What units does Canvas use, and how can I change this?

The Short Answer

The Canvas app will show measurements in imperial units by default, but this can be changed in-app or through your Canvas account portal. Likewise, the default units for Canvas files (.rvt, .skp, .plan, .pls, .vwx, .kit, .dwg, or .dae) will be delivered in imperial, however, changing the units in-app or through your Account Portal will change the change the units your CAD files are delivered in.

If you are importing the .obj file of the scan into another 3D program, the default scale is meters. However, different 3D programs have different conventions for how they import .obj files, so you may need to adjust the import settings and/or contact the support team for that particular tool to ensure scale is maintained.

The Long Answer

Canvas will show measurements in imperial (feet and inches) units by default, but the in-app measurements can be easily converted to metric (meters and centimeters). Likewise, changing the units in-app or through your Canvas Account Portal will change your default CAD file units. 

Mobile Settings

Account Portal Settings

From iPad or iPhone

From Account Portal

  1. Log into your Canvas Account Portal at https://canvas.io
  2. Click "Settings" on your portal dashboard
  3. Click "Units" and select your preferred unit

If you use our Scan To CAD service, AutoCAD may require you to re-scale the drawing based on your desired unit of measurement.