Getting Started with Canvas

We're excited for you to start scanning! 3D scanning is a brand new frontier for most people, so we've created this Getting Started with Canvas guide to help!

We highly recommend going through these steps before you go to your first project. This gives you time to test Canvas in your own home or office, read and practice scanning best practices so you get the best, most accurate results. You may have questions, and we can help you be prepared and feel comfortable before using Canvas on your first project.

To help you get started, we are happy to review your scans and provide feedback. For more information about requesting a scan review, please see this guide.

Step 1: Compatible Hardware

You can find a list of compatible iPads and iPhones here.

Step 2: Download Canvas: 3D LiDAR Measurements

For all professional use cases, you will want a compatible LiDAR device and this app in order to get the best accuracy. If you do not have a LiDAR iPhone or iPad, there is more information available here.

Step 3: Create a Canvas Account

A Canvas account lets you place orders, download your files and models, download invoices/receipts, access our 3D Web Viewer and more. Use your preferred work email. 

Step 4: Create a Home

Homes are how scans are organized or can be thought of as "projects". You can have multiple scans in each home. 

You can order one, merged global file/model by including multiple scans from the same home and selecting "Place as merge order." 

Step 5: Start Scanning

The video below provides an overview of how to prepare and scan your home for optimal results. For additional videos and tips, visit scanning best practices and sign up for a live webinar or watch one on demand.


Reach out to hello@canvas.io with general questions, or to support@canvas.io if you have a question about an order or issues with using the Canvas app.

Step 6: Order the format(s) you need

Convert your scans into design-ready 2D and 3D files, in multiple formats, by placing an order.

Step 7: Integrating Canvas Into Your Business

Every customer is different, but the most common "ramp-up" we see from our customers is:

  1. Download and test a sample file to make sure that the files we create are compatible with your software and will suit your needs.
  2. Watch Scanning Best Practices
  3. Scan a room in your own home or office
  4. Upload your test scan for a free review
  5. Order your desired 2D or 3D format
  6. Review the results in your CAD/BIM software of choice (and ask any questions that come up!)
  7. Take Canvas to the job site and "shadow" your existing process (i.e., scan it as well as measure it your traditional way)
  8. Review the results in your CAD/BIM software of choice (and ask any questions that come up!)
  9. Depending on your use case, either fully replace the existing process with Canvas or develop some hybrid

At this point, everyone's workflow becomes different. Some customers train a junior employee or assistant on how to scan so that they can spend more time with their client, whereas others prefer to own the process from beginning to end. With the time saved with Canvas, some customers choose to take on more projects at once, whereas others simply accelerate their existing projects. Finally, some customers take their 3D model all the way through design, final visualization and even construction (modifying the same file along the way), whereas for others the model is the end-goal in it of itself.

If you have questions about how Canvas can be applied to your specific use case, just reach out to hello@canvas.io. If it has to do with the home, we've almost definitely seen someone use Canvas for a similar job. Every space is different, so as you encounter new kinds of environments to capture, it's totally normal to have additional questions. As always, we're here to help!

Step 8: Final Steps and Additional Reading

That's all! You're ready to conquer the world, one 3D scanned home at a time. 

If you're still in a reading mood, these are a few common additional resources we share with new customers.

  1. Scanning best practices - Multiple how-to videos and guidance to get the best results
  2. Case study with Lotus Construction Group
  3. Case study with Noz Design
  4. Case study with Green Stories Architecture

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