Exporting Plans and Reports in FormSpace: "Browser View"

The "Browser View" feature in FormSpace is a convenient way to share your landscape design project with others without needing to download files or install special software. You get a unique link that opens your site plan and reports in any web browser. It's an ideal solution for quick approvals and feedback.

What is "Browser View" and Why Do You Need It?

"Browser View" allows you to instantly generate a unique link to your FormSpace project. Anyone with this link can view your landscape plan and accompanying reports in their preferred browser, whether on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This eliminates barriers related to file formats and software compatibility, making the information sharing process as simple as possible. The main advantage lies in its ease of distribution: you can send the link via email, messenger, or even post it on a website. Recipients do not need to register with FormSpace to view your project. This is especially useful when working with contractors who need to quickly assess the scope of work, or with family members who want to offer their suggestions for the site design.

Step-by-Step Export Guide

Exporting a project via "Browser View" in FormSpace is very simple. Follow these steps:

1. Open the project: Log in to your FormSpace account and select the project you want to export from your project list.
2. Go to the export section: In the project interface, find the "Export" button or tab (usually located in the top or side control panel).
3. Select "Browser View": In the export options menu that appears, choose "Browser View" or a similar phrasing.
4. Generate the link: The system will automatically create a unique web link. You can copy it to your clipboard and start sharing it immediately. The generation process takes only a few seconds.

After this, your project will be accessible via this link. It's important to note that the link always points to the current version of the project, meaning any changes you make and save in FormSpace will be immediately reflected through the same link.

What Data is Included in the Export?

Export via "Browser View" includes all key elements of your project created in FormSpace:

• Site Plan: A complete 2D layout of your site with all marked zones, objects, paths, plantings, and utilities. You can manage layer visibility to show only the necessary information, for example, only paths or only plantings.
• Reports: This can include material lists, object inventories, preliminary estimates, and other details you generate in FormSpace modules. For example, the report will show how many square meters of paving are required for paths 1.2 meters wide.
• Photos: If you used module 3.1 "Design by Photo" to visualize specific areas, these photos can also be included in the report, demonstrating how particular landscape elements will look after implementation.

Before sharing the link, you can configure which sections of the report will be visible to the recipient. For example, you can hide cost information if you are sharing the project with a client rather than a contractor.

Advantages of "Browser View" Over Other Export Methods

Compared to traditional export methods, such as PDF or images, "Browser View" offers several unique advantages:

• Up-to-dateness: The link always points to the latest saved version of your project. If you make changes, the recipient doesn't need a new file — they just need to refresh the page.
• Interactivity: Users can zoom in on the plan, pan around it, and in some cases even toggle layers on/off to focus on specific details. This is much more convenient than viewing a static image or a multi-page PDF file, which can weigh 10-20 MB for a large project.
• Accessibility: No special software is required for viewing, just a web browser, which is installed on virtually any modern device.
• Ease of Sharing: There's no need to attach large files to emails or upload them to cloud storage. Simply copy and paste a short link.

Common Mistakes When Using and How to Avoid Them

Although "Browser View" is very convenient, there are common mistakes that can hinder its effective use:

1. Sharing an unfinished project: Always ensure your project is in a state you're ready to showcase. If you share a link to a draft, the recipient might get an inaccurate impression of your work. Always review the project yourself before sending the link to confirm its readiness.
2. Not checking privacy settings: If you don't want the recipient to see estimates or certain details, ensure that the corresponding sections of the report are hidden before generating the link. For example, make sure that the layer with utilities or exact foundation dimensions (5x8 m) is visible only to those who truly need it.
3. Expecting editing via the link: Remind recipients that the link is for viewing only. They will not be able to make changes to your project. For collaborative editing, use other FormSpace features.
4. Assuming all layers are active: If you're sharing a plan with a contractor who will be installing a drainage system, ensure that the drainage layer is active and visible in the exported view. Sometimes users forget to activate the necessary layers, leading to incomplete information.

When to Use "Browser View"?

This feature is versatile and useful in many landscape planning scenarios:

• For concept approval: In the initial stages, when you are just choosing a landscape style or approving the general site zoning, "Browser View" allows for quick feedback from all stakeholders.
• For working with contractors: Send links to builders, electricians, or gardeners so they can study the site plan, object locations, and material requirements without needing to print dozens of pages.
• For presentations: If you are presenting a project to a client, a browser view link looks professional and allows the client to review details at their convenience.
• For personal archives: Save the link for yourself to have quick access to the project from any device without logging into your FormSpace account.
• For printing: Although it's a browser view, you can always use your browser's print function to get a physical copy of the plan or report.

How to Plan in FormSpace

FormSpace offers powerful tools for creating detailed plans and reports. Start with module 1.1 "Site Plan" to accurately outline your plot boundaries, add existing structures, and define main zones. Then move on to modules 1.2 "Zones" and 1.3 "Objects" for detailed development of functional areas and placement of landscape elements. If you're looking for inspiration, module 2.1 "AI Concept" can offer fresh ideas, and 3.1 "Design by Photo" will help visualize specific corners of your future garden. Imagine you used FormSpace to create a project for your 12-are (or 1200 sq m) plot. You've already marked out relaxation areas (30 sq m), a sports ground (20 sq m), and a vegetable garden (40 sq m), and laid out paths 1.5 meters wide. To get approval from your family or show the project to a contractor who will be planting shrubs and trees, you use the "Browser View" feature. This allows them to instantly see the exact location of each zone, dimensions, and even a preliminary list of necessary plants (if you included it in the report), without needing to install any software. This significantly speeds up the approval process and prevents potential misunderstandings.

FAQ

Can I edit the project via the "Browser View" link?

No, the "Browser View" link is exclusively for viewing. Recipients can study the plan and reports, zoom in on the image, but they cannot make any changes to your project. To edit, you must log in to your FormSpace account.

How long is the link valid?

The "Browser View" link remains active until you either delete the project from your FormSpace account or revoke its sharing access. It does not have an expiration date and will always point to the most current version of your project.

Can the link be password-protected?

Currently, FormSpace does not provide a password protection feature for the "Browser View" link. The link is unique and difficult to guess, but if you want to ensure maximum confidentiality, we recommend sending it only to trusted individuals and not publishing it publicly.

What if I don't want to show the estimate?

Before generating the "Browser View" link in FormSpace, you can configure the visibility of report sections. In the export settings, simply uncheck the option responsible for displaying the estimate or other confidential data. This allows you to share the plan without revealing financial details.

Can I print the plan from "Browser View"?

Yes, of course. Although it's a web view, you can use your browser's standard print function (usually invoked by Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to output the plan and reports to a printer. This is convenient if you need a physical copy for on-site work or for a meeting.

How is this different from exporting to PDF?

Exporting to PDF creates a static, fixed document that doesn't update when the project changes and can be large in size. "Browser View", on the other hand, provides an interactive, always up-to-date view of your project, which loads in parts and allows for convenient zooming and viewing of details directly in the browser without downloading.

Can other people find my project using this link?

No, your project will not be indexed by search engines and will not appear in public access without your knowledge. Only those to whom you send the link will have access to the project via this link. This ensures privacy unless you choose to share the link yourself.

I made changes to the project; will the link update?

Yes, this is one of the key advantages! The "Browser View" link always points to the latest saved version of your project in FormSpace. Any changes you make will be automatically reflected when someone opens that link, without the need to generate a new one.

Exporting a project via the "Browser View" feature significantly simplifies the communication and approval process in landscape design. It's a fast, convenient, and modern way to share your ideas and receive feedback. Use this feature to make your planning even more efficient and transparent for all project participants.