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Common 3D Design questions from construction pros

Answers to frequently asked questions for Hover 3D design

Updated yesterday

Below is a list of answers to common questions you may have about Hover's 3D Design.

Click the arrows to reveal or collapse information.


General

Who can use 3D Design?

Construction Pros can use 3D Design to view, edit, and customize every facet of a property once a scan has processed. This is where you move from idea exploration into accurate scoping and material selection.

You can generate a share link for a homeowner, but when they open the 3D design via that link, the measurement PDF and the model measurements will not be visible. They will not have the ability to edit the design either.

How do I access 3D Design?

You can access it in any of the following ways:

  • Option 1:

    • Tap 3D from the Measurements card on the project details page

  • Option 2:

    • Select a model, or tap View 3D model from the 3D card on the project details page

  • Option 3:

    • Open an existing 2D Design from the Design card on the project details page, or click Start designing to begin a new 2D Design

    • Tap Design from the action bar, and select 3D

Note: Opening the 3D model by way of a 2D Design is only possible if a scan has already been submitted and the measurements are ready to review.


When is 3D Design available for a project?

3D Design uses the measurements data to create a scaled digital twin of the property. Once your scan has fully processed and the measurements are also ready for review, you can view, edit, and customize every facet of the model.

If you want to start designing sooner, tap Start designing from the Design card of the project details page, and upload one of your exterior scan photos to create a 2D Design.

Once the measurements for the project are ready to view, you can transfer the 2D Design to the 3D model:

  • Tap Design from the action bar, and select 3D



Platform Functionality

How does Design integrate with other Hover features, and what is the difference between 2D and 3D?

Hover Design works hand-in-hand with the rest of the Hover platform, helping you move from early inspiration to a confirmed project scope and estimate.

2D Design is typically used early in the process to explore ideas quickly. It lets you try out materials and colors using a single photo, making it an easy way to start a conversation and help a homeowner visualize options right away.

3D Design is usually used later, once a scan has been submitted and the 3D model and measurements are ready to view. At that stage, 3D Design helps you confirm materials, scope, and architectural details so you can finalize decisions and build an accurate estimate.

Both 2D and 3D Design are available inside the Hover Workspace, and you can switch between them at any time using the action bar:

  • Select Design to open 2D

  • Select 3D to enter 3D mode

Note: saved work does not automatically transfer across both modes today. Designs you save in 2D will stay in 2D, and designs you save in 3D will stay in 3D.


Can I view measurements on the 3D model?

Yes, in Measurements mode, you can:

  • View measurements directly on the 3D model with segment-level details and totals

  • Switch between areas (walls, roof, siding, trim, openings) and see the model update instantly

  • Click directly on the model to view specific wall or roof measurements

  • Rotate and zoom to review all measurements in context

  • Use the action bar to manage selections, view applied materials, or filter by material

  • Download the original measurement PDF for reference (it will always reflect the original model, not saved design changes)


Do design changes update the measurement PDF?

Design choices update the measurements shown on the 3D model in Workspace, but the downloadable PDF always reflects the original scan and model.


How do I apply materials to different trades?

The Material Menu makes it easy to locate and apply materials to different trades by combining powerful search with interactive filters and an organized interface.


Can I select a specific wall or roof face to edit?

Yes. Click directly on the model or use Facet Selection from the action bar for more control over how materials are applied to your design, whether you’re working on a large area or making detailed adjustments.

  • Automatic selection: Choose a material type (for example, trim or roofing) to automatically highlight and apply it to all matching areas on the 3D model.

  • Manual selection: Click individual facets directly on the model to add or remove them. Selected areas are highlighted in fuchsia, making it easy to track active selections.

  • Material groups: Surfaces are organized into groups, showing how many elements each one contains. Selecting a group overrides individual selections.


Can I add or remove shutters?

Yes, you can instantly remove or restore shutters with one click. This helps you show clean alternatives without distractions.

Note: Shutters can only be removed or restored in Workspace if they were present on the structure at the time of the exterior scan. Structures without shutters cannot have them added.


Can I split specific walls or trim?

Yes. Whether you need to divide wall or trim into multiple segments for accent panels, horizontal trim, a stone base, etc. you can use the split tool.

Splits can be applied multiple times for advanced designs.


Can I convert walls to trim, and vice versa?

Yes. Depending on your project scope, you can convert wall and trim segments. From the action bar, select:

  • Convert to Trim: Ideal for horizontal trim or accent banding

  • Convert to Wall: Enables brick or masonry bases and architectural features

Converted segments inherit styling for consistency.


Can I save a 3D design?

Yes. Once you've chosen and applied your preferred materials to the 3D model (e.g. roof shingles, siding, or trim) click Save in the top right corner of workspace. You'll have the option to name the design version, as well.

Note: saved work does not automatically transfer across both modes today. Designs you save in 2D will stay in 2D, and designs you save in 3D will stay in 3D.


Can I share designs with others?

Yes. Click Share from the bottom corner of Workspace. A design link will automatically generate and copy to your clipboard so you can paste it into a text or email for a homeowner, team member, or partner to review.

Anytime that particular 3D design is changed, the share link you previously sent to others will automatically update as well. No need to generate more than one share link.

Note: At this time, you and the homeowner cannot work on the same design simultaneously. Real time collaboration is planned for a future update.


Still have questions? Reach out to our support team.

  • Call us (+1.844.754.6837). We're real people and ready to help!

  • Email us. We'll usually reply in about 30 min.

  • Chat with us. We generally answer in less than 3 mins. In the Hover app, click on Settings > Support.

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