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GuideMarch 17, 20268 min read

How to Create a Floor Plan Easily (Complete Guide)

Creating a floor plan is an essential step before any construction, renovation or interior design project. A floor plan helps you visualize room layouts, measure surfaces, prepare for work and communicate with contractors. In this guide, discover how to create a floor plan easily, step by step.

What you will learn

  • The classic method to create a floor plan step by step
  • How to scan a room with an iPhone LiDAR
  • Tool comparison (3D software, scan, drawing)
  • Common mistakes to avoid

Today, several methods allow you to create a floor plan: manual drawing, 3D planning software, or automatic scanning with a smartphone. Let's look at each in detail.

How to create a floor plan easily (simple method)

Here is the classic method used to create a floor plan.

Step 1: Measure the rooms

Start by measuring the main dimensions:

  • Wall lengths
  • Room widths
  • Ceiling height

A tape measure or laser rangefinder can be used.

Step 2: Draw the walls

Then trace the shape of the property:

  • External walls
  • Internal walls
  • Room divisions

This allows you to visualize the overall structure.

Step 3: Add openings

Then add:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Stairs

These elements are essential for a realistic floor plan.

Step 4: Check dimensions

Before using the plan for a project, it is important to check:

  • Surface areas
  • Proportions
  • Distances between walls

Step 5: Create a digital version

The final step is to transform the plan into a digital version so you can:

  • Easily modify the plan
  • Share the project
  • Visualize in 3D
3D model of a property generated with MakePlan

3D model generated with MakePlan — visualize your property in 3D

Create a floor plan with an iPhone (quick method)

New technologies now allow you to create a floor plan much faster. Some smartphones are equipped with a LiDAR sensor, capable of scanning a space in 3D.

This technology allows you to:

  • Automatically measure walls
  • Scan a room
  • Generate a digital floor plan

With apps like MakePlan, you can scan a property and get a floor plan in just a few minutes.

1

Open the app

Launch MakePlan on your iPhone

2

Scan the room

Slowly move your phone around the space

3

Generate the plan

The floor plan is created automatically

Scanning a room with iPhone and MakePlanFloor plan displayed in MakePlan

From scan to floor plan generation — directly from your iPhone

This method is now used by many construction professionals.

How to scan a room to create a floor plan

Here are the steps to automatically create a floor plan using 3D scanning.

1. Scan the space

Slowly move your smartphone around the room to capture:

  • Walls
  • Corners
  • Dimensions

The system analyses the space in real time.

2. Generate the plan automatically

Once the scan is complete, the app transforms the data into a floor plan. The plan can be:

  • 2D
  • 3D
  • Dimensioned

This allows you to quickly get a usable floor plan.

2D floor plan automatically generated with MakePlan

2D floor plan automatically generated with MakePlan

3. Export the plan

The plan can then be exported in different formats:

  • PDF
  • Image
  • Technical drawing

These files can be used to prepare a renovation project or share the plan with a client.

Different methods for creating a floor plan

There are several methods for creating a floor plan.

Manual drawing

The traditional method is to draw the plan on paper after measuring the walls.

Advantages

  • Simple
  • Accessible

Disadvantages

  • Not very accurate
  • Difficult to modify

3D floor plan software

Floor plan software allows you to create digital plans. Examples: HomeByMe, Archifacile, Homestyler. These tools let you visualize the project in 3D.

LiDAR scanning

LiDAR scanning captures a space in 3D and automatically generates a floor plan.

Advantages

  • Fast
  • Accurate
  • Significant time savings

What is the best tool for creating a floor plan

Here is a simple comparison of available tools.

ToolTypeAdvantage
HomeByMe3D softwareRealistic rendering
Archifacile2D planEasy to use
HomestylerInterior designDecoration
MakePlanLiDAR scanAutomatic generation

Unlike traditional software, MakePlan allows you to scan a space and automatically generate a floor plan.

Who uses this type of tool today

Floor plan creation apps are used by many professionals.

Architects

To carry out building surveys.

Real estate agents

To present property floor plans.

Contractors

To prepare renovation work.

Interior designers

To visualize interior layouts.

Construction companies

To perform quick measurements.

Mistakes to avoid when creating a floor plan

Some mistakes can make a floor plan unusable.

Incorrect measurements

Wrong dimensions can throw off the entire project.

Forgetting openings

Doors and windows must be included in the plan.

Wrong scale

A plan must be proportional to be usable.

Frequently asked questions about floor plans

How to create a floor plan for free?
Several free tools allow you to create floor plans online or via mobile apps.
What software to use for a floor plan?
The most popular software includes HomeByMe, Archifacile and Homestyler.
How to measure a house to create a floor plan?
You need to measure the walls, openings and surfaces. These measurements can be taken manually or with 3D scanning technologies.
Can you create a floor plan with a smartphone?
Yes. Some smartphones equipped with LiDAR sensors can scan a room and automatically generate a floor plan.

Create a floor plan in minutes

Thanks to new technologies like LiDAR scanning, it is now possible to create a floor plan quickly.

With apps like MakePlan, professionals can:

  • Scan a room
  • Generate a floor plan
  • Export dimensions
  • Prepare a renovation project

All directly from a smartphone.

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* LiDAR feature available only on iPhone Pro and iPad Pro