RENDR is designed to help you quickly capture spaces and generate floor plans. While a network connection is typically used to sync your scans to the cloud, it is possible to scan in areas with limited or no connectivity. Understanding how this works, best practices, and potential issues can help ensure your data is saved safely.
Can You Scan Offline?
Yes, you can scan with the RENDR app even if you are offline, such as due to connectivity issues in a client's home or if using a non-cellular iPad. The app uses LiDAR technology on compatible iOS devices (iPhone Pros, iPad Pros) to capture measurements and map out the space.
How Offline Scanning Works
When you complete a scan while offline, the scan data and any associated photos will not be able to sync to the cloud immediately. Instead, the scan will temporarily live in your account on the device until you are reconnected to the internet. Once your device is able to connect to the server (e.g., back at the office), the scan space will be uploaded to the server for safekeeping.
Important Considerations and Potential Issues
The most critical point when scanning offline is that the user should not log out of the RENDR app between finishing the scan and reconnecting to the internet. If you log out, the device's cache is wiped clean, and the scan may disappear.
To avoid potential issues with scans not syncing, it is suggested to use a connected device for scanning, such as an iPad or iPhone with cellular service. If you are using a non-cellular iPad, a recommended best practice is to use a high-speed hotspot on a phone to ensure the scan is safely stored on the server immediately after completion. If neither of these options is available, you can scan the space and take photos, but it's suggested to skip the initial prompt to upload photos and add them later once you have a connection, as photos won't sync when offline.
What happens if I lose my scan after I scan offline?
The primary way you might "lose" a scan after scanning offline is if you log out of the RENDR app before you have reconnected to the internet and the scan has synced. If the user logs out, the device's cache, where the offline scan is temporarily stored, is wiped clean, and the scan may disappear. If this has happened, please contact customer support directly to see if your scan can be retrieved.
Best Practices for Successful Scans (Online or Offline)
Whether you are scanning online or offline, following general best practices will help ensure the best results:
Lighting is key. The more light, the better your scan results will be. Avoid working in too dim a space.
Movement: After the initial calibration, move your phone smoothly from left to right. Avoid excessive up-and-down motion, or "painting" the room with your phone, as this can cause irregularities and inconsistent results. The light lines on the screen indicate when you are capturing.
Walking Path: Walk continuously through the space without stopping between rooms. Avoid backtrackingthrough areas you've already scanned, as this can introduce inconsistencies.
Starting Position: For larger spaces (comfortably up to ~2500 sq ft), always start somewhere in the middle of the floor plan and work outwards. Starting in a corner can sometimes lead to crooked walls in large scans.
Distance: The best distance to be away from something is usually six to ten feet. In very small spaces, you can sometimes walk in and turn the phone above your head.
Multiple Floors: Do not scan multiple floors in a single scan. Scan each floor separately and save them as part of the same project.
Scanning Strategy: Some users scan an entire floor first and then go back to scan individual rooms separately to capture greater detail and accuracy where it matters most. Scanning just the kitchen as a single room can provide the greatest accuracy, especially for projects using software like 2020 Design.
Add Photos Later: While the app prompts you to add photos after saving a scan, it's suggested to skip this prompt initially and add photos later from your device's library. This allows you to take multiple photos during your site visit and upload them all at once.
Clear Obstructions: Larger obstructions like furniture or appliances may affect accuracy. Clearing the space as much as possible before scanning is recommended.