Preparing Your Plans

Make sure your plans are clear, scaled, and layered properly before uploading. Avoid unnecessary markups, and always verify drawing sets are complete before running compliance checks.

Acceptable File Formats

We accept the following file formats for plans and supporting documents:

IFC – Preferred format
PDF – Recommended if IFC is not available
PNG
JPG/JPEG

Preferred File Format Order

To ensure maximum compatibility with our AI analysis engine, please follow this format priority:

IFC – Strongly recommended. Ensures structured geometry, metadata, and layering. Best for AI analysis and plan mark-up modules.
Vector-based PDF – Recommended if IFC is not available. Layered PDFs improve analysis accuracy.
High-resolution PNG or JPG – Acceptable for supporting graphics or plans without embedded layers.

Mixed Format Submissions

You may submit a combination of formats (e.g., IFC + PDF + JPG), but ensure:

IFC files include complete plan data and metadata.
PDFs are not locked or encrypted
Images are scanned at 300 DPI minimum if scanned

File Size Limit

Each individual file should be 50 MB or less.
There is no limit on the number of files per project.

Plan File Naming Guidelines

To streamline your review process, we recommend:

Use clear, descriptive filenames (e.g., A101_FloorPlan_Level1.pdf)
Avoid special characters in filenames (&, %, #, !, etc.)
Group similar plan types in folders if uploading multiple (e.g., Structural, MEP, Accessibility)

Plan File Requirements

All drawings must be legible, to scale, and oriented correctly.
Vector PDFs should retain searchable text (not just scanned images).
Sheets should include standard elements:
  • Title block
  • North arrow
  • Drawing scale
  • Revision version/date

Supporting Documents

Accepted formats: PDF, PNG, JPG. Examples include:

Structural calculations
Energy calculations
Soils/geotechnical reports
Accessibility studies
License verification documents
Jurisdiction-specific forms/checklists

Drawing Sheet Size & Orientation

Standard architectural sheet sizes are recommended (e.g., 24”x36” / ARCH D, 30”x42” / ARCH E1).
Landscape orientation is preferred.
Maintain consistent sheet sizes across a set for easier review.

Layering & Color Coding (for PDFs/IFCs)

Use standardized layers (e.g., separate layers for walls, doors, electrical).
Keep color usage minimal and avoid decorative colors that do not convey technical meaning.
Avoid excessive grayscale shading that can hinder AI extraction.

IFC Export Settings (If Used)

If submitting IFC files, recommend:

IFC version 2x3 or 4.0
Include classification (e.g., Uniclass, Omniclass, or jurisdiction-specific layers)
Export all building stories, and group elements logically (walls, roofs, slabs, doors, windows, etc.)

File Compression & Packaging

Do not use zip or rar unless absolutely necessary.
If uploading over 10 files, organize into subfolders by discipline (e.g., Architectural, Structural, MEP).
Avoid image-heavy or flattened PDF exports.

Scale & Dimensions

Ensure consistent scale on all plan sheets.
Add dimensions in feet/inches or metric, matching jurisdiction requirements.
Include graphic scale bars.

Title Blocks & Metadata

All plan sheets must include:
  • Project name & address
  • Sheet number and title
  • Date & version/revision number
  • Name of preparer (e.g., architect/engineer)
Metadata should not be flattened or rasterized (to enable parsing by AI tools).

Document Language

All documents must be submitted in English.
If supporting material is in another language, provide an English translation for review.

Document Integrity

Do not password-protect or digitally restrict editing.
Avoid scanned handwritten markups.
Make sure all sheets are complete and legible.

Tips for Better AI Analysis

Avoid low-resolution scans or flattened documents.
Keep one discipline per file when possible (e.g., separate architectural and structural).
Use vector formats to preserve layer visibility and technical annotations.
Ensure uploaded files are complete (no missing pages or sheets).

Supported File Formats

IFC

(preferred)

PDF

PNG, JPG, & JPEG