---
title: "Reference plan import"
description: "Use private raster/PDF references or sanitized vector primitives without exposing authoring evidence to buyers."
---

> Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.seatlayer.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reference plan import

Reference plans help match real venue structure, but the source is evidence—not
automatic sellable inventory. Seat labels, counts, accessibility, and commercial
meaning still require authoritative confirmation.

## Choose the right import path

- **Private raster trace** — Upload PNG, JPEG, or WebP as an authoring layer. Position, crop, rotate,
scale, calibrate, lock, and hide it while drawing.
- **PDF page** — Select one page from a PDF up to 15 MB and 100 pages. SeatLayer rasterizes
that page into the private trace layer.
- **Editable SVG/DXF** — Import supported sanitized primitives as ordinary editable `Shape` objects
in one undoable operation.
- **Buyer background** — Add an independent URL-based aesthetic layer when buyers should see venue
artwork behind inventory.

> **Private trace is never the buyer background**
>
> Reference bytes, source metadata, and authoring provenance are removed from
> the buyer document. Only an explicitly configured `backgroundImage` can reach
> the buyer renderer.

## Raster/PDF tracing workflow

1. **Upload and select evidence**

   For a PDF, choose the page that contains the authoritative floor plan. Keep
   separate supplemental label or inventory sources distinct.
2. **Calibrate**

   Mark two known points and enter their real distance so spacing, row gaps, and
   section capacity can use a physical scale.
3. **Align and lock**

   Set crop, width, rotation, opacity, and layer placement. Lock the reference
   before detailed authoring.
4. **Author semantic geometry**

   Draw floors, sections, aisles, rows, tables, booths, GA, shapes, and labels.
   Use the reference as visual evidence, not a source of unverified identity.
5. **Compare and review**

   Toggle the source, render buyer previews, check alignment, and confirm
   capacity/labels against authoritative venue records.

## Vector import boundary

SVG and ASCII DXF pass through a bounded parser. Supported primitives become
editable shapes; arbitrary scripts, external URLs/resources, embedded objects,
full CAD fidelity, and SVG export are outside the contract.

Inspect imported layers for:

- unexpected scale or units;
- duplicated or microscopic primitives;
- fills that hide bookable geometry;
- text that should become semantic labels; and
- decorative lines that should not create inventory.

## Source-of-truth policy

| Fact | Can image alone authorize it? | Required confirmation |
|---|---:|---|
| Approximate section boundary | Evidence only | Visual/human review |
| Seat count | No | Venue inventory or explicit owner confirmation |
| Seat label | No | Authoritative labeling plan |
| Accessibility | No | Venue/operator confirmation |
| Category and price | No | Commercial configuration |
| Aisle/exit context | Evidence only | Safety/venue review |

## Agent-assisted workflow

The remote Designer MCP can let an authorized external agent inspect private
overview/tile evidence, submit semantic regions, invoke deterministic compilers,
render diffs, and prepare revision-bound review evidence.

It does not provide a hosted vision model, and it cannot turn uncertain pixels
into approved inventory by itself. See [Designer MCP](/agents/designer-mcp).

## Verification checklist

- [ ] The correct source and PDF page are selected.
- [ ] Physical scale is calibrated from a known distance.
- [ ] Private evidence is distinct from buyer presentation.
- [ ] Every seat count and label has an authoritative source.
- [ ] Accessibility and pricing are explicitly confirmed.
- [ ] Vector imports contain only intended editable primitives.
- [ ] Buyer preview never exposes the private reference.
- [ ] Comparison and validation pass on every floor.

Continue with [sections and seat plans](/designer/sections-and-seat-plans) or
[Designer MCP](/agents/designer-mcp).

Source: https://docs.seatlayer.io/designer/reference-plan-import/index.mdx