# 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.*