FormSpace: From Registration to Your First Landscape Project

FormSpace is an intuitive online service that makes the landscape design process accessible to every plot owner. This step-by-step guide will take you from registration to creating and saving your first project, helping you turn ideas into a real plan. You'll learn how to upload plot diagrams, use smart tools for zoning and detailing, and save your work.

Getting Started: What You Need to Know Beforehand

Before you start designing, gather basic information about your plot. This will help you make the most of FormSpace's capabilities. You'll need data on the plot size (e.g., 10 ares or 1000 m²), its shape, the presence of slopes, the location of existing buildings (house, garage, bathhouse), and utilities. It's also helpful to think about your wishes in advance: what functional zones you'd like to see (recreation area, vegetable garden, playground), what landscape style you prefer, and what plants or decorative elements you favor. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a modern browser for comfortable work.

Step 1: Registration and Logging into FormSpace

The first step to creating your ideal landscape is registering with FormSpace. You can do this using your email address or by logging in through existing social media accounts. The process takes just a few minutes. After registration, you'll enter your personal account, where you can see the project dashboard. If you register via email, don't forget to confirm your account by clicking the link in the email. This will ensure full functionality and security for your account.

Step 2: Creating a New Project and Uploading Your Plot Plan

After logging in, click the “New Project” button. FormSpace will offer several options to get started. You can upload a plot diagram as an image, use a current satellite image, or start drawing the plan from scratch. If you upload an image, it's important to scale it correctly. For example, if the plot measures 25x40 meters (10 ares), you must specify these parameters in the system so that all subsequent calculations and objects are displayed correctly. This is a critically important step, as the realism of the entire project depends on the accuracy of the scaling.

Step 3: Zoning and Placing Key Objects

Once the plot plan is uploaded and scaled, proceed to zoning. Module 1.x “Plan/Zones/Objects” allows you to easily outline the boundaries of future functional zones: a recreation area, garden, vegetable garden, playground, parking. Place existing structures on the plan and mark where major utilities run. For example, you can designate a barbecue area of 20 m², a playground of 30 m², and divide the vegetable garden into 50 m². Proper zoning at this stage prevents typical mistakes, such as pathways 1.2 meters wide leading “nowhere” or a recreation area being in a thoroughfare. You can learn more about zoning in the article How to Zone Your Plot Using AI.

Step 4: Using AI Concepts for Inspiration (Module 2.1)

After basic zoning, you can move on to generating AI concepts. Module 2.1 is a powerful tool for getting fresh ideas. Select your desired landscape style (e.g., Mediterranean, Japanese, minimalism), specify preferred elements (ponds, gazebos, rockeries), and FormSpace will generate several project options. For example, for a 15-are plot with a house in the center, you can ask the AI to suggest 3-4 zoning concepts, including areas for barbecue, a vegetable garden, and a decorative pond. This significantly speeds up the process of finding an optimal solution and opens up new possibilities you might not have even considered.

Step 5: Detailing Design from Photos (Module 3.1)

For more detailed refinement of individual zones, use Module 3.1 “Design from Photos.” If you have a photo of a specific part of the plot you want to transform (e.g., an entrance group or patio area), upload it. You can “try on” various paving options, outdoor furniture arrangements, lighting, or even specific plant species directly on the photo. This allows you to see how the selected elements will look in real conditions and make an informed decision before starting work. For example, you can evaluate how different types of paving will look for a pathway or what height shrubs are best suited for a hedge. Mistakes in landscape design can be costly, so visualization beforehand is very important. Learn more in the article Top 5 Landscape Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Step 6: Saving and Exporting Your Project

FormSpace automatically saves your work, but it's always useful to manually save at key stages. All your projects are stored in your personal account, where you can easily manage them, revert to older versions, or create copies for experiments. When the project is ready, you can export it as images or a PDF file to print, share with family, or contractors. This will provide you with a complete plan for realizing your ideas.

How to Plan in FormSpace: A Specific Scenario

Imagine you have an empty 12-are plot, and you want to design it from scratch, making maximum use of FormSpace's functionality. First, you upload a satellite image or plot diagram, scale it by specifying real dimensions, for example, 30 by 40 meters. Then, using the zoning tools in Module 1.x “Plan/Zones/Objects,” you outline the boundaries of future functional zones: a recreation area near the house of 40 m², a vegetable garden of 50 m², a playground of 30 m², and also mark the location of the future house, outbuildings, and pathways, planning their width around 1.2 meters for comfortable movement. This provides a basic but functional layout for the plot.

After basic zoning, you can proceed to Module 2.1 “AI Concept.” You choose your desired style (e.g., modern or classic), specify the main elements you want to see (e.g., a rockery, a gazebo, fruit trees). The AI will generate several design project options based on your zones and preferences, offering original solutions for placing objects and plants. You can choose the most suitable option and refine it.

Finally, if you have already decided on a specific zone, such as a patio area, and you have a photo of it, you can upload it to Module 3.1 “Design from Photos.” Here you can “try on” various paving options, outdoor furniture arrangements, lighting, or even specific plant species to see how they will look in reality before making a final decision. This module helps avoid costly mistakes by visualizing the result before its physical implementation.

FAQ

Can I use FormSpace for free?

FormSpace offers both free and paid plans. The free plan allows you to familiarize yourself with the main functions and create a basic project. For access to all advanced functionality, including AI concepts and design from photos, as well as for saving an unlimited number of projects, paid subscriptions are available.

What if my plot has a complex shape?

FormSpace is designed to work with plots of any shape. You can upload a diagram or satellite image with a complex contour, and then precisely outline its boundaries using the editing tools. This allows you to account for all the features of your territory during planning.

Can I share my project with others?

Yes, FormSpace provides the ability to export your project in various formats, such as images (JPG, PNG) or PDF files. You can easily send these files to family members, friends, or contractors to discuss ideas and get feedback.

How do I know the real dimensions of objects on the plan?

When you upload a plot plan to FormSpace, you set its real dimensions and scale the image. All objects you place on the plan are automatically displayed at the correct scale. You can also use built-in measurement tools to check distances and areas on your project.

What if the AI suggests unsuitable solutions?

AI concepts are a source of inspiration, not a final solution. If the suggested options do not meet your expectations, you can change the query parameters, choose a different style, or refine the proposed concept manually. The AI learns from your preferences, so experiment with different settings.

Are my projects saved automatically?

Yes, FormSpace has an autosave feature so you don't lose your work. However, it is also recommended to periodically save the project manually, especially after making major changes. All saved projects are available in your personal account.

Can I edit ready-made AI concepts?

Absolutely. AI concepts serve as a starting point. Once you've chosen the most appealing option, you can freely edit it: move objects, change zones, add or remove elements. This allows you to adapt the generated design to your unique needs and tastes.

FormSpace makes the landscape planning process accessible and engaging. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily start your first project, explore various design solutions, and create a plot plan that perfectly matches your dreams and needs.