# Buildings and roofs

# Choosing a design mode

When you first create a project you will get the choice of the which design mode you would like to use. The design mode affects how you model the roofs you plan to put panels on.

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-video mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Demo

Watch the same property be designed in each design mode to see each of them in action.

### <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UnqzgYn4ynk" style="width: 767px; height: 430px;" width="767"></iframe>



---

## Design modes

In Easy PV there are four options:

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/scaled-1680-/gCyNUjOlDsMNerxW-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/gCyNUjOlDsMNerxW-image.png)

### 3D

- Create **3D** property model by designing the roof from a **satellite** image and **dimensions**
- Model obstructions and nearby buildings or trees that may cast shade on the roofs you're working on to get **automatic shade analysis** and improve the accuracy of the performance calculations
- Automatically calculate **scaffolding costs** if using [automatic pricing calculator](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/getting-started-f2k/page/setting-up-your-automatic-pricing-calculator "Setting up your Automatic Pricing Calculator")

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>**Learn more**:

- [Intro to 3D design mode](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/introduction-to-3d-design-mode "3D design mode")
- [Irregular buildings in 3D mode](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode "Irregular Buildings in 3D design mode")
- Join our [3D designing training session](https://cal.com/easy-pv/introduction-to-3d-design-in-easy-pv)

### Magic 

- Create an **automatic 3D design** - works out the height and pitch of buildings and identifies any obstructions
- Three free magic designs per day for standard users and unlimited for pro
- Will require some adjustments for accuracy

### Roof outline 

- Create roof model by outlining the roof from a **satellite** image and adjust the **dimensions** in the roofs task
- 2D model so requires manual **sunpath diagrams**

### Quick Roof 

- Create **2D** roof using dimensions, pitch, orientation and tile type, can also spec ground mount systems
- Does not use satellite imagery so a good option if the **satellite imagery isn't usable**

**<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Learn more:** [Intro to Quick Roof](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/introduction-to-quick-roof-design-mode "Quick Roof").

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-support mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Want to know more?

- **Live training:** [Book onto a live demo session](https://cal.com/easy-pv)
- **Related FAQs:** Check out our [Buildings and Roofs FAQs](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/chapter/buildings-and-roofs "Buildings and roofs")

**Contact Support:** If you've got further questions, get in touch with our support team at **help@easy-pv.co.uk** (UK) or **help@easy-pv.ie** (IE). *If you are experiencing a bug, to help us look into your issue faster, please include the email address of your account, the name of the project and screenshots of any unexpected behaviour.*

# Introduction to 3D design mode

3D design mode allows you to take into account nearby buildings or trees that may cast shade on the roofs you're working on. Easy PV can then **automatically model the shade** on the roof, saving you time and leading to more accurate projections for your customer.

---

## Starting a 3D project

When creating your project, select the "3D" option.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/aDm2upTS0cIKNfQh-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/aDm2upTS0cIKNfQh-image.png)

Since 3D mode relies on the satellite map, you must then set the map either by zooming into the right location and selecting `Set from map` or inputting the address and clicking `Set from address`.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/OJ2i7llbqBJFTIoa-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/OJ2i7llbqBJFTIoa-image.png)

You can then click `Create` and start your 3D design.

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Watch 3D design in action:

- [Quick demo](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/link/110#bkmrk-watch-the-same-prope) of a 3D design
- [Walk-through examples](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-examples) using the [irregular building tool](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode "Irregular Buildings in 3D design mode")
- [Join our dedicated 3D design training session](https://cal.com/easy-pv/introduction-to-3d-design-in-easy-pv) for more live examples

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-video mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Overview of 3D design

#### <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="441" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YQHPpNLuig4" style="width: 725px; height: 405px;" width="786"></iframe>




There are three views you can use to complete your design in 3D:

1. **Plan**: This is a top down satellite view of the property 
    - **Drag and drop** buildings and obstructions from the left-side menu and align with the satellite map
    - Click in the **corners** to view and edit dimensions <p class="callout warning"> **Note**: all dimensions in the plan view are all **top-down**. Use **elevations** view for pitched dimensions. </p>
    - Where available this will load with a property boundary. Only roofs within this boundary will be usable in the project
2. **3D**: 3D view of the model 
    - Useful to check elevations are correct
    - Expand 3D view to view full shading model
3. **Elevations**: View of heights and pitched dimensions 
    - Click on a building, extension or obstruction in the plan view to display heights and pitched dimensions
    - Adjust dimensions by dragging or input directly by clicking on value

<details id="bkmrk-orthorectified-and-s"><summary>Choosing satellite map: orthorectified and standard imagery</summary>

When designing atop the satellite map, you have two choices of which map data to use:

- **Orthorectified**: This uses geometrically corrected satellite data to give more accurate dimensions. This will not always be available
- **Standard**: This uses raw satellite data. Dimensions may be distorted, particularly for sloped structures

<p class="callout info">If you are relying on the satellite map for dimensions, then **orthorectified** **is the recommended option**. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the dimensions when using the standard imagery. </p>

</details>### <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-video mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Selecting roofs to use 

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="465" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m-wrd2a5jvU" style="width: 725px; height: 405px;" width="829"></iframe>

Once you have completed your design, click `Next`. A menu will then pop up showing the roofs.

- Easy PV will automatically select the roofs it thinks are most suitable based on the size, pitch and orientation
- If a property boundary is included, **only roofs within this property boundary will display** - remove or edit the property boundary if roofs you modelled are missing
- Select or de-select and roofs using the **checkbox** on the right
- Place cursor over roofs to highlight them in the map on the left

Once all the roofs you want to place panels on are selected, click `Next` in the bottom right to go to the [Panels task](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/panels-inverter-and-electrical/page/panels-task "Panels task").

---

## Automatic shade analysis 

One of the key benefits of designing in 3D is Easy PV will calculate the shading on the panels automatically. In order to make the most out of this feature, it's therefore important to model any surrounding buildings or obstructions that would cast shade on the panels.

Drag and drop obstructions from the Misc. section, adjusting any heights in the **elevations** view:

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/1iCw26TBlkku06SW-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/1iCw26TBlkku06SW-image.png)

### Performance task

On all 3D projects, you will have the additional option in the [Performance task](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/performance-and-consumption/page/performance-task "Performance task") to automatically calculate sunpath diagrams:

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/r9vReRLbHB3dZQCp-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/r9vReRLbHB3dZQCp-image.png)

When this is selected, the shading factor/losses will be calculated for you. If you would like the shading to be calculated automatically each time, make sure this option is selected in your (pro) account [performance settings](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/getting-started-f2k/page/performance-task-preferences "Performance task preferences"):

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/dvasju9SdWzAJ9XS-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/dvasju9SdWzAJ9XS-image.png)

<p class="callout info align-left">**Note:** that when using **optimisers** shading is not calculated per panel but **per shading group**. Read more about that [here](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/performance-and-consumption/page/manual-panel-allocation "Manual panel allocation"). </p>

### 3D model 

You can use the 3D model to check the shading on the roof. From the tasks drop-down, select 3D model:

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/eYKdguR3Il8Dj4Hx-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/eYKdguR3Il8Dj4Hx-image.png)

In the top left you will see the date and time currently being modelled and a slider to adjust how quickly time passes.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/7ETB8QI7Poy9PBug-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/7ETB8QI7Poy9PBug-image.png)

If you click the **pause icon**, this diagram will appear in the bottom left. Drag the sun across the dates and times to see the shading at specific times.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/r0N9qJIfOB1mGxkP-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/r0N9qJIfOB1mGxkP-image.png)

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-support mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Still Need Help?

- **Related FAQs:** Check out our [Buildings and Roofs FAQs](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/chapter/buildings-and-roofs "Buildings and roofs") for answers to common questions
- **Live training:** [Book onto a live demo session](https://cal.com/easy-pv/easy-pv-free-training) to see this feature in action

**Contact Support:** If you've got further questions, get in touch with our support team at **help@easy-pv.co.uk** (UK) or **help@easy-pv.ie** (IE). *If you are experiencing a bug, to help us look into your issue faster, please include the email address of your account, the name of the project and screenshots of any unexpected behaviour.*

# Irregular Buildings in 3D design mode

T<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">he irregular building tool allows you to create unusual roof shapes that cannot be modelled using the standard roof options. </span>

---

## Using irregular building tool 

The irregular building tool can be found at the bottom of the Misc. section on the 3D left side-bar.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/P8ceMgCPDytfonwW-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/P8ceMgCPDytfonwW-image.png)

When creating a roof using the irregular building tool, there are a variety of additional handles you can use to accurately adjust the shape of the roof:

[![Body (1).png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/joGcDaA5Rxl2ZreP-body-1.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/joGcDaA5Rxl2ZreP-body-1.png)

### 1. Pink corner handles

Click the **pink corner handles** to show dimensions of the associated roof sides. You can then click on the values to manually change these.

**Click on the pink corner handles** to use the following options:

- **[![Untitled design.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/21tQjFPryFqlr6ks-untitled-design.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/21tQjFPryFqlr6ks-untitled-design.png) Square corner handle:** Use to resize the roof whilst keeping the adjacent sides at the **same angle**
- **[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/vVnmnBt9L24YjzFe-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/vVnmnBt9L24YjzFe-image.png) Circle corner handle:** Use to move that point **independently** of the other points to create angled sides
- **[![3.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/g39VBFYQw8ePz0vy-3.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/g39VBFYQw8ePz0vy-3.png) Delete:** Delete the corner. This option is only available if there are 4 or more corners on a roof

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>See [Example 1](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-example-1).

### 2. Blue circle handles

Click and drag the **blue circle handles** to allow you to split a side and create irregular shapes.

These will then convert to pink handles which you can delete if needed.

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>See [Example 2](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-example-2).

### 3. Pink rectangular handles

Use the rectangular handle to resize the roof. Click on the **pink rectangular handles** to toggle between a square and curved cornered handles:

- **[![1.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/ypT4M4g3JqFjSRQl-1.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/ypT4M4g3JqFjSRQl-1.png) Square cornered handle:** Use to extend a roof side out
- **[![2.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/2eZDZgM9Q3FepZqy-2.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/2eZDZgM9Q3FepZqy-2.png) Curved cornered handle:** Use to extend the adjoining rood side independently of the others. This will create new corners and sides which can be deleted by clicking on the corners and then the bin icon

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>See [Example 1](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-example-1) and [Example 2](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-example-2).


#### 4. Blue dot 

Drag the **blue dot** below the yellow rotation icon to indicate the direction that the panels will face. Whichever direction the arrow is facing is the panel and roof pitch direction.

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>See [Example 1](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/irregular-buildings-in-3d-design-mode#bkmrk-example-1).


---

### <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-video mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Examples

See below for some examples that demonstrate using the irregular building tool on actual roofs.

#### Example 1

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="446" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KNO8iM43D1E" style="width: 797px; height: 446px;" width="797"></iframe>

#### Example 2

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BdH4Nj57c-g" style="width: 793px; height: 444px;" width="793"></iframe>

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-support mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Still Need Help?

- **Related FAQs:** Check out our [Buildings and Roofs FAQs](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/chapter/buildings-and-roofs "Buildings and roofs") for answers to common questions
- **Live training:** [Book onto a live 3D training session](https://cal.com/easy-pv/introduction-to-3d-design-in-easy-pv) to request help with specific challenging properties

**Contact Support:** If you've got further questions, get in touch with our support team at **help@easy-pv.co.uk** (UK) or **help@easy-pv.ie** (IE). *If you are experiencing a bug, to help us look into your issue faster, please include the email address of your account, the name of the project and screenshots of any unexpected behaviour.*

# Introduction to Quick Roof design mode

With Easy PV's Quick Roof design mode you can model a roof without using satellite imagery, making it a good option if the satellite data isn't available. Simply model the roof using the dimensions, pitch and roof covering and add any obstructions.

---

## Creating a Quick Roof design

Quick Roof is selected when you first create a project, input project details and under **Design Mode** select **Quick Roof**. Then click **Create** in the bottom right.

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/FyL1nMcBqTrizoWu-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/FyL1nMcBqTrizoWu-image.png)

This will then take you to the Roof task where you can model the roof.

---

## Roof task overview 

In the Roof task you can create and edit your 2D roof model:

#### [![Drag and drop obstructions.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/ecHbUomJgN7JYMG9-drag-and-drop-obstructions.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/ecHbUomJgN7JYMG9-drag-and-drop-obstructions.png)

In the **Roof** **Manager** in the bottom right, clicking the **⋯ three dots** on the individual roofs will show the following options:

- **[![6M6gz1NJneGPPmZb-edit.jpg](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/8gb7pLeezNV2Vyih-6m6gz1njnegppmzb-edit.jpg)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/8gb7pLeezNV2Vyih-6m6gz1njnegppmzb-edit.jpg) Edit details:** Edit the roof type and dimensions
- **[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/jMO6FxliPQuscMfZ-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/jMO6FxliPQuscMfZ-image.png) Clone roof:** Copy the roof. This option will prompt you to input the name for the clone
- **[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/UcWzpF4HY8xhSg91-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/UcWzpF4HY8xhSg91-image.png) Delete:** Delete the roof from the project. This cannot be undone

---

## Creating roof model

### Initial roof details 

When you first open a Quick Roof project, you will be prompted to fill in some initial roof details:

1. **Select the roof type and roof covering**: this determines what mounting options are available to select
2. **Input roof dimensions**: width, height, pitch and orientation <p class="callout info">Orientation is taken in degrees from south going clockwise. Read more about [setting the right orientation](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/page/what-do-i-set-as-the-orientation-in-quick-roof). </p>

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_09.52.54-ezgif.com-speed.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/bI37Ilimn4tVJ2EU-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-09-52-54-ezgif-com-speed.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/bI37Ilimn4tVJ2EU-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-09-52-54-ezgif-com-speed.gif)

These details can be adjusted by clicking the **⋯ three dots** in the **Roof Manager** and selecting `Edit Details`. The dimensions can also be adjusted directly from the model by clicking on the corners and inputting the length.

### Adjusting roof shape 

When creating a roof in the Roof task, there are a variety of different handles you can use to accurately adjust the shape:

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/egD5IZJCFYfurfsT-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/egD5IZJCFYfurfsT-image.png)

#### 1. White corner handles

Click the **white corner handles** to show dimensions of the associated roof sides. You can then click on the values to manually change these.

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_11.47.48-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/vRWQfe5p7rseDGtW-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-47-48-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/vRWQfe5p7rseDGtW-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-47-48-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

Click on the white corner handles to view the following options:

- **[![Untitled design.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/21tQjFPryFqlr6ks-untitled-design.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/21tQjFPryFqlr6ks-untitled-design.png) Square corner handle:** Use to resize the roof whilst keeping the adjacent sides at the **same angle**
- **[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/vVnmnBt9L24YjzFe-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/vVnmnBt9L24YjzFe-image.png) Circle corner handle:** Use to move that point **independently** of the other points to create angled sides.
- **[![3.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/g39VBFYQw8ePz0vy-3.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/g39VBFYQw8ePz0vy-3.png) Delete:** Delete the corner. This option is only available if there are 4 or more corners on a roof

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_14.27.07-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/c6p3JaWfCvMbGfBB-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-14-27-07-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/c6p3JaWfCvMbGfBB-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-14-27-07-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

#### 2. Yellow circle handles 

Click and drag the **yellow circle handles** to allow you to split a roof edge and create irregular shapes. These will then convert to white handles which you can delete if needed.

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_13.53.18-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/s9nPSH5louOSE0lJ-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-13-53-18-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/s9nPSH5louOSE0lJ-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-13-53-18-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

<span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-readmore mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Read more about the **snapping guide** (transparent rectangle) used here in the [next section](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs/page/quick-roof#bkmrk-adding-obstructions%C2%A0).

#### 3. White rectangular handles

Click on the **white rectangular handles** to toggle between a square and curved cornered handles:

- **[![1.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/ypT4M4g3JqFjSRQl-1.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/ypT4M4g3JqFjSRQl-1.png) Square cornered handle:** Use to extend a roof side out
- **[![2.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/2eZDZgM9Q3FepZqy-2.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/2eZDZgM9Q3FepZqy-2.png) Curved cornered handle:** Use to extend the adjoining rood side independently of the others. This will create new corners and sides which can be deleted by clicking on the corners and then the bin icon

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_14.20.10-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/WMEIqkw6X0gC8Vio-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-14-20-10-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/WMEIqkw6X0gC8Vio-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-14-20-10-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

### Adding obstructions 

Once you have your overall roof shape, you can add obstructions. Including obstructions will help when planning where to place panels in the Panels task. **Drag and drop** any obstructions and use the **snapping guide** to ensure the obstruction positioning is correct.

#### Snapping guide

<span style="color: rgb(1, 70, 108);">[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/dfImzb2J3UMkqXiU-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/dfImzb2J3UMkqXiU-image.png) </span>

The **snapping guide** is a rectangle guide that you can set the dimensions of to help position obstructions correctly on a roof and to size your roof. Obstructions and roof sides will align with the sides and corners of the snapping guide.

Here is an example of using the snapping guide to position a roof light. Use the same white handles described above to resize the snapping guide and obstructions.

[![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_11.28.48-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/RVYQeHh66M61IvCd-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-28-48-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/RVYQeHh66M61IvCd-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-28-48-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

If you are modelling an irregularly shaped obstruction, you can use the polygon obstruction. This uses the same white and yellow handles as the roof. You can also use the snapping guide to ensure the dimensions are correct when creating irregular shapes.

 [![simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24_11.38.16-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/K2jRYpjYKOsoGDqV-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-38-16-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/K2jRYpjYKOsoGDqV-simplescreenrecorder-2025-11-24-11-38-16-ezgif-com-video-to-gif-converter.gif)

---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-support mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Still Need Help?

- **Related FAQs:** Check out our [buildings and roofs FAQs](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/chapter/buildings-and-roofs "Buildings and roofs") for answers to common questions
- **More guides**: Take a look at a [property being designed in each Easy PV design mode](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/link/110#bkmrk-%F0%9F%93%BA-video-tutorial)

**Contact Support:** If you've got further questions, get in touch with our support team at **help@easy-pv.co.uk** (UK) or **help@easy-pv.ie** (IE). *If you are experiencing a bug, to help us look into your issue faster, please include the email address of your account, the name of the project and screenshots of any unexpected behaviour.*

# Introduction to Outline design mode

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAICBAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-with-easy-pv%27s-outli" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_y">With Easy PV's **Outline** design mode, you can model a roof directly over satellite imagery, using automated detection tools to speed up your design process. Simply verify the automatically detected roof shape and details, or hand-draw your roof and add any obstructions.</div><div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_15|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_15"></div>---

#### **Creating an Outline design**

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIChAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-outline-is-selected-" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_17">**Outline** is selected when you first create a project, input project details and under **Design Mode** select **Outline**. Then click **Create** in the bottom right.</div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIChAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--2" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_17"></div>[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/LF771tZSRXXKcnbM-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/LF771tZSRXXKcnbM-image.png)

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAICxAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-this-will-then-take-" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1g">This will then take you to the **Outline** task tab where you can model the roof.</div>---

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--5" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_1n|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_1n"></div>#### **Outline task overview**

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-in-the-outline-task-" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p">In the Outline task you can create and edit your 2D roof model over satellite imagery.</div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--6" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p"></div>[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/37X81wVb9La1K7sP-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/37X81wVb9La1K7sP-image.png)

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--8" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--9" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--10" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--11" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1p"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIDhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-in-the-sidebar%2C-clic" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_1v">In the sidebar, clicking the **⋯ three dots** on a roof will show the following options:</div>- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/q3p1bhhjPvNtdhw2-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/q3p1bhhjPvNtdhw2-image.png)Rename**: Change the roof name. You can also double-click the card to edit the name in place.</span>
- **<span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/scaled-1680-/Wput4MsdkFFLpIse-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-08/Wput4MsdkFFLpIse-image.png)Orientation: </span>**<span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">Adjust by typing an exact bearing in degrees or using the quarter-turn buttons.</span>
- **[![Download.jpg](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/scaled-1680-/wmZ0JHkpTpkgZIgN-download.jpg)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-11/wmZ0JHkpTpkgZIgN-download.jpg)Change Gutter:** Choose which side the gutter is on
- **[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/jMO6FxliPQuscMfZ-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/jMO6FxliPQuscMfZ-image.png)Duplicate:** Duplicate the roof
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">****[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/scaled-1680-/UcWzpF4HY8xhSg91-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2025-09/UcWzpF4HY8xhSg91-image.png)**Delete**: Delete the roof from the project. </span><span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">Hold `Shift` or `Ctrl` to select multiple roof cards at once and delete them together using the floating map button.</span>

---

#### **Creating roof model**

#### Automatic roof detection

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--13" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_2l|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_2l"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIEhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-when-you-first-open-" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_2s">When you first open an Outline project, the system will automatically run a roof-scan and draw any detected roofs and gutters for you.</div>[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/DH1F0pjPtKteLX3B-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/DH1F0pjPtKteLX3B-image.png)

- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Re-scan tool**: Click the **Re-scan** button in the left rail to re-run detection at any time. This replaces manual edits with fresh detection.</span>
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Undo re-scan**: Clicking the **Undo** button once will immediately restore your previous manual drawing.</span>

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--15" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_3c|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_3c"></div>#### Drawing the roof

[![download (4) (1).gif](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/X7PShTEEKLAYeJtZ-download-4-1.gif)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/X7PShTEEKLAYeJtZ-download-4-1.gif)

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-if-you-choose-to-dra" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3j">If you choose to draw a roof manually, click the **Draw** option on the left. Remember that the **first edge you draw** is always assigned as the gutter. Once the shape is closed, Easy PV automatically scans the roof to determine the pitch, covering, and gutter edge. </div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--17" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3j">  
</div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--18" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-%5Binsert-gif-of-drawi" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--19" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q"></div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-these-details-can-be" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q">These details can be adjusted by clicking on the selected roof on the map to bring up the **mini menu**:</div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--20" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q"></div>[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/pJiym33xANgVpRQw-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/pJiym33xANgVpRQw-image.png)

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIFhAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--22" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_3q"></div>- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Pitch:** <span class="rQesXe MPyX">Set the angle of the roof slope.</span></span>
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Covering**: Select the material of the roof to determine mounting options.</span>

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--23" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_4c|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_4c"></div>#### Adjusting roof shape

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIGRAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-when-editing-a-roof%2C" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_4e">When editing a roof, **c<span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">lick and drag </span>**<span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">any of the the roof corners to adjust their position. You can also </span><span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Click and drag** the main body of a roof to move it. </span></div><span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/ld4wN6mwJTKSxnce-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/ld4wN6mwJTKSxnce-image.png)</span>

- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Snap -** With snapping enabled, it will snap flush against neighbouring walls and corner-to-corner.</span>
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Guides -** Guidelines dynamically appear parallel or perpendicular to the edges <span class="rQesXe MPyX">already drawn on the map.</span></span>

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--25" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_5a|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_5a"></div>#### Adding obstructions

[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/Gu7gjVVDZoQxJtoa-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/Gu7gjVVDZoQxJtoa-image.png)

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIHBAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-once-you-have-your-o" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_5c">Once you have your overall roof shape, you can add obstructions to help plan your panel placement. **Drag and drop** or **click and drag out** any of the four obstruction types from the side rail onto the roof.</div><div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIHBAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--27" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_5c"></div>- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Alignment snapping**: Moving an obstruction displays guide lines that snap to the edges and centres of other obstructions. Vents will snap cleanly using their exact circle centres.</span>
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Resizing**: Use the generous grab areas on the resize handles to change dimensions. Selected obstructions feature a status chip and a delete pill, or you can press `Delete` on your keyboard.</span>

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--28" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_61|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_61"></div>#### Progressing to Panels

<div class="n6owBd awi2gc" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-hveid="CAAIHxAA" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk-when-your-roof-layou" jsaction="" jscontroller="TDBkbc#Ml18Xb" jsuid="UxKD0c_63">When your roof layout is complete, you have two ways to transition to your panel layout:</div>[![image.png](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/x0xzQ5msDXR9KSN2-image.png)](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/x0xzQ5msDXR9KSN2-image.png)

- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Next**: Takes you straight to Panels and automatically cleans up your drawing on the way. Corners get squared up, and accidental wall kinks are straightened out. </span>
- <span class="iNqyIf" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep">**Fine-tune**: Takes you to the Roof task and skips the automatic squaring process so you can manually adjust your roofs.</span>

<div class="yhAwj" data-complete="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: "Google Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(22, 23, 26);" data-processed="true" data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-inited="2" data-sfc-root="ep" id="bkmrk--30" jsaction="rcuQ6b:&UxKD0c_6t|npT2md" jscontroller="UTzWVc#U8DOt" jsuid="UxKD0c_6t"></div>---

## <span class="corp-icon material-symbols-rounded icon-support mceNonEditable" style="user-select: none;">​</span>Still Need Help?

- **Related FAQs:** Check out our [buildings and roofs FAQs](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/faqs/chapter/buildings-and-roofs "Buildings and roofs") for answers to common questions
- **More guides**: Take a look at our other [buildings and roofs guides](https://help.easy-pv.co.uk/books/buildings-and-roofs) for more information

**Contact Support:** If you've got further questions, get in touch with our support team at **help@easy-pv.co.uk** (UK) or **help@easy-pv.ie** (IE). *If you are experiencing a bug, to help us look into your issue faster, please include the email address of your account, the name of the project and screenshots of any unexpected behaviour.*