RENDR makes it easy to transform a scanned space into a fully editable Chief Architect plan—saving hours of manual drafting and helping you get to design faster.
This guide covers both supported workflows:
Chief Architect Version | Recommended Workflow |
X18 | ✅ Native Room Planner (.ROOM) Import (Recommended) |
X17 and Earlier | ✅ DXF Export + CAD to Walls (See our Legacy Workflow Guide.) |
Why Use the Native X18 Integration?
Chief Architect X18 introduced support for importing Room Planner files, allowing RENDR to transfer your scan directly into Chief Architect without requiring a CAD-to-Walls conversion.
Instead of starting with an empty plan, you’ll begin with an editable floor plan that already includes the major architectural elements captured during your scan.
The result is less drafting, fewer manual steps, and more time designing.
What Gets Imported?
Your RENDR export includes:
✅ Walls
✅ Doors
✅ Windows
✅ Room geometry
✅ Floor elevations
✅ Floor plan layout
Once imported, everything becomes part of your editable Chief Architect plan.
Exporting from RENDR
Step 1 — Complete Your Scan
Complete your scan in the RENDR mobile app.
Before exporting, review the floor plan and make any edits you’d like reflected in Chief Architect.
Step 2 — Export as a Chief Architect File
Open the completed Space.
Select:
Export
Then choose:
Chief Architect (.ROOM)
RENDR will generate a Room Planner file compatible with Chief Architect X18.
Step 3 — Transfer the File
Save the exported file to the computer running Chief Architect to the file location you need.
If doing from a mobile device, popular methods include:
AirDrop
Email
Google Drive
Dropbox
Direct download
Importing into Chief Architect X18
Open Chief Architect:
Create a new plan.
Navigate to File → Import → Import Room Planner File
Browse to the exported .ROOM file from RENDR and select it.
Chief Architect will automatically create your editable floor plan.
That’s it! Your project is now ready for design.
Recommended Post-Import Review
RENDR provides an excellent as-built starting point, but every project should still be reviewed before construction documents are finalized.
We recommend verifying:
Wall thicknesses
Wall heights
Door locations
Window locations
Door swings
Critical dimensions
Ceiling conditions
Bulkheads
Soffits
While RENDR dramatically reduces drafting time, final design verification should always be completed inside Chief Architect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which versions of Chief Architect support this export?
The native Room Planner export is supported in Chief Architect X18.
If you’re using X17 or an earlier version, please refer to our Legacy DXF & CAD-to-Walls Guide.
Do I need to convert CAD lines into walls?
No.
The X18 workflow imports the Room Planner file directly, eliminating the need for the CAD-to-Walls conversion process required in older versions.
Can I edit the imported plan?
Yes.
Once imported, the floor plan is fully editable using Chief Architect’s standard design tools.
What information is included?
RENDR exports:
Walls and elevations
Doors
Windows
Room geometry
Floor plan layout
Does this replace field verification?
No.
RENDR provides an exceptionally accurate starting point, but all dimensions and architectural details should be reviewed as part of your normal design process.
Need Help?
If you have questions about exporting to Chief Architect X18, contact us anytime through the in-app Support chat or email [email protected].
🎥 Video Walkthrough
Prefer to watch the process?