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Learn · Homeowners and renovators · Lesson 5 of 7

Change things in the 3D view

You willSelect something in 3D, change its size and place by the numbers, swap it for another Library item, and move a post.
Time4 min
Why it mattersSome things are easier to judge in 3D: a lounger’s clearance from the pool, or a post in the way of a view.

Try it in Plotlay → Opens an example project with this lesson beside it. Nothing to install.

In the Showroom 3D view a sun lounger is selected, its length is typed and it turns, then a post of the pergola is picked.

Steps

  1. Choose 3D. Click something to select it, such as a sun lounger by the pool. Its panel opens on the left, with its name at the top.
  2. Under Size and place, type a new Length (m) or Width (m), move it with the two position boxes, or type a Turn (°). It changes as you type, and saves after a moment.
    A sun lounger selected in the Showroom 3D view: its panel with Length, Width, position and Turn under Size and place, and Replace with, Duplicate and Delete.
  3. Or drag it: drag the item to move it, or a handle on its edge or corner to resize it. The arrow keys nudge it 100 mm, and R turns it 15°.
  4. Choose Replace with… to swap it for something from the Library in the same place. Keep size fits the new one to the old one’s length and width.
  5. Select a pergola, carport, verandah or fence, then click one of the blue dots on its posts: the panel names the post, such as Post 3 of 7. Set where it stands along its side and its Post size (m), Remove this post, or choose Add a post and click a beam.
    The louvred pergola selected in 3D with its posts as blue dots, and the panel for one post: where it stands along its side, its size, style and colour.
  6. More settings has the rest of its options, such as its colour and finish. Undo in the 3D toolbar takes a change back.

Tips

  • Untick Snap to 0.1 m to size and place to the millimetre.
  • Duplicate puts a copy beside it, ready to move. Delete removes it.
  • Changes made in 3D are ordinary changes: they show on the plan, in History, and in every document made after.

Common mistakes

  • A click opens a door, drawer or blind instead of selecting it: hold Shift as you click to select it.
  • Nothing happens when you click: things on a hidden layer are not in the 3D view. Choose Show them in the note at the top, or turn the layer on in the Layers tab.
  • Typing a size while the boxes snap to 100 mm: untick Snap to 0.1 m first for an exact figure.
Check yourself

In the 3D view, a click on a cupboard opens its door. How do you select the cupboard to resize it?

Words in this lesson

Layer
A group of things in a project, listed in the Layers tab. A hidden layer is left out of the plan, 3D and documents until you show it again.
Joinery (bench run)
Built-in cabinetry along a wall, such as a kitchen or laundry bench with base cupboards, drawers and handles. Plotlay draws it on plans, elevations and in 3D.
Library
The shelves of real-sized things you can place: furniture, fit-out, appliances, plants, site items. Drag from the Library tab or search for it.

Related lessons

Walk through your plan in 3DTurn the plan into a 3D model, walk through it at eye height and save a picture.3 minChoose finishes and add fit-out to a roomSet a room’s floor tile and paint, and place a fitting such as a towel rail against a wall to the millimetre.5 minUndo, redo and go back in HistoryTake back a mistake, or return the project to an earlier point.2 min

Steps checked in the app on 14 October 2026.