Interface Overview (Top Toolbar, Left Panel, Canvas) - Getting started

The interface is divided into three main areas:

Top Toolbar

TheTop Toolbarprovides quick access to essential project and design functions. It remains fixed at the top of the screen throughout the design process.

1. New→ Allows the user to start a new blank project, clearing the current canvas and providing a fresh workspace for design.If there are unsaved changes, starting a new project without saving will result in loss of work. The system will prompt the user to save before proceeding.
2. Save→ Allows the user to save the current project progress. Users can choose to update the existing project, save it as a new template, or create a duplicate copy using the Projects, 
1. Save project → Updates the existing project.
2. Save template → Saves the current layout as a reusable template (admin only).
3. Save as new project → Creates a duplicate project with a new name.
4. Save as new template → Saves a new version of the template without overwriting existing ones.
3. PDF→ Allows the user to export the current layout design as a PDF file, preserving layout and design elements for printing or sharing purposes.
4. Print→ Print the design directly.
5. Shape→ Add shapes (Rectangle, Circle, Line Tool) for design placeholders or custom structures. 
6. Color→ Apply and customize colors for shapes, users can increase or decrease the stroke width.
7. Ruler→ Measure and align objects precisely on the canvas.
8. Text→ Insert labels on the layout.
9. Hand Tool→ Pan/move around the canvas for better navigation.
10. Opacity→ Adjust the transparency of selected elements.
11. Hide grid:TheHide Gridoption allows users to temporarily remove the visible grid lines from the canvas.
12. Fit to Screen:Instantly adjust the view to show the entire layout within the workspace.
13. Zoom In/Out:Focus on specific areas of the design for detailed adjustments.
14. Undo/Redo→ Reverse or reapply the most recent action.
15. Upload My layout→  Opens an upload dialog to import an existing deck or deck plan inimageorPDFformat.Once uploaded, the plan appears in the Projects section and can be used as a design base.

Left Panel

TheLeft Panelprovides structured access to all design resources, enabling users to manage templates, products, layers, and project files efficiently.

1. Projects→ Displays all saved projects. Users canview,search, andopenpreviously created designs.If a project is already open, a prompt appears before replacing it with another.
2. Templates→ Provides access to pre-built layout templates for faster design creation. Users can edit templates or use them as base projects.
3. Objects→ Insert generic objects like shapes.
4. Products→ Insert real products such as lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, planters, etc.
5. Layers→ Manage the background image and objects placed on the layout area. 
6. Cart→ Displays selected products added during design; users can proceed to “add to cart” or “request quote”. 
7. Help→ Provides walkthrough guide and user manual.
8. Live Chat → Allows users to connect with the support team in real time for instant assistance, questions, or issue resolution while working on the design.
9. Profile → Displays the user’s name.
   1. For registered users, the profile menu shows the username along with a Log out option.
   2. For guest users, the profile displays Guest.

Canvas

The Canvas is the main working area of the deck designer where users create, edit, and visualize their deck or outdoor layout. It acts as a grid-based 2D workspace designed for accuracy and ease of use.

1. The canvas displays a visible grid that helps users align shapes and products accurately.
2. Each grid unit represents a fixed measurement, allowing layouts to be designed to scale.
3. The grid can be shown or hidden using the Hide Grid option for a cleaner workspace.
4. All layout elements such as shapes, structures, and products are placed and arranged within the canvas area.
5. Users can start a design from scratch or load an existing template and modify it directly on the canvas.
6. Clicking on any shape or product selects the object on the canvas.
7. Selected objects display control points (nodes/handles) that allow resizing and dimension adjustments.
8. Objects can be moved freely by dragging them across the canvas.
9. Real-time measurement values (for example, 10'0") appear on each side while resizing shapes.
10. These measurement indicators help maintain accurate proportions and spacing.
11. A rotation handle appears above selected objects, allowing easy angle adjustments.
12. A floating context toolbar appears near the selected object for quick actions.
13. The toolbar allows users to duplicate objects, view object information, flip objects, delete items, and lock or unlock objects to prevent accidental movement.