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Reference image tool
Shortcut: I Toolbar: Reference group
Attach and manage PNG, JPEG, or PDF underlays for tracing. References are saved with the project but remain outside the building model and exported drawings.
Workflow
- Press I or click Reference Image in the toolbar.
- The Reference plans panel opens. Attach a
.png,.jpg,.jpeg, or.pdf. - For a PDF, select the page. Expand Choose drawing area and drag around the floor plan if the sheet contains borders or multiple drawings.
- Use Fit to view, then drag the unlocked underlay into position.
- Calibrate a known distance and bearing, align a picked point if needed, then lock the reference before tracing.
The Reference plans panel also restores saved references and lets you select, show, hide, lock, unlock, or delete them.
Overlay visibility
Reference images render when the Reference images overlay is on (default). Toggle in the overlay controls to hide or show underlays.
Calibration
After upload, the image appears at a default scale. To calibrate:
- Click the image to select it.
- Click Calibrate, then click the two ends of a known dimension.
- Enter its real distance in the project's displayed units and the line bearing.
- Apply calibration. Changing the PDF page or crop later resets calibration and placement, so choose the drawing area first.
The image scales to match the calibrated dimension.
Why nothing happened
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Reference panel does not open | Shortcut blocked by browser | Click Reference Image in the toolbar |
| Image does not appear | Upload or decoding failed | Read the message in the panel, check the file, and retry |
| Wrong PDF drawing appears | Another page is selected | Select the correct PDF page in the reference controls |
| Image not visible | Overlay toggled off | Turn on Reference images in overlay controls |
| Image cannot be dragged | The reference is locked | Unlock it in the reference controls |
Tips
- PDF underlays are useful for tracing existing plans or site surveys.
- Reference images are for tracing only — they are not part of the building model.
- Toggle the overlay off when not tracing to reduce visual clutter.
Related
- Plan shortcuts — overlay toggles
- Plan workspace — full tool index