What details are included with my CAD file?

The Short Answer

Canvas processes your 3D scan data into scale-accurate, simplified geometry that's easy to use in various CAD programs like SketchUp, Revit, Chief Architect, Archicad, Vectorworks, 2020 Design Live, AutoCAD and more. The intent is to provide a "blank slate" of the space with a reasonable level of detail for design, quoting, and documentation. 

This means we not only try to include the basics like walls, doors, and windows, but also baseboards, crown molding, light switches, ceiling lights, and other details that are both built-in and affect the utilization of the space.

Some built-in detail such as fireplaces may be simplified due to the nature of our conversion process. This especially applies when using Canvas in non-residential spaces.

Any “movable” furniture (e.g. chairs, tables, TV’s...etc) will not be included in your model. However, the dimensional information will still be in your scan, so you can always revisit the scan when needed in-app or via the Canvas Web Viewer. 

For those familiar with BIM level of detail standards, our output is targeted at a LOD 200.

*** Please note that details differ between the various software programs we support. Download and test our sample files in your design program to ensure compatibility and see the details you can expect.

The Long Answer 

There are some differences between the features included with 2D plans and 3D files as noted below:

3D files

  • Walls
  • Doors and door casing
  • HVAC vents*
  • Windows and window casing*
  • Crown molding, baseboards, trim
  • Ceiling details (e.g. vaulted, exposed beams, coffers)*
  • Ceiling lighting*
  • Beams, columns, kitchen islands
  • Cabinets, countertops, and other casework
  • Major and/or built-in appliances (e.g. toilets)
  • Staircases and railing 
  • Fireplaces
  • Electrical outlets and light switches 

2D floor plans

  • Annotated dimensions for key elements (you can download a sample 2D floor plan here).
  • Walls
  • Windows* that intersect the plan view imaginary cutting plane at the height of 48" from floor (not including casing)
  • Doors (measured as the opening only, not including casing, and inclusive of door direction)
  • Floor-mounted casework (e.g., countertops)
  • Floor-mounted major and/or built-in appliances
  • Steps with direction
  • Columns and kitchen islands

For any included detail, we are using standardized geometry and components, meaning that these details will not always match  exact detail. 

*May be difficult to scan completely or discern from a scan in certain scenarios (i.e., the window is covered by blinds), and occasionally assumptions have to be made. In general, we can only process what can be seen clearly in the scan.

It’s important to us that you’re happy and satisfied with your model, so we will also cover details that are not included (we want to prevent any surprises!).

Not Included

  • Ceiling fans 
  • Furniture
  • Notes you made on your scan in Canvas
  • Curtains
  • Details inside walls like frames (unless exposed — Canvas cannot scan through walls!)
  • 2D plans will not include outlets or objects (such as windows and wall-mounted furniture) more than 48" above the floor
  • Note there are differences between the various software programs we support. Test our sample files for more information.

Non-residential, Equipment, Piping, etc.

Canvas was built for residential projects, but commercial and industrial spaces can also be processed with some caveats.

In non-residential spaces, customers often ask about equipment, piping, and other features that are not common in homes. Although not guaranteed (as the list of included details above is), as a rule, we try to over-include vs. under-include. Our system will generally pick up anything that it perceives as "built-in" and structural — regardless of whether it's a residential item or not. So items like piping may or may not be included in a simplified, proxy form. You can learn more at: I want to scan non-residential environments. Will Canvas work outside of the home?

Ornate, Complex, and Organic Shapes

In some cases, organic shapes or extremely ornate or non-traditional components of a room may get over-simplified due to the nature of the conversion process. In these cases, your colorized scan may be useful as it will preserve all the detail that was scanned. Converting this detail into CAD format would be extremely manual, and we would have to charge a lot more to convert this more photo-realistically.


As always, feel encouraged to reach out to hello@canvas.io for questions about your intended use of Canvas or to support@canvas.io regarding an orders.

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