Canvas
RenamedOverview
Canvas is an iOS app that uses LiDAR on iPhone Pro or iPad Pro to scan physical spaces, primarily residential interiors, generating accurate 2D floor plans and 3D models exportable to CAD/BIM software like SketchUp, Revit, and AutoCAD. It also offers a Plan to CAD service to convert uploaded 2D plans (PDF, DWG, DXF) into editable 3D models. Targeted at design professionals, remodelers, and builders for as-built documentation, it reduces measurement time and errors, though optimized for homes and limited for exteriors (3D only) or non-residential spaces.12346
Key Features
- LiDAR Scanning - Scan interiors by moving iPhone/iPad up and down to capture 3D data in minutes.
- Scan to CAD - Convert scans to 2D floor plans and 3D models for SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD.
- Plan to CAD - Upload 2D plans (PDF/DWG/DXF) for conversion to editable 3D CAD files.
- Multi-Scan Merging - Combine multiple room scans into a single global model with overlaps.
- Layered Models - Editable layers for walls, doors, windows, fixtures in exported files.
- Measurement Reports - Generate reports and floor plans importable to takeoff software.
- Exterior Scanning - Capture exteriors for 3D models only, no 2D plans or elevations.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Scan App | Free | LiDAR scanning on iOS devices. |
| Scan to CAD | Paid (sq ft based) | Processing scans to 2D/3D CAD files. |
| Plan to CAD | Paid (sq ft based, quote required) | 2D plan conversion to 3D models; interior/exterior options. |
Platforms & Requirements
Runs exclusively on iOS via App Store (iPhone/iPad with LiDAR, e.g., Pro models). Requires iOS app for scanning; processing done via web submission to canvas.io. No Android, desktop, or non-LiDAR support mentioned.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- SketchUp
- Revit
- AutoCAD
- Chief Architect
- 2020 Design
- DWG/DXF/PDF import
- CAD/BIM export formats
Alternatives
| App | Difference |
|---|---|
| MagicPlan | Similar mobile scanning but broader platform support including Android; less emphasis on pro CAD exports. |
| Cubicasa | LiDAR-based floor plan app focused on real estate; quicker for simple plans but fewer BIM integrations. |
| RoomScan Pro | iOS LiDAR scanner with manual tweaks; no cloud processing or plan-to-3D conversion service. |
| Matterport | Full 3D capture for larger spaces; higher cost, more geared toward virtual tours than editable CAD. |
Reputation
Canvas is praised for drastically reducing as-built measurement time and accuracy in residential remodeling, with seamless exports to design software earning positive feedback from professionals like Matt Risinger.34 Users note its simplicity for interiors but limitations in non-residential or exterior 2D drafting, and it requires LiDAR devices.57 Rebranded to Twindo, indicating evolution while maintaining core scanning utility.1
Sources (9)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/twindo-formerly-canvas/id1169235377
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWACqA0CrM4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Gpt2nsm24
- https://www.technologydesigner.com/canvas-for-design-professionals/
- https://support.canvas.io/article/6-can-i-use-canvas-to-scan-exteriors
- https://focusedsketchup.com/from-2d-to-3d-how-to-save-time-with-canvas-plan-to-cad/
- https://support.canvas.io/article/27-i-want-to-scan-non-residential-environments-will-canvas-work-outside-of-the-home
- https://sketchup.trimble.com/blog/en-US/article/canvas-s-scan-to-sketchup-save-hours-of-measuring-and-modeling-so-you-can-jump-straight-to-design
- https://support.canvas.io/article/5-what-kind-of-accuracy-can-i-expect-from-canvas