What is the difference between PlanSnapper and CubiCasa?

PlanSnapper is a browser-based tool for calculating ANSI-compliant GLA from existing floor plan images and PDFs. CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa?

It depends on your workflow. PlanSnapper focuses on GLA calculation from floor plans — uploading an image, tracing the perimeter, and getting square footage. If CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa?

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 CubiCasa offers equivalent GLA functionality depends on its feature set.

How much does PlanSnapper cost compared to CubiCasa?

PlanSnapper and CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa?

Ease of use depends on your starting point. PlanSnapper tends to fit one type of user or workflow, while CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa are most useful for creating sketches from scratch or capturing measurements in the field.

Which works better for calculating GLA — PlanSnapper or CubiCasa?

Both PlanSnapper and CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa handle existing floor plan PDFs?

Neither PlanSnapper nor CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa?

PlanSnapper and CubiCasa 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 CubiCasa: Which Floor Plan Tool Is Right for Appraisers?

PlanSnapper and CubiCasa are both used by real estate appraisers — but they solve different problems. CubiCasa captures a floor plan from scratch using your phone. PlanSnapper measures and calculates GLA from a floor plan you already have. Understanding the difference will tell you which one (or both) belongs in your workflow.

The short version

CubiCasa: Best when you need to generate a floor plan on-site. Walk through the property, upload, wait 1–2 hours for a to-scale plan.
PlanSnapper: Best when you already have a floor plan (from CubiCasa, a builder, MLS, or anywhere else) and need to calculate or verify GLA quickly without sketching software.

PlanSnapper vs CubiCasa: at a glance

	PlanSnapper	CubiCasa
What it does	Measures GLA from existing floor plans	Captures new floor plans on-site
Hardware required	Any device with a browser	Any smartphone
On-site presence	Not required	Required
ANSI GLA	Yes — trace and calculate	Add-on ($)
Turnaround	Real-time (trace as you go)	1–2 hours (cloud processing)
Per-use cost	~$9/month or day pass	$4–$9/scan + GLA add-on
Best for	Desk review, verification, builder plans	Field capture on any property

What CubiCasa does

CubiCasa is a smartphone app that creates floor plans by analyzing a walk-through recording of a property. You open the app, walk through each room at a steady pace, and upload the recording. CubiCasa's AI processes the video and returns a to-scale floor plan within one to two hours.

The ANSI GLA add-on costs extra but provides a certified square footage alongside the floor plan. CubiCasa is popular among appraisers who need to generate floor plans quickly in the field without specialized hardware.

What PlanSnapper does

PlanSnapper is a browser-based tool for measuring GLA from an existing floor plan. You upload any PDF or image of a floor plan, set the scale using a known dimension, and trace the outline of each area. PlanSnapper calculates the square footage instantly and separates above-grade from below-grade areas for ANSI-compliant GLA.

PlanSnapper does not capture floor plans — you need one to start. But it works with floor plans from any source: CubiCasa exports, builder blueprints, MLS attachments, county records, or even a quick hand sketch photographed on your phone.

When you need CubiCasa

CubiCasa is the right call when you are on-site and do not have a usable floor plan. If the property has no existing blueprint, the MLS floor plan is unreliable, or you are doing a new construction inspection, CubiCasa gives you an accurate to-scale plan from the field visit alone.

When you need PlanSnapper

PlanSnapper is the right call when you already have a floor plan and need to calculate or double-check GLA. Common scenarios: verifying a builder-provided square footage before an appraisal, calculating GLA on a CubiCasa export without paying for the ANSI add-on, reviewing a floor plan from a prior appraisal, or checking a listing agent's stated square footage.

Can you use both?

Yes — and many appraisers do. The typical workflow: use CubiCasa in the field to capture the floor plan, then upload the exported PDF to PlanSnapper to trace and calculate GLA at your desk. This avoids the CubiCasa GLA add-on fee and gives you direct control over which areas count toward above-grade square footage.

Try PlanSnapper on your next appraisal

Upload a floor plan, set the scale, and get your GLA in minutes — no sketching software required.

Try PlanSnapper free →