How to Use Canvas – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to Scan with Canvas

3D scanning is new to many people. You may not have used a tool like this before, so you could be confused or nervous, but don't be! Most of the time, the software is doing the work for you. Follow these suggestions to get the best results every time you scan.

Supported Devices

iPad Pro 2020 or newer

iPhone Pro / Max 12 or newer

Watch this overview to learn how to get the best results every time.

Get Ready To Scan

Step 1: Clean the Lens

Step 2: Plan Your Route

Step 3: Prepare the Space

Gently wipe the iPhone lens with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dirt for clearer photos. Avoid using harsh cleaners on your iPhone lens; a soft, dry cloth is enough to keep it spotless and scratch-free.

Before scanning, walk through the space to plan the best route. You can capture one room, multiple rooms, or an entire floor in a single scan, but it’s often easier to limit scans to 1,000 square feet or less, especially while learning. Avoid scanning the same area more than once; if you need to revisit an area, end the current scan and start a new one.

Ensure all lights are on, doors and closets are open, and window treatments allow the corners to be visible. Clear your path of any objects, people, or pets before scanning.

Primary Scanning Method

Start in a corner
Point your device's camera at the floor, furniture, or other details, not a blank wall.

Keep within 5-12 feet of the walls
Don’t get too close or too far from the surfaces that you're scanning. Between 5-12 feet is ideal; note that the maximum range is about 15 feet.

Scan in a patterned motion
Starting in front of your feet, scan across the floor, up the wall about a foot or two into the ceiling, move sideways, down the wall, across the floor to in front of your feet. Moving sideways in the same direction, go up, and repeat this pattern.

Move in a single continuous loop around the space
Scan in one direction around the perimeter of the space and avoid zigzagging. Please do not scan the same area more than once in a single scan. You'll know if you've already scanned an area because the white overlay covers what you've captured.

U-pattern for narrow spaces

For narrow spaces like hallways, move your device in a "U" pattern as you walk through the area: up one wall, back down that wall, across the floor, and up the wall on the other side.

Stair safety

Start at the bottom of the stairs and carefully walk up, moving your device in a "U" pattern as you ascend. This way you'll capture the rise of the stairs (and won't fall down them).

J-pattern for islands or pony walls

In the area around kitchen islands or for pony walls, for example, use a "J" scanning pattern. Think of the island or half-wall as the shorter side of the J, with the full wall representing the the tall part of the letter. Scan only up to the top of an island, then down across the floor and up the wall.

Lean and Pan for tight spaces

For spaces like a pantry, small closet or a half-bath, try capturing the space without entering. While standing at the doorway, you can simply change the angle you are holding the device and pan to capture where the walls meet the floor and ceiling.

Practice!

Scan your own home, office, and those of family and friends. Remember, scanning doesn’t cost anything; there is only a cost if you place an order. When you’ve had a chance to practice, reach out to hello@canvas.io and request a scan review at no cost. We’ll provide feedback on your technique so that you’re comfortable before using Canvas at a client site.

Get Started