Summary
Learn how to draw an accurate floor plan using just your smartphone. We compare the best free and paid apps including MagicPlan, RoomScan Pro and more.
How To Draw a Floor Plan Using Your Phone
You do not need an architect, a surveyor, or expensive software to get a floor plan. If you own a smartphone, you already have most of what you need. Apps have made the process genuinely accessible. Some are impressively accurate, others are better suited to rough sketches. Here is what works, what does not, and what to watch out for.
Does It Actually Work?
The short answer is yes, within reason. Phone-based floor plan apps fall into two camps: those that use your phone’s camera and motion sensors to estimate room dimensions, and those that rely on LiDAR, a depth-sensing technology built into newer iPhone Pro models and some Android devices. LiDAR apps are noticeably more accurate. Standard sensor-based apps can drift, especially in larger or irregular rooms.
For a rental listing, a renovation brief, or personal reference, phone-generated plans are more than adequate. For planning applications or structural work, you will still want a professionally measured survey.
The Best Apps To Use
MagicPlan
One of the most widely used options. MagicPlan lets you scan a room by pointing your camera at the corners, and it builds the floor plan as you go. It exports to PDF, JPG, and even CAD formats. The basic version is free; exporting in certain formats requires a paid plan or one-off purchase. Works on both iOS and Android.
It handles straightforward rectangular rooms well. Rooms with alcoves, bay windows, or unusual angles take more patience but are manageable.
RoomScan Pro
RoomScan Pro takes a different approach. You press your phone flat against each wall in turn, and it measures the room acoustically. It sounds unusual, but it works well for simple layouts. It is iOS only and costs a few pounds, with no subscription. Good for people who want something quick without fussing over camera angles.
Canvas (formerly Occipital)
Canvas is the strongest option if you have a LiDAR-enabled iPhone (iPhone 12 Pro or later). It scans the room in seconds and produces a highly detailed 3D model alongside a measured floor plan. The scan itself is free; converting to CAD or a full floor plan file costs extra. Worth it if accuracy matters and you have the compatible hardware.
Planner 5D and Homestyler
Planner 5D and Homestyler are more design-focused than measurement-focused. You draw the floor plan manually by inputting dimensions, then the app renders it visually. Less useful for measuring an existing property, but good if you already have measurements and want a clean, presentable output.
What You Need Before You Start
A laser measure makes a big difference. Apps that rely purely on sensors can be inconsistent, but if you manually confirm key measurements with a laser tape (they cost around £20 to £40 and are worth owning), you can correct any errors before exporting. A simple notepad to jot down room names and rough measurements before scanning also saves time.
Clear the floor where possible. Furniture, boxes, and clutter confuse sensor-based apps and block corners, which is where most of the measurement data comes from.
Limitations To Know About
Phone apps measure wall to wall. They do not account for the thickness of internal walls, which matters if you are planning structural work. They also will not show drainage runs, ceiling heights (unless you input them manually), or the position of electrical sockets and switches, all things a professional measured survey would include.
Battery drain is real. A full flat scan can take 15 to 20 minutes and will eat through charge faster than expected. Start with a full battery or keep a cable nearby.
When To Use a Professional Instead
If the floor plan is for a sales listing, it is worth getting a professional one done. Buyers and agents notice the difference, and a poorly drawn plan can actually put people off. A professional floor plan also comes with a guarantee of accuracy and is produced to a recognised standard.
If you are already booking property photography, many photographers, including us, offer floor plans as an add-on, which keeps everything consistent and saves you organising multiple services. You can also send us an existing plan to redraw or update if you have already measured up yourself.
Quick Comparison
| App | Platform | Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MagicPlan | iOS & Android | Camera/AR | General use, exports to CAD |
| RoomScan Pro | iOS only | Acoustic | Quick scans, simple rooms |
| Canvas | iOS (LiDAR) | LiDAR | High accuracy, complex spaces |
| Planner 5D | iOS & Android | Manual input | Visual output, design planning |
A phone floor plan is not a replacement for a measured survey, but for most everyday purposes it does the job well. Start with MagicPlan if you are unsure. It is free, works on most phones, and produces a result you can actually use. Find your floor plan for free, if exists.