What is the difference between PlanSnapper and a la mode?

PlanSnapper is a browser-based tool for calculating ANSI-compliant GLA from existing floor plan images and PDFs. a la mode is a separate tool with different core functionality. The right choice depends on whether you need to measure from a floor plan or perform a different task.

Can PlanSnapper replace a la mode?

It depends on your workflow. PlanSnapper focuses on GLA calculation from floor plans — uploading an image, tracing the perimeter, and getting square footage. If a la mode serves a different purpose in your process, the two tools may complement each other rather than compete.

Which is better for ANSI Z765 GLA calculation — PlanSnapper or a la mode?

PlanSnapper is purpose-built for ANSI-compliant GLA calculation from floor plan images. It handles PDF uploads, perimeter tracing, and automatic area calculation in a browser with no install required. Whether a la mode offers equivalent GLA functionality depends on its feature set.

How much does PlanSnapper cost compared to a la mode?

PlanSnapper and a la mode have different pricing models — one may charge per user, per project, or via annual subscription, while the other may offer a free tier or pay-per-use option. Check the comparison table above for current pricing details and which offers better value for your volume of work.

Which is easier to use — PlanSnapper or a la mode?

Ease of use depends on your starting point. PlanSnapper tends to fit one type of user or workflow, while a la mode is designed for another. If you are working from an existing floor plan PDF and need to calculate square footage quickly, a browser-based tool like PlanSnapper may reduce the learning curve entirely — no software installation required.

Do I need PlanSnapper or a la mode if I already have a floor plan PDF?

If you already have a floor plan as a PDF or image, you may not need either tool. PlanSnapper lets you upload the PDF directly and trace walls in your browser to calculate GLA — no software installation required. Both PlanSnapper and a la mode are most useful for creating sketches from scratch or capturing measurements in the field.

Which works better for calculating GLA — PlanSnapper or a la mode?

Both PlanSnapper and a la mode can support GLA calculation, but the workflow differs. One may require field measurement and sketch entry while the other may allow importing existing floor plans. If your starting point is an existing PDF or image floor plan, PlanSnapper provides a faster path — upload, trace, and get the GLA figure without entering either tool's workflow.

How do PlanSnapper and a la mode handle existing floor plan PDFs?

Neither PlanSnapper nor a la mode is primarily designed to import and calculate square footage from an existing PDF floor plan. Both tools are built around creating or capturing floor plans from scratch. If you already have a PDF floor plan, PlanSnapper lets you upload it directly, trace the walls, and get an accurate GLA figure without redrawing anything.

Which is better for occasional users — PlanSnapper or a la mode?

PlanSnapper and a la mode are both specialized tools with learning curves that reward regular use. Occasional users often find dedicated subscription tools hard to justify. For someone who needs to calculate square footage a few times a month, PlanSnapper is designed for exactly that — no training required, no annual contract, upload and measure in minutes.

Compare · 6 min read

PlanSnapper vs a la mode TOTAL: Which Is Better for Floor Plan Measurement?

a la mode TOTAL is the most widely used appraisal form software in residential real estate. It includes a built-in sketch tool for drawing floor plans and calculating GLA. PlanSnapper takes a different approach: instead of drawing a floor plan from scratch, you upload an existing one and trace it. Here is how they compare for floor plan measurement specifically.

The short version

a la mode TOTAL: Full-stack appraisal platform -- UAD forms, Mercury Network integration, comparable lookup, and a built-in sketch tool. The sketch tool is for drawing floor plans from field measurements. Not designed for measuring from existing floor plan images.
PlanSnapper: A browser-based tool for uploading an existing floor plan -- from CubiCasa, Matterport, iGUIDE, or any PDF/image -- tracing the perimeter, and calculating ANSI Z765-compliant GLA without re-measuring the property. Not a form software replacement -- a measurement layer on top.

PlanSnapper vs a la mode TOTAL: at a glance

	PlanSnapper	a la mode TOTAL
Primary purpose	Measure GLA from an existing floor plan	Full appraisal form software platform
Upload floor plan image/PDF	Yes (core feature)	No (sketch tool is draw-from-scratch)
ANSI Z765 GLA calculation	Yes (above/below grade, compliant output)	Yes (auto-calculates from drawn sketch)
Works from CubiCasa / Matterport exports	Yes	No
UAD form completion	No (measurement tool only)	Yes (core feature)
Mercury Network integration	No	Yes (native, seamless)
Platform	Browser (any device, any OS)	Windows desktop (primary)
Requires field measurements to sketch	No -- uses scale from the floor plan image	Yes -- enter each wall dimension manually
Price	$9 day pass / $29/mo	~$99-149/mo (subscription)
No software install	Yes (works in any browser)	No (Windows application required)

These tools solve different problems

It is important to be clear: PlanSnapper is not a TOTAL replacement, and TOTAL is not a PlanSnapper replacement. They serve different parts of the appraisal workflow.

TOTAL handles the appraisal report itself -- the URAR form, comparables, adjustments, photos, UAD compliance, and submission to lenders and AMCs via Mercury Network. It also includes a sketch tool for drawing floor plans from field-measured wall dimensions. If you are doing a traditional on-site inspection with a tape measure or laser, you enter each wall segment and TOTAL calculates GLA automatically.

PlanSnapper solves a specific problem that TOTAL does not address: measuring GLA from a floor plan you already have. If a listing agent sends you a CubiCasa scan, or the client provides a Matterport export, or you downloaded a floor plan from the MLS -- PlanSnapper lets you upload that image, trace the perimeter with a few clicks, set the scale from one known dimension, and get an ANSI-compliant GLA figure without remeasuring the property.

Where TOTAL's sketch tool falls short for this use case

No floor plan upload. TOTAL's sketch tool requires you to draw from scratch. If you receive a floor plan from a third-party scanning service, you cannot use it as a reference image to trace from -- you must re-enter all the dimensions by hand.
Designed for field entry, not image measurement. The workflow assumes you have a tape measure or laser and are entering wall segments one at a time. It is well-designed for that task, but it is a fundamentally different task than measuring from an existing image.
Windows only. If you need to review a floor plan on a Mac, iPad, or Chromebook -- for example, in the field or while traveling -- TOTAL is not an option. PlanSnapper works in any browser on any device.

How appraisers use both together

A growing number of appraisers use TOTAL for their appraisal reports and PlanSnapper as a measurement verification layer.

A common workflow: the appraiser receives a CubiCasa scan from the listing agent, measures it in PlanSnapper (2-3 minutes), confirms the GLA matches their field measurement or flag discrepancies, then enters the verified GLA into their TOTAL report. PlanSnapper provides an independent, documented measurement that serves as a quality check.

Another use case: appraisers who receive a floor plan with no field access -- reviewing prior appraisals, desk appraisals, or complex properties where a floor plan is provided -- use PlanSnapper to quickly extract GLA without needing a Windows machine or TOTAL open.

Summary

If you need full appraisal form software with UAD compliance, Mercury Network integration, and a comprehensive workflow from inspection to delivery -- TOTAL is the industry standard for good reason. If you need to measure GLA from an existing floor plan image or PDF quickly, accurately, and without re-entering dimensions -- PlanSnapper fills that gap. Many appraisers use both.

Already have the floor plan?

Upload any floor plan PDF or image and calculate ANSI Z765-compliant GLA in minutes. Works with CubiCasa, Matterport, iGUIDE exports, and any floor plan image.

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