Support Archive

Q: Can I use a third-party 3D scanner with Twindo?

Twindo uses proprietary SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to recreate scale-accurate 3D models of real-world spaces via mobile devices. In order to do so, Twindo needs access to raw data captured by the device itself, and its algorithms need to be tuned tightly to that device. Twindo’s Scan To CAD pipeline is itself tuned to this output (and underlying raw data) in order to automate as much of the process as possible (and keep our prices lower than manual modeling/drafting). This makes supporting any third-party scanner a significant undertaking. As of right now, Scan To CAD supports only scans captured via the Twindo iOS apps Twindo: LiDAR 3D Measurements on a compatible device.

Q: How big of a space can I scan?

The Short Answer There is no specific limit on how big of a space you can scan (except for the device memory), and you can scan room by room, several rooms at once or up to a whole floor. We recommend scanning each floor separately and stairways separately. Multiple scans can be converted into a single, global model, so how you break up the scans is flexible. More information on merging scans here. The Long Answer LiDAR-enabled iPads (which include Pro models 2020 and newer) and iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max and newer will generally allow you to scan the largest areas at once, as the Twindo app allows you to walk around as you scan. In our testing, however, the RAM of the device will tend to max out at about one floor of a typical home, so large spaces will still require breaking up into multiple scans. However, it's really more about how long it takes to scan a space, and if you're able to do so using good technique. Try to keep any scans less than about 10 minutes long. Once you start approaching 10 minutes, it's a good idea to start looking for a place to end the scan so you can start a new one. Similarly, if you're unable to scan an entire floor without sticking to our Scanning Best Practices, it's a good idea to break the floor into more than one scan. As you take Twindo into larger commercial and industrial environments, you may run into different limitations, which you can learn more about here: I want to scan non-residential spaces. Will Twindo work outside the home? The three most important things are that you: Capture all sections of the home that you expect to show up in your CAD model somewhere in your individual scans Scan through connecting areas (like doorways) into the adjacent space (if you do intend to merge it with other scans) Avoid zig-zagging in and out of many rooms in a row within a single scan

Q: How can I generate my own 2D files from a 3D model?

If you already have a 3D CAD file, you can generate 2D floor plans yourself from your design program: SketchUp Open the .skp file in SketchUp. Using SketchUp's instructions here, use the slicing plane to slice through the model horizontally: https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/slicing-model-peer-inside Go to Camera –> Standard Views –> Top Go to Camera –> check "Parallel Projection" instead of Perspective Go to Tools –> Dimensions, and then touch the points for which you want measurements displayed. Repeat until you have annotated all the important measurements. Take a screenshot or export as a 2D graphic. Revit Open the .rvt file in Revit Go to Project Browser and expand the Views tab Expand the Floor Plan section under Views Double click on the floor plan level you want to display Chief Architect Open the .plan file in Chief Architect. Position 2D plan the way you'd like to see it on the page Go to File –> Export –> Export Current View and save the drawing as a DWG 2020 DesignOpen the .kit file in 2020 Design. Position 2D plan the way you'd like to see it on the page. Go to File –> Export –> Other Formats –> save the drawing as a DWG For 2D Plan choose in "Shape Selection" dialog – "Floor plan shapes" AutoCAD 1. Open the .dwg file in AutoCAD. 2. Hit the top-down button in the top right corner. 3. Annotate the dimensions you need (there are multiple ways to do this in AutoCAD) 4. Go to File –> Export and save the drawing as a PDF. You can learn more about Scan To CAD's compatibility with various architecture and design programs in general here: What file formats and programs does Scan To CAD export?

Q: How can I get a receipt/invoice for an order?

You can view your full order history from the Projects view. Select “View orders only” to see your purchases. When you view your orders online, you can also download any associated files by clicking into the project. Click the “Orders” tab in the Project view to access the following information: – Order number is in the top left – “Get receipt” in the top right will open your invoice for downloading

Q: How do I apply a promo code?

Adding a Promo Code to your Order from the Twindo app Create an Order [How do I place an Order] On the cart screen, Expand the Add-Ons & Discounts Section Type Promo Code Tap Apply Code will be applied, code and discount can be removed Adding a Promo Code to your Order from Twindo.com Create an Order: Select the scans you wish to receive, then choose your format and proceed to the checkout screen [How do I place an Order] At Checkout: click "Add a Promo Code" Enter the code + Apply it to the order: Use the text box to enter your code, then click "Apply" The code is now applied to the order, and can be removed using the X button *Only one promo code can be used per order. Promo code cannot be applied retroactively; it must be applied when the order is placed. Anything under the code value is forfeited, i.e., we can't "give change." Promotions and Discounts are subject to change without notice. Please subscribe to Twindo.com emails for promotions.

Q: How do I scan a kitchen?

The video below outlines our recommended scanning methods for capturing a kitchen using Twindo:

Q: How do I scan a room with Twindo?

With Apple's LiDAR sensor, 3D scanning can be as easy as taking a video. The video below will outline our recommended scanning methods to help you get the best results each time. For additional videos and tips, visit scanning best practices. LiDAR iPad and iPhone Start in a corner of the room with a lot of details (book shelf, picture frames, patterns) Stand 5-10ft away, aim the iPad at the detailed corner and tap Scan to start (scanning with the device "sideways" in landscape orientation works best). Tip: Standing back can help Twindo keep better track of your position in the room. Move the iPad slowly up (or down) to the ceiling. You do not need to scan the entire ceiling or the entire floor. Take 1-2 steps to either side, and scan back down (or up) the wall to the floor As if you are spraying paint on the wall, continue with this pattern moving in one single direction Scan the perimeter walls until you are back at your starting point Tap Done to complete the scan Tips for best results: Avoid moving or pivoting without continuing the "fence painting" pattern Only scan up to one floor at a time, do not go up or down stairs Try not to capture anything more than once in a single scan In tight spaces like halls or stairways, try using the "J" scanning pattern shown in our scanning best practices

Q: How do I scan a staircase?

Capturing a staircase is a little bit different than capturing a typical room with Twindo, and we recommend a slightly different scanning technique than the standard "loop" pattern.

Q: How to use the web viewer

Help & Tips How to use the web viewer Move around your scan, measure it, replay the capture video, and adjust settings. Choose how you’re using the viewer to see the right controls. Mouse & keyboardTouch Quick tourCamera modesMeasureCapture videoSettings Quick tour Navigation Look around your space Right click and drag to look around your space. Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out. Middle click and drag to pan. Use to dollhouse, floor plan, and first person view as needed. Measuring Save time measuring Measure distances and areas. To use the area measurement tool, select a plane, outline your wall or floor, then click finish. Tips & Tricks How to’s live in Settings You can find “Help & Tips” in the setting menu for using all the features of the viewer so you can revisit your spaces better. Camera modes Switch views with the three buttons in the bottom-left corner. Each one moves a little differently. Dollhouse — Orbit the whole model from the outside. Right-drag to orbit, middle-drag to pan, scroll to zoom. Top-Down — A flat floor plan seen straight from above — it does not rotate. Right-drag to pan, scroll to zoom. First Person — Stand inside the scan at eye level. Right-drag to look around, W/A/S/D or the arrow keys to walk, Q/E to rise and drop. Click anywhere on the scan to travel there — onto the spot on a floor, or facing it on a wall or object. Measure distances and areas Pick the measurement tool on the left, then click points on the scan. Switch between distance and area, and undo or redo while you draw. Replay the capture video Open the video panel to watch the original walkthrough. The camera can follow the capture path so you always know where you are in the scan. Only available for scale customers, and newly captured scans. Settings Use the settings button in the bottom-right to change distance units or toggle the clipping plane. Reopen this guide any time from Settings → Help & Tips.

Q: How will I know if the Twindo files will work for my software?

Yes! You will find a few rooms and whole homes captured with Twindo and processed into all of our supported formats, as well as more information on each file type. Please review and download a sample file for your design software to verify compatibility and see how our files are made.