# Getting started

Source: https://meptools.com/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/getting-started/

This walkthrough takes a blank canvas to a validated, exportable layout. Each step links to
the reference page with the full detail.

## 1. Open the tool

Open **Plant Room Studio** from the tools catalog. On a phone or a narrow browser window the
tool opens as a **read-only viewer** — build layouts on a desktop-width screen.

## 2. Draw the room

Press **R** (or pick the room tool) and draw the room outline, then drag the edge handles to
match your architectural shell and type exact internal dimensions in the inspector. Dimensions
are in **millimetres**. See [Rooms](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/rooms).

## 3. Place equipment

Press **E** to open the equipment library, then drag items onto the floor. Each item carries
its real footprint, required clearances, weight, and heat load. Select an item and press
**Shift+R** to rotate it 90°. See [Equipment](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/equipment).

Or let the tool place it for you: open the **AutoFit** verb in the ribbon, complete its Setup
tab, and run it. See [AutoFit](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/autofit).

## 4. Check clearances

The validator runs continuously and lists every issue — equipment outside the room, overlaps,
and clearance-zone violations. Resolve the errors (and review the
warnings) before you export. See [Clearance validation](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/validation).

## 5. Review in 3D and export

Press **V** to cycle between the 2D plan and the 3D model. When the layout is clean, export to
DXF, IFC, PDF, or PNG/JPG. See
[2D & 3D views](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/views) and
[Exporting](/tools/plant-room-studio/docs/exporting).

> Save often with **Ctrl/Cmd + S**. Undo and redo are **Ctrl/Cmd + Z** and
> **Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z**.