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Using PlanRadar

Work with the Measuring Tool

Overview

The measuring tool allows you to accurately measure arbitrary distances, areas, angles and also dimensions of IFC elements with a single click. Use this tool to verify any dimensions as specified.

First, read about the BIM Viewer.

Access & Permissions

How to Access the Measuring Tool

  1. Click Tickets
  2. Open the project drop-down
  3. Select the project and layer.
    The BIM view is not available while All layers is selected.
    Access.png
  4. Click BIM model in the View drop-down
    View BIM Model.png
  5. Open the More menu
  6. Click Measure
    Access Tool.png
  7. The measurement tool dialog, along with all its options, appears at the bottom of the viewer
    Measure Dialogue.png
  1. Tap Tickets in the main menu
  2. Open the layer selector
  3. Tap on a layer with a BIM model (marked by a cube icon)
  4. Tap BIM Model
  5. Open the More menu
  6. Tap Measure

Show Element Dimensions

The measuring tool allows you to quickly show the dimensions of elements in the BIM model.

To show or hide the dimensions of an element:

  1. Click/tap the element in the 3D view
  2. OR Click/tap the element in the model tree
    Select Elements.png
  3. The dimensions of the element are displayed in the 3D model
    Elements with Dimensions.png
  4. Clicking/taping on an element again hides its dimensions

Measure a Certain Area

You can place two or more points to measure distances and areas. To do so:

  1. Click/tap on the measuring tool handle and drag it
  2. Position the measuring head at the starting point where you want to begin measuring
    Measuring handle and head.png
  3. Click/tap the measuring tool handle again and drag it to move the measuring head from the starting point to another point, measuring the distance in-between
    Start Measuring.png
  4. The measurements for the area you selected are displayed on the 3D model
    Measured Area.png
  5. Optional: Drag the measuring tool handle to reposition the measuring head and measure additional areas
    Measure More Area.png
  6. Optional: Click/tap X to close the measuring tool, making the handle and head disappear for a clearer view of the measurements
    Hide Measurement Tool.png

Add Additional Measurements

Adding additional measurements allows you to start a new measurement with its own starting point without affecting other measurements. To do so:

  1. After you are done with the previous measurement, Click/tap ✔ 
    Confirm Measurement.png
  2. Click/tap on the measuring tool handle and drag it
  3. Position the measuring head at the new starting point where you want to begin measuring
  4. Continue as explained above in Measure a Certain Area starting from step 5

Undo Measurement

To undo one measurement without the need to clear all measurements:

  1. Click/tap the undo icon
    Reset Icon.png

Use Magnets

The magnets option simplifies measuring by allowing the measuring tool to snap to the corners and midpoints of elements. To use magnets:

  1. Continue while you are Measuring a Certain Area
  2. Click/tap the magnet icon
    Magnet Icon.png
  3. Place the measuring head on the start point of the edge you want to measure
  4. Once a corner is detected the measuring head will be in square shape
    Square Measuring Head.png
  5. Click/tap the measuring tool handle and drag it to move the measuring head from the starting point to another point
    Move Measuring Head.png
  6. Once you reach a corner or mid point, the measuring head will adhere to it until you move on.

Use Magnifier

The magnifier option enlarges the area around the measurement head, allowing you to position your measurement line precisely where needed. To enable the magnifier:

  1. Continue while you are Measuring a Certain Area
  2. Click/tap the magnifying glass icon
    Magnifying Glass.png
  3. The area around your measuring head will be displayed in a magnified view
    Magnified Area.png

Clear Measurements

To clear all measurements:

  1. Click/tap the delete icon (it indicates how many measurements exist that will be cleared)
    Trash Icon.png

Updated January 8, 2026