How to Export Polycam Space Mode Captures to AutoCAD

In this guide, you will learn how to export your Polycam space mode captures and import them into AutoCAD to create accurate floor plans using LiDAR scan data as reference.

Requirements

AutoCAD Software

Required

Compatible with most recent versions of AutoCAD for DXF file support

Unit Selection

Important

Choose metric or imperial measurements before exporting - set in floor plan options panel or measurement tool settings

Export Your Polycam Data 0:32

1Set the Current Layer

Ensure your original LiDAR scan is set as the current layer in Polycam before proceeding with exports.

2Export Floor Plans

Download all 2D floor plans in a zip file as a backup, though you'll primarily use the DXF file for your AutoCAD workflow.

3Download DXF File

Export the DXF file from the point cloud column - this is your main working file that contains the point cloud data AutoCAD will use.

Pro Tip: The optimal workflow involves importing point clouds into Autodesk ReCap first and saving as .RCP files for better functionality. However, since ReCap is Windows-only, this tutorial shows a Mac-compatible workaround.

Import into AutoCAD 1:14

1Open Point Cloud File

From AutoCAD's start window, open the DXF point cloud file you exported from Polycam.

2Create Working Slice

Toggle to front view, then select and delete the bottom portion of the point cloud (below ~1.2m elevation - typical floor plan height). Delete the top half as well, leaving a thin horizontal slice. Clean up floating points for better legibility.

3Create Block Reference

Select all remaining points and click Create Block on the ribbon. Name your block and set units to meters. The slice will appear in your block library for later use.

Configure AutoCAD Settings 2:12

Display Settings

  • Set crosshair line length to 100%
  • Set units to meters
  • Enable snapping for geometry recognition
  • Turn OFF grid snapping

Layer Management

  • Toggle off fixtures, appliances, furniture
  • Turn off labels and dimension information
  • Keep only wall geometry visible
  • Simplify view for easier editing

Refine Wall Geometry 3:07

1Fix Algorithm Artifacts

Look for common issues like sharp corners from doors being ajar, partial protrusions that don't extend to the floor, and inconsistent wall segments. These typically appear as irregular shapes in the floor plan.

2Edit the Poly Rooms Layer

Click on problematic lines and select Remove vertex to eliminate unwanted points. Drag vertices to snap and merge with adjacent points. Use the explode command to work with individual line segments.

Key Commands:

explode - Break apart grouped geometry
erase - Delete selected elements
join - Connect wall segments
offset - Create wall thickness

3Add Wall Thickness

With exterior walls selected, type offset, enter 0.1 (or desired wall thickness), and offset toward the outside of the space to create realistic wall dimensions.

Draw Interior Walls 4:51

1Add LiDAR Reference

Go to block library → recently added section → double-click your point cloud block. Click at origin point to place, then type "1" to set full size. Verify the block aligns with your floor plan.

2Draw Wall Rectangles

Turn off snapping for more control. Use the Rectangle Tool to create wall segments, overlapping into connecting walls. Copy walls using "CO" command with orthographic constraints (hold Shift).

3Clean Up with Trim Tool

Type trim, press Enter twice to recognize all intersecting shapes, then click on lines you want to eliminate. Redraw any accidentally deleted lines as needed.

Note: If the trim command doesn't work initially, remove extraneous vertices and run the command again. Sometimes it's easier to redraw accidentally deleted lines than to undo multiple operations.

Add Dimensions 6:56

1Configure Dimension Style

Click paintbrush icon → select Standard → gear icon → Modify. Choose "Architectural text" in Symbols and Arrows tab, and enable "Fixed length extension lines" in Lines tab.

2Create Measurements

Select dimension tool, click interior wall corner, type "continue" and press Enter. Select the previous dimension and continue across the plan. Add overall width/length measurements for complete documentation.

Final Touches 8:05

Room Areas

Display space calculations:

  • Toggle on room area layer
  • Change colors in properties panel
  • Verify area calculations

Wall Hatching

Visualize wall thickness:

  • Create "Poly Wall hatch" layer
  • Apply hatch tool to wall interiors
  • Adjust color, pattern, and scale
  • Delete old hatch layers

Quality Check: Turn off the point cloud layer visibility and review your completed floor plan. Verify dimensions are accurate and walls are properly connected before proceeding with detailed design work.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Trim Command Issues: Remove extraneous vertices and retry the command
  • Accidentally Deleted Lines: Use line tool with endpoint snapping to redraw
  • Block Alignment Problems: Verify units are consistent between polycam export and AutoCAD settings
  • Performance Issues: Delete more floating points from the point cloud for better performance

Next Steps

Your accurate base floor plan is now ready for detailed architectural drawings, door swings and window placement, layout planning for special projects, and further architectural development. The combination of LiDAR precision with CAD flexibility provides an excellent foundation for any architectural project.