The Measure Distance tool allows users to quickly calculate and visualize distances between any two points within the 2D planner. It supports both temporary measurements, which are used for quick, on-the-fly checks, and persistent measurements, which remain embedded in the project for long-term reference.
By combining these two options, the tool provides flexibility: users can perform quick evaluations without saving, or establish fixed reference points that remain visible across sessions.
To view in full screen, click here.
Note! 3CAD provides more measuring tools. Read here to learn more about them.
Tool Description
The Measure Distance tool is integrated directly into the planner’s interface and can be accessed via the planner toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen - see article The planner toolbar for more details.
It alternatively provides:
Temporary measurements - are displayed only during the current session and vanish once the tool is deactivated.
Persistent measurements - are saved in the project data, remain visible after reevaluations, and can be reused as reference points in future editing sessions.
Both types of measurements are designed to improve clarity and control in 2D planning. Measurements can be taken along article's edges, across articles, between articles, and in any empty area of the planner. Articles' snap points become magnetic to the cursor when the Measure Distance tool is activated, enabling enhanced measurement accuracy.
Note: By default, measurements are temporary, but it is possible to shift to persistent ones by updating the Config.JSON file accordingly. Temporary and persistent measurements cannot coexist in the same project.
Temporary Measurements
Temporary measurements are intended for quick checks while exploring or validating design layouts. They are ideal when precision is required only during the current session, without the need to store the data permanently.
Practical Uses
Checking distances during early layout exploration.
Comparing alternatives before confirming a design.
Quickly validating clearances without cluttering the project file.
How to Use
In the 2D environment, activate the Measure Distance tool by clicking on its button on the planner toolbar.
See the article The planner toolbar to learn more.
Click on the measurement starting point.
Dragging the cursor across the scene. and click on the measurement endpoint. The measurement will appear on screen but will not be stored in the project once the session ends.
Benefits
Fast and lightweight.
No impact on saved project data.
Ideal for iterative or exploratory design phases.
Persistent Measurements
Persistent measurements allow users to store custom distance annotations directly in the project. Unlike temporary ones. These measurements remain embedded in the project even after layout reevaluations, ensuring greater precision, readability, and consistency throughout the design process.
Practical Uses
Verifying clearances between furniture and walls.
Maintaining safe distances between objects.
Tracking key reference distances in complex designs.
How to Create Measurements
In the 2D environment, activate the Measure Distance tool, by clicking on its button on the planner toolbar.
See the article The planner toolbar to learn more.
Click on the measurement starting point.
Drag the cursor across the scene and click at the measurement endpoint. The measurement is placed and stored under
envWall.quotesEditorin the project JSON.
Save the project. The measuring lines will remain embedded in the project. To view them again, activate the Measure Distance tool in 2D planner.
Technical Requirements
Available starting from engine core v15.98.0.
To enable persistent measurements, it is necessary to update the configuration file. See the article Persistent manual measurements configuration for more details.
Benefits
Consistent and reusable reference points.
Increased design accuracy and readability.
Reduced time spent on repetitive distance checks.
More efficient control over layout planning.
Modification Rules
Measurements cannot be directly edited. To adjust them, delete the existing measurement and create a new one with the correct points.
How to Delete Measurements
Hover over a measurement's figures without clicking, and press the Delete key.
To view in full screen, click here.
Note: Deleting all persistent measurements at once is not possible by default but it can be implemented. See the article Persistent manual measurements configuration for specific guidance.