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Learn · Everyday know-how · Lesson 6 of 6

Fix common problems

You willFind out why something is missing, cluttered, the wrong size or not responding, and put it right.
Time4 min
Why it mattersMost “it’s broken” moments are a hidden layer, a missing scale or a blocked permission, each fixed in seconds.

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

Steps

  1. Something missing on the plan or in 3D? Open the Layers tab and show its layer again with the eye beside its name. In 3D, a note says when a hidden layer holds things, with Show them.
    The Showroom in 3D with the Fixtures layer hidden: a note at the top says the items are not shown, with a Show them button.
  2. Still missing? It may be on another building level. Pick the level on the map, or search for its name with Ctrl+K.
  3. Too many labels? Choose Labels and untick the types you don’t need.
  4. Keys do nothing in 3D? Click inside the view first, so it has the keyboard. Esc gives the pointer back.
  5. Sizes in pixels on a plan from a drawing? It has no scale yet: choose Set scale and click two points a known distance apart.
  6. GPS says location is blocked, or the ± stays large? Allow location for the site in the browser’s settings, and step into the open.
  7. A project has gone? Projects not in your account live in one browser: clearing site data or closing a private window removes them. Sign in, or keep a copy: Export, then Share and Project file.

Tips

  • An export without the aerial? Some base maps’ terms forbid their imagery in exports, and Plotlay says so. Switch to a base map that allows it, such as a government aerial.
  • Slow 3D on an older computer: close other tabs and make the window smaller.
  • Still stuck? Search the lessons with Ctrl+K, or email hello@plotlay.io with what you did and what you saw.

Common mistakes

  • Deleting and redrawing something that was only hidden: check Layers and the level first.
  • Clearing the browser’s data to fix a problem: it deletes projects that are only in this browser. Export a project file first.
Check yourself

The walls are on the plan but missing in 3D. What do you check first?

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.
Level
A floor of the building, such as ground or upper. Each room, drawing and item sits on one level, and the plan shows one level at a time.
Accuracy (±)
How far out a GPS position may be, such as ± 4 m. Smaller is better; under 5 m is good for a phone.

Related lessons

Show the labels you needShow or hide labels by type, and let Plotlay thin them out as you zoom, so a busy plan stays readable.2 minUndo, redo and go back in HistoryTake back a mistake, or return the project to an earlier point.2 minWork without signalGet a project ready for a site with no signal, work there, and let it sync when you are back.3 min

Steps checked in the app on 14 October 2026.