Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Structure Canvas, how it works, and how to get the most out of it.
Do I need an account?
No. The app runs in your browser. You save projects as Structure Canvas file (.bdf) to your device and reopen them with "Open Structure Canvas project (.bdf)." No sign-up, no cloud storage.
Where is my data stored?
On your device only. When you save, you download a .bdf file. When you open a project, you load that file from your computer. We do not store or transmit your drawings.
What is a .bdf file?
A .bdf file (Structure Canvas project file) is a JSON project file that contains your background (if any), calibration, work area, layers, and all shapes and text. You can open it again in the Designer or keep it as a backup.
How do I get accurate scale?
Upload a survey or image and use "Calibrate scale." Click two points that have a known real distance (e.g. from your survey) and enter that distance in feet. The app then converts pixels to feet for all measurements. See Upload and Calibrate.
Can I work without a survey?
Yes. Use "Set area size" to define a work area in feet (e.g. 50 ft × 50 ft). You draw to scale on an empty canvas. Useful for concept layouts or when you do not have a survey yet. See Edge Cases.
How do I export for permits?
Use Export and choose PDF. Set paper size, add title block and scale bar if needed. The exported sheet is a clean drawing without UI. See Export and Save.
Why cannot I edit a shape?
Only objects on the active layer can be edited. Use the phase dropdown to switch to the right phase (e.g. Custom Shapes, House Planner, Markup). Check the Layers panel and select the layer that contains your shapes. The Survey layer is locked by default so the background does not move. See How It Works and Documentation by phase.
How do I pan and zoom?
Use the Hand tool, or hold Space and drag with the left mouse button, or drag with the right mouse button. Zoom with the mouse wheel or the zoom controls in the toolbar. Use Fit to Work Area or Fit to Background to reset the view.