For contractors, architects, construction companies, and real estate developers, accurate building information is essential for planning and managing projects. Measuring an existing space manually can take time, especially when working with large commercial properties or buildings with complex layouts.
Matterport offers a way to turn data captured through a 3D virtual tour into CAD files that professionals can use as part of their design, documentation, and renovation workflows.
If you already have a Matterport digital twin of a property, you may be able to order CAD deliverables directly through the Matterport dashboard. The process is straightforward, although pricing, processing times, and available drawing details depend on the size of the space and the options you select.
In this guide, we explain how to request CAD files from a Matterport virtual tour, what to consider before ordering, and how these files may support construction and property projects in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.
What Are Matterport CAD Files?
CAD stands for computer-aided design. CAD files are digital drawings used by professionals to document, plan, and design buildings, interiors, and other physical environments.
Depending on the project and the selected deliverables, CAD drawings can help professionals understand a property’s layout and use that information during planning or design work.
For example, CAD files may be useful for:
- Construction planning
- Renovation projects
- Commercial property improvements
- Interior design
- Space planning
- Architectural documentation
- Facilities management
- Real estate development
Matterport’s CAD file offering allows users to order drawing deliverables based on an existing captured space. This can provide a useful starting point for professionals who need digital building documentation rather than relying exclusively on photographs or manually collected measurements.
However, the precise details included in a CAD package depend on the product ordered. Always review the sample files and specifications before purchasing.
How to Get CAD Files From a Matterport Virtual Tour
The original video demonstrates how to request CAD files through the Matterport dashboard. Here is the basic workflow.
Step 1: Open Your Matterport Dashboard
Sign in to your Matterport account and locate the space for which you need CAD files.
Make sure you have access to the correct property and that the existing capture is suitable for your intended use.
If you are working on behalf of a property owner, contractor, or developer, confirm that you have the necessary account permissions and authorization to order the deliverables.
Step 2: Open the Add-Ons Section
Once you have selected the relevant space, navigate to the Add-Ons section of the Matterport dashboard.
Look for the CAD file option.
This is where you can review the available CAD deliverables and begin the ordering process.
The exact dashboard layout and available options may change as Matterport updates its products.
Step 3: Select Get
Click Get next to the CAD file option.
Matterport will then display information about the order, including estimated pricing and processing times where available.
Review these estimates carefully before proceeding.
The cost may depend on factors such as the size of the captured space and the level of detail required.
Step 4: Review the Pricing Estimate
Before placing an order, Matterport provides an estimate based on the space and selected options.
In the original video, the example space was approximately 4,600 square feet. The dashboard displayed estimated processing times and prices for the available options.
That figure is an example from the recording, not a current price quote. Actual costs and turnaround times may differ depending on Matterport’s current pricing, the property’s specifications, and the deliverables selected.
For larger projects, reviewing the estimate is particularly important because the total cost can increase with the size of the property and the level of drafting detail.
Step 5: Choose the Appropriate CAD Package
Matterport may offer different options depending on the size of the space and the type of documentation required.
The video highlights options for standard CAD files, along with more detailed packages that may include electrical information, interior details, furniture, or combinations of these elements.
Not every project needs every available detail.
For example, a contractor preparing for a basic space-planning exercise may have different requirements from a team working on a detailed commercial renovation.
Before ordering, identify what the project team needs and compare those requirements with the available package specifications.
Step 6: Review the Documentation and Samples
The original video also highlights the documentation and sample files available during the ordering process.
These resources are important because the appearance, organization, and level of detail in a drawing can affect how useful it is to your team.
Review the samples before purchasing, particularly if your project requires specific layer conventions or local drafting standards.
If your architect, engineer, or contractor has a required CAD format or drafting specification, confirm compatibility before placing the order.
What CAD Drafting Standards Does Matterport Use?
The transcript identifies ISO 13567 as the drafting standard referenced by Matterport for its CAD files.
ISO 13567 is an international standard relating to the organization and naming of layers in CAD files used in technical product documentation and construction-related applications.
Following a recognized layer standard can help make CAD drawings more consistent and easier to organize.
However, using an international standard does not automatically mean that a file meets every local requirement or every project’s documentation specifications.
Matterport’s documentation and sample files should be reviewed to determine whether the supplied drawings meet your intended use case.
For projects in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, confirm the requirements with the architect, engineer, contractor, or other professional responsible for the drawings. Local project requirements and approval processes may call for additional documentation.
The transcript also notes that custom layers were not offered through the workflow shown in the recording. Since product capabilities can change, verify the current options directly with Matterport before ordering.
What Affects the Cost of Matterport CAD Files?
CAD deliverables are more specialized than a basic virtual tour or standard floor plan. Their cost can reflect the amount of drafting and detail required.
The original video highlights several factors that can affect pricing.
Property Size
The size of the captured space is an important consideration.
The recording shows an example involving a space of approximately 4,600 square feet and notes that larger spaces can cost more to process.
It also discusses higher pricing for spaces reaching or exceeding 125,000 square feet.
These figures describe the options shown in the video, so confirm current size thresholds and pricing in your Matterport dashboard.
Level of Detail
A standard CAD package may be sufficient for some projects, while others require more detailed information.
The video identifies electrical details, interior information, and furniture as examples of additional options.
These additions can increase the cost because the deliverables are more specialized.
Processing Time
The dashboard can provide an estimated processing time for the selected deliverable.
If the files are needed for an upcoming construction milestone, include that estimate in your project planning. Avoid assuming that all spaces or packages will have the same turnaround time.
For time-sensitive work, confirm the expected delivery date before relying on the files for a scheduled task.
Project Requirements
The best package is the one that matches the actual needs of your project.
Ordering more detail than you need can increase costs unnecessarily. On the other hand, ordering a basic package when your team requires additional documentation could result in extra work later.
Discuss the requirements with the people who will use the files before making a purchase.
How Contractors Can Use Matterport CAD Files
For contractors, access to digital building information can support early project planning and communication.
CAD files generated from a captured property may help a team understand the existing layout and establish a starting point for renovation or improvement work.
Potential applications include:
- Reviewing existing spaces before a site visit
- Planning commercial interior improvements
- Coordinating early renovation discussions
- Supporting space-planning exercises
- Documenting existing conditions
- Sharing building information with project stakeholders
For example, a contractor working on a commercial property in Philadelphia may use a Matterport capture to review the space remotely before discussing the scope of a proposed renovation.
The CAD deliverable may help organize that information into a drawing format that fits the team’s workflow.
However, the files should be checked for accuracy and suitability before being used for construction, fabrication, permitting, or other work that depends on precise measurements.
Benefits for Architects and Real Estate Developers
Architects and real estate developers often need to understand the existing condition of a property before deciding how it might be redesigned or repurposed.
A Matterport virtual tour provides an interactive way to review the captured environment. CAD deliverables can add another layer of usefulness by providing digital drawings for certain planning and design workflows.
For developers evaluating commercial properties, this can support early discussions about layout, space utilization, and potential improvements.
For architects and interior design teams, the files may help establish a starting point for reviewing an existing building.
The suitability of the files depends on the required accuracy, scope, and level of detail. A CAD file generated from a scan should not automatically be treated as a complete, construction-ready architectural or engineering drawing.
Where exact dimensions, structural information, or code compliance are important, the appropriate qualified professional should verify the information and determine whether additional surveys or documentation are necessary.
Why Matterport Virtual Tours Are Useful Beyond Marketing
Matterport virtual tours are often used to showcase real estate, commercial spaces, restaurants, retail locations, and other properties.
However, their potential value is not limited to marketing.
A digital capture can also help teams review a space remotely and share a visual reference with people who cannot easily visit the property.
When suitable CAD deliverables are available, the captured information may support additional workflows involving planning, documentation, and design.
For commercial property owners and developers, this can connect property visualization with practical project needs.
The important point is to choose the right deliverable for the job. A virtual tour is designed for visual exploration, while CAD files are intended for use in compatible design and documentation workflows.
They can complement one another, but they are not interchangeable.
Matterport CAD Files for Philadelphia Construction Projects
Philadelphia has a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties. Contractors, developers, property managers, and design professionals may need to document existing spaces before starting renovation or improvement work.
For local projects, a Matterport capture can help stakeholders understand a property remotely, while suitable CAD deliverables may provide a useful starting point for planning.
Before using the files for a Philadelphia construction project, consider the following:
- Confirm the required drawing format with the project team.
- Review the available sample files and layer organization.
- Check whether the deliverables contain the level of detail you need.
- Confirm the estimated processing time and price.
- Have the appropriate professional verify dimensions and drawing suitability.
- Determine whether additional field measurements or surveys are required.
These steps can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure the deliverables are appropriate for the intended project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order CAD files directly from Matterport?
The workflow shown in the transcript allows users to open a space in the Matterport dashboard, navigate to Add-Ons, and select the CAD file option. Availability may depend on the current product offering and account.
How much do Matterport CAD files cost?
The cost depends on the space and the selected deliverables. The transcript demonstrates an estimate for a space of approximately 4,600 square feet, but that example should not be treated as current pricing. Check your Matterport dashboard for the latest estimate.
Can I order CAD files for a large commercial property?
The video discusses options for larger spaces, including properties reaching or exceeding 125,000 square feet. Confirm the current size limits, available packages, and pricing with Matterport before placing an order.
Can Matterport CAD files include electrical information and furniture?
The transcript identifies electrical details, interior information, and furniture as potential additional options. Review the current package descriptions and sample files to confirm exactly what is available.
Do Matterport CAD files meet local building requirements?
Not automatically. The transcript references ISO 13567, but a recognized drafting standard does not guarantee compliance with every local requirement or project specification. Have the responsible design or construction professional review the files.
Are Matterport CAD files ready for construction?
They should not automatically be treated as construction-ready drawings. Their suitability depends on the deliverables, capture quality, accuracy requirements, and intended use. Additional measurements, surveys, or professional verification may be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Matterport CAD files can provide contractors, architects, developers, and property professionals with another way to use data captured through a 3D virtual tour.
The ordering process described in the video is straightforward: open the relevant space in Matterport, navigate to Add-Ons, select the CAD option, review the estimate, and choose the package that fits your requirements.
Before ordering, pay close attention to property size, pricing, processing time, drafting standards, and the level of detail included.
For professionals working on commercial and construction projects in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, the most important step is to confirm that the files meet the needs of the project team before relying on them for detailed design or construction work.
A Matterport virtual tour can make a property easier to explore remotely, and suitable CAD deliverables can help extend the usefulness of that captured information into planning and documentation workflows.
