between tags and pins?

Tags carry measurement data — dimensions, style, material, notes, and photos. They appear in reports with their specifications. Pins are visual markers that indicate a location without measurement data. Use tags for openings you need to measure; use pins to mark features, damage, equipment, or points of interest.

How do view labels work?

View labels mark the orientation of a layout — front, back, left, or right. Use view front, view back, view left, view right (or short forms f, b, l, r). Place them on floor plans to indicate which direction each elevation faces. View labels help readers understand the relationship between floor plans and elevation layouts.

How do I customize which pins are available?

Owners and admins use Settings, Team, Content catalogs to choose the pins for the whole team, or apply a job preset. Without a team you choose your own. Only enabled pins appear in the pin picker. Enable All, Disable All and Defaults are the quick actions.

How many pin types are there?

The Pin Catalog includes over 130 pin types across 16 categories: Openings, Exterior, Roofing, Insulation, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Cabinetry, Appliances, Furniture, Flooring, Landscaping, Safety, Structural, Damage/Issues, and Markers. 25 job presets auto-configure pins for specific trades. Up to 8 pins can be marked as favorites for quick access.

How does the pin picker Favorites bar work?

The pin picker toolbar shows a Favorites bar at the top with your most-used pin types for quick one-tap access. Below that, the Browse tab groups all pins by intent (Mark It, Document It, Map It) rather than by category. After placing a pin, a Quick-Note bar appears for instant annotation or a camera shortcut.

How do I place tags on the floor plan?

After creating tag drafts (manually or via voice), drag them from the tag panel onto the grid. Touch and hold a draft tag, then drag it to the desired location on the layout. The tag snaps to the grid and becomes an assigned label with its position saved.

What AI features are available?

Ask, Narrate, Completeness check, Duplicate detection, Scope comparison, Energy analysis, Customer summary, Pattern analysis and Field notes, all from the command bar, plus photo analysis, photo auto-fill and voice tags. Three helpers run on the device: dimension validation, smart tag naming and completeness nudges.

How do I ask the AI a question?

Type ask followed by your question in the command bar, for example ask what is the minimum header size for a 6 foot window opening. The AI answers about building codes, specifications, materials and the app. It needs internet.

What does the completeness check do?

Type completeness in the command bar. The AI scans all tags across every layout in your drawing and flags any that are missing measurements, incomplete, or potentially overlooked. Use this before leaving a job site to catch gaps.

How do field notes work?

Type fieldnotes followed by your observation, for example: fieldnotes kitchen has three double-hung windows 36 by 60 and one casement 24 by 48. The AI parses your text into structured tags with measurements. Combine with voice input by tapping the microphone button to dictate hands-free.

What does the narrate command do?

Type narrate in the command bar. The AI generates professional narration text for your report based on the drawing's tags, layouts, measurements, and notes. The narration provides a written summary suitable for client delivery, describing the scope of work and findings.

What does the scope command do?

Type scope followed by the scope text, for example: scope replace all windows on the north and east elevations with vinyl double-hung. The AI compares your drawing tags against the scope document and identifies discrepancies — what is in the scope but not tagged, and what is tagged but not in the scope.

What does the customer command do?

Type customer in the command bar. The AI generates a client-friendly summary of your drawing — a plain-language overview of the work documented, suitable for sending to homeowners, property managers, or insurance adjusters. It draws from your drawing data, tags, and notes.

What does the patterns command do?

Type patterns in the command bar. The AI analyzes your drawing's tag data for ordering and coverage insights. It identifies patterns like common window sizes, repeated configurations, or areas that may benefit from bulk ordering. This helps with material estimation and purchasing decisions.

What does the duplicates command do?

Type duplicates in the command bar. The AI scans all tags across your drawing and identifies any that appear redundant or duplicated — same dimensions, same location, or overlapping placements. This helps catch accidental double-entries before generating a report.

Is there a limit on AI usage?

Yes, by plan. Interactive AI allows Free 5 a day and 25 a month, Pro 30 and 500, Team and Scale 100 and 2,000. Photo auto-fill has its own allowance: Free 3 a day, Pro 50, Team and Scale 150. The count is kept per person on the server. Dimension validation, smart tag naming and completeness nudges run on the device and use none of it.

Can I use voice input with AI?

Yes. Tap the microphone button in the command bar to dictate instead of typing. Voice input uses on-device speech recognition (SFSpeechRecognizer) for fast, private transcription. It works with all commands including AI commands like ask and fieldnotes. Speak naturally — the recognizer handles conversational language.

What does the energy command do?

Type energy in the command bar. The AI analyzes energy code requirements based on your drawing's address (from Drawing Info). It provides relevant information about insulation, glazing U-factors, and efficiency requirements for your climate zone. Fill in the drawing address first for accurate results.

Can team admins disable AI features?

Yes. An owner or admin sets AI for the team under Settings, Team, Field tools (AI for the team). Hiding the command bar there also hides the AI commands. The admin always keeps access.

Is the AI on-device or cloud-based?

The AI runs in the cloud, so it needs internet. Dictation into notes and voice commands use on-device speech recognition where available.

How do I use voice input to create tags?

Tap the microphone in the command bar, say what you see, such as three double-hung windows, 36 by 60, north wall, and tap again to stop. The AI turns it into tag drafts in the tag panel for you to review and place. It needs internet and a plan with AI.

Can I dictate notes without AI?

Yes. The microphone button next to Drawing Notes and Tag Notes fields uses simple speech-to-text dictation — no AI processing, no internet required. Tap the mic, speak your notes, and tap again to stop. Your words are transcribed and appended to the text field using on-device speech recognition.

How does auto-fill from photos work?

When you capture the first photo on a tag with empty fields, the AI automatically analyzes the image and pre-fills dimensions, window style, location, and condition notes. It uses a separate passive AI budget so it does not count against your interactive limits. A banner confirms which fields were filled. Toggle it on or off in Settings, App, AI features > Auto-fill from Photos.

What are dimension validation warnings?

When both width and height are entered on a tag, inline warnings appear below the dimension fields. These check egress code minimums (20-inch width, 24-inch height, 5.7 sq ft net clear area), manufacturing limits (72-inch width, 120-inch height), and order dimension mismatches when EntryLink data is present. These are local checks — no AI budget consumed. Toggle in Settings, App, AI features > Dimension Validation.

How does smart tag naming work?

When you fill in the location or window style on a tag that still has a default sequential name (like 'Window 1'), the name automatically updates to combine the location and a style abbreviation — for example, 'Kitchen DH' for a kitchen double-hung. It never overwrites a custom name you have entered. This is local and does not use AI budget. Toggle in Settings, App, AI features > Smart Tag Naming.

What are completeness nudges?

Small orange icons next to draft tags in the tag panel indicate missing data: a ruler for missing dimensions, a camera for missing photos, and a map pin for missing location. They help you spot incomplete tags at a glance. Nudges appear on tag rows and group headers, and are hidden for flagged or verified tags. This is local and does not use AI budget. Toggle in Settings, App, AI features > Completeness Nudges.

Where do I toggle AI automation features?

On a personal workspace, Settings, App, AI features. On a team, an owner or admin controls them for everyone under Settings, Team, Field tools (AI for the team).

How do I generate a report?

Use report to set a title and generate, generate report for the default title, or review to open the Review dashboard first. Free accounts can make reports too, with a watermark.

Why are my photos not showing in the report?

Make sure photos are captured through the in-app camera or added to the drawing gallery. Only photos associated with the current drawing are included. Also check that the photos section is enabled in Customize. Videos are intentionally excluded from reports.

Can I customize what appears in the report?

Yes. Open Customize, or Settings, App, Reports and watermarks, and switch sections such as photos, tags, measurements and notes on or off. Your logo and contact details come from Settings, Company, Business info.

How do I add my company logo to reports?

Add it in Settings, Company, Business info (owner or admin). It prints on reports with your company name and contact details. A 500 by 500 pixel PNG works well.

Can I share the report with my client?

Yes. After generating the report, the system share sheet appears. You can send the report via email, Messages, AirDrop, or save it to Files. The report is a standard document that any recipient can open.

Why does my report have a watermark?

Free exports carry a watermark. Any paid plan takes it off and puts your branding on instead — after that, watermark visibility is a toggle in the Customize screen.

Do all layouts appear in the report?

Yes. The report includes all layouts in the drawing regardless of layout type — Grid, Sketch, Document, Elevation, and Drafting are all rendered. Layouts appear in creation order. Name your layouts clearly (Kitchen, Living Room, Front Elevation) because the names become section headers.

What is the Review Dashboard?

The Review Dashboard shows all tags across every layout in your drawing in a single view. Tap the ruler icon in the footer to open it. You can filter by tag type, layout, or completion status to verify measurements before generating a report. It also shows an overall drawing completion percentage.

How do I check if all measurements are complete?

Open the Review Dashboard from the footer bar. Tags with missing measurements or incomplete fields are flagged. The header shows an overall completion percentage. You can also use the AI completeness command for an intelligent scan that catches more subtle gaps.

Can I export a Drafting layout separately?

Yes. Drafting layouts have their own export menu in the toolbar with three formats: DXF (for CAD software), PDF (for printing), and PNG (for sharing). These exports are independent from the drawing report — they export just that single layout with its title block.

Can I use the AI to write a report narration?

Yes. Use the narrate command in the command bar. The AI generates professional narration text based on your drawing data, tags, measurements, and notes. The narration provides a written summary describing the scope and findings. You can also use customer for a client-friendly version.

How do I customize export watermarks?

Open Settings, App, Reports and watermarks. On a paid plan you can turn the photo watermark on or off and choose what it shows: layout name, location, tag name, style, measurement and notes. Free exports always carry a watermark.

Why is my camera showing a black screen?

Make sure you have granted camera permission to Measure Tech PRO in Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. If the permission is already granted, try closing and reopening the camera view. If the issue persists, restart the app.

Can I import photos from my photo library?

Yes. Add a photo as its own layout from the layout picker (Photo from Library), or attach one to a tag from the tag's Photos section. Photos taken with the in-app camera go straight to the drawing gallery.

How do I annotate a photo?

Open the photo in the gallery and tap the edit/markup button. Seven annotation tools are available: Draw (freehand), Box (rectangle highlight), Circle (circular highlight), Arrow (directional pointer), Text (editable label), Sticker (pre-made symbols), and Erase (remove annotations). Annotations are saved with the photo and appear in reports.

Can I record video?

Yes. Switch to video mode in the multi-capture camera using the mode selector. Tap to start recording and tap again to stop. Videos are saved to the drawing gallery. Note that videos are not included in generated reports.

How do I use the flash?

Tap the flash icon in the camera view to cycle through Auto, On, and Off. Auto activates the flash in low-light conditions. On keeps the torch lit continuously as a flashlight for framing dark spaces like attics and crawlspaces. Off disables the flash entirely.

How many photos can I take per drawing?

There is no artificial limit on the number of photos per drawing. Practical limits depend on your device's available storage. For cloud-synced team drawings, photos upload through a background queue that persists across app restarts.

What is multi-capture mode?

Multi-capture mode lets you take multiple photos and videos in a single camera session without closing the camera between each shot. A thumbnail strip at the bottom shows all captures. Tap Done to add all captures to the gallery at once, or Cancel to discard the entire session.

Can I zoom while using the camera?

Yes. Pinch on the camera preview to zoom in and out. This works in both photo and video modes. You can also switch between front and rear cameras.

What are team stickers in markup?

Team admins can create custom sticker sets that appear in the markup sticker tool for all team members. This allows standardized annotation symbols across the team — for example, company-branded markers, custom damage symbols, or trade-specific callouts.

Do photo annotations persist?

Yes. All markup annotations (drawings, boxes, circles, arrows, text, stickers) are saved with the photo and persist across sessions. You can return to a photo and edit or add to existing annotations. Annotated photos appear with their annotations in generated reports.

Which devices support AR Measure?

AR Measure requires a device with a LiDAR scanner. This includes iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models, and iPad Pro models with LiDAR (2020 and later). Non-LiDAR devices cannot use this feature and it will not appear in the interface.

How do I calibrate the level?

Open the Pitch Level tool and tap the Calibrate button. Place your device on a known-level surface first for best results. Calibration zeros the sensor so future readings are relative to that baseline. Recalibrate if you notice drift.

How accurate is the LiDAR measurement?

LiDAR measurements are generally accurate within 1-2%% at typical room distances (3-10 feet). Accuracy decreases at longer ranges, in bright sunlight, or on highly reflective surfaces. Use AR Measure for quick field verification rather than final specifications.

Can I export level readings?

Yes. Open the Level tool, tap History, and use Export CSV. The file includes roll, pitch, combined angle, fraction, percentage, date, and your notes for each saved reading. The CSV opens directly in Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets.

Why can't I see the AR Measure option?

AR Measure only appears on devices with a LiDAR scanner (iPhone Pro models from the 12 Pro, iPad Pro from 2020). It also needs camera permission and a paid plan, and an owner or admin can turn it off for the team under Settings, Team, Field tools.

How do I take a photo from the level view?

Tap the camera button inside the Pitch Level view to capture a photo of the surface being measured. The image saves to the drawing gallery automatically and can be included in reports alongside your pitch readings.

What do the level readings mean?

The level shows roll (side-to-side tilt), pitch (forward-backward tilt), and combined angle. Pitch is also expressed as a roofing fraction (e.g. 4/12 means 4 inches of rise per 12 inches of run) and as a percentage. The steering-wheel display turns green and provides haptic feedback when the surface is level.

Does the level work without LiDAR?

Yes. The Pitch Level uses the device's accelerometer and gyroscope, not LiDAR. It works on all iPhones and iPads. LiDAR is only required for the AR Measure feature.

How many level readings can I save?

Up to 50 level readings can be saved per session. Each reading records roll, pitch, combined angle, fraction, percentage, date, and an optional note. Save readings with descriptive notes (e.g., 'Main roof, south face') to identify them later when exporting CSV.

How do I use AR Measure to measure an opening?

Point the camera at the opening and wait for the tracking status to show Ready. Single-tap four corners of the opening to define a rectangle. Double-tap any corner for precision magnifier placement. The width and height display once all four points are placed. Move slowly and keep the device steady for best results.

Where is the calculator?

Open the calculator from the toolbar button. It stays available alongside your layout so you can calculate while measuring. The calculator has three modes: Standard (basic arithmetic), Converter (unit conversions), and Sq Ft (area calculator).

How do I enter fractions in the calculator?

Switch to Fraction mode (toggle at the top of the Standard calculator). Enter values as 'whole fraction/denominator' — for example, '3 1/2' for three and a half inches. The calculator converts fractions to decimals internally and displays results in both formats.

What units does the converter support?

The unit converter supports 8 measurement units: Inches, Feet, Feet-Inches (e.g., 12'-3"), Fraction (inches as fractions), Decimal (inches as decimals), Millimeters, Centimeters, and Meters. Enter a value, select source and destination units, and the conversion updates in real time.

How does the square footage calculator work?

Switch to Sq Ft mode and enter width and height values. The calculator displays the area in square feet with a formula breakdown. Both decimal and fraction inputs are supported. This is useful for quick room, wall, or opening area estimates in the field.

Does the calculator save my calculations?

Yes. The calculator stores up to 50 recent calculations with timestamps. Open the history to recall previous results without recalculating. Clear the history from the menu when you no longer need it. The calculator display and expression also persist between sessions.

Can I use the calculator from the command bar?

No. Open the calculator from the toolbar button. There is no command for it.

Where is the command bar?

The command bar is at the bottom of the screen. Tap it, type a command and press return. If you cannot see it you may be in maximized mode: type restore, or use the restore button.

What commands are available?

Common ones: new drawing, projects, layout name, draw grid, draw pencil, fill, erase, tag windows, tag doors, snap s, zoom 1.5, camera, gallery, notes, report, customize and help. The Command Quick Reference lists them all.

Are commands case-sensitive?

No. Commands are case-insensitive. REPORT, Report, and report all work the same way.

What are short forms?

Many commands have abbreviated versions for faster typing. Examples: snap s (straight snap), snap d (diagonal snap), tag w (windows), tag d (doors), draw g (grid draw), draw p (pencil draw), view f (front view), pin d (pin door), pin w (pin window). Browse the Commands tab for all short forms.

Can I chain multiple commands?

Commands are executed one at a time. Type a command, press return, then type the next. A typical workflow sequence: new drawing > fill Drawing Info > layout Kitchen > draw grid > snap s > draw > tag w > camera > report.

The command bar is not doing anything.

Make sure you press return after typing the command. Check for typos — the command must match a recognized keyword. If a command requires a parameter (like layout <name> or zoom <value>), include the value. Unrecognized commands are silently ignored.

Can I use voice input instead of typing?

Yes. Tap the microphone button next to the command bar text field. Speak your command naturally and the on-device speech recognizer transcribes it. Voice input works with all commands including AI features. This is ideal for hands-free operation in the field.

What AI commands are available?

AI commands: ask <question> (code/spec questions), narrate (report narration), completeness (missing tag check), duplicates (redundant tag scan), scope <text> (scope comparison), energy (energy code check), customer (client summary), patterns (ordering insights), fieldnotes <text> (parse notes into tags). All require premium subscription and internet.

What CAD file formats can I import?

Measure Tech PRO supports three CAD formats: DXF (imports directly on-device), DWG (converted to DXF via cloud service), and SVG (parsed on-device). All three create a new Drafting (CAD) layout with the imported geometry. You can open these files from the Files app, receive them via Share Sheet, or use the in-app file picker.

Why does DWG import take longer than DXF?

DWG files use AutoCAD's proprietary binary format, which requires server-side conversion to DXF before the app can read them. This cloud conversion step adds a few seconds depending on file size and complexity. DXF files skip this step and import instantly on-device. If speed matters, export as DXF from your CAD software when possible.

Can I import Word documents?

Yes. The app converts DOCX and DOC files to PDF via a cloud service, then imports the pages as a Document layout for annotation. The conversion preserves formatting, tables, and images. You need an internet connection and the file must be under 50 MB. For faster offline import, convert to PDF on your computer first.

What file types does the Share Sheet support?

When you share a file to Measure Tech PRO from another app, the following formats are accepted: PDF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, HEIC, SVG, DXF, DWG, DOCX, and DOC. Images and PDFs are imported as overlays or Document layouts. CAD files create Drafting layouts. Word documents are converted to PDF first.

My imported CAD drawing appears at the origin. Is that normal?

Yes. All imported CAD files are automatically normalized to the origin (0,0 coordinates) so they appear centered on the canvas. This prevents drawings that were created at arbitrary coordinates in the original CAD software from appearing off-screen. You can move entities after import using the Drafting selection and move tools.

DWG import failed. What should I do?

DWG conversion requires an internet connection and has a 50 MB file size limit. Check your connection and file size. If the file is valid but conversion fails, try exporting it as DXF from the original CAD software — DXF import is more reliable because it processes locally. Complex DWG files with embedded OLE objects or custom entities may not convert fully.

What are tag categories?

Tag categories are your own tag types, made from your price book. You choose a name and an icon for each, and each product in it is measured as area, linear or count. They drive the canvas tag palette, the tag details sheet, takeoff quantities and estimate lines. Window, Door, Pin and View are always built in.

How do I create a tag category?

Open Settings, Selling, Price book and tap + on a category header, or New Category. Enter a name and pick an icon. The measurement kind (area, linear or count) is set on each product. Categories belong to a market.

What tag types are built in?

Four types are always available and cannot be deleted: Window and Door open the native measurement dialogs (width, height, style, mull configuration), and Pin and View are markup — Pin marks a location, View references a photo or elevation. Pin and View carry no quantity and no price. Everything else is a tag category you define.

What does the measurement kind do?

It decides how a product is quantified and totaled. Area totals square feet (SF), linear totals linear feet (LF) and count totals each (EA). It flows from the tag's fields to the takeoff total and the estimate line.

How do categories connect to my price book?

Price book items belong to a category (or to the built-in Window and Door types). When you open a category tag, the product chooser shows only that category's items, so pricing comes straight from your book. Takeoff groups tags by category and adds waste.

Are tag categories shared across markets?

No. They are set per market with that market's price book. Switch markets, then manage the categories in Settings, Selling, Price book.

Where do my category tags show up in takeoff?

In the canvas Takeoff view, placed tags are grouped by their category and totaled in the category's unit (SF, LF, or EA), with order quantities including waste from the matched price book product. Create Estimate from Takeoff turns each category group into an estimate line item.

All help topics