VanLogic – Detailed Help

For everyone who needs more than the short in-app help. Everything is explained step by step – without jargon, with examples.

1. What is VanLogic about?

VanLogic helps you plan your camper van build – and most importantly: keep weight under control.

That's the key difference from other planning tools: in VanLogic, you don't manually enter a weight for your furniture piece. Instead, you simply tell the app:

• what shape the furniture has (rectangle, cylinder, L-shape),
• how big it is (width, length, height),
• what material it's made of (e.g. birch plywood, aluminium, film-faced plywood – each material has a stored density),
• and how it's built (solid, as a box, as a frame, …).

The app then automatically calculates the weight. This matters because the weight immediately affects three things that are critical in a van:

• the axle load front and rear (legally must not be exceeded),
• the center of gravity (too high or too far back = tipping risk),
• the payload remaining before you exceed the maximum permissible weight.

Other PC programs (there is currently no other app) only help with space planning – where does what fit. VanLogic can do that too, but additionally it calculates live in the background whether your van will still be roadworthy and safe.

Remember this one sentence: Shape + dimensions + material + build type → weight is automatically calculated → immediately feeds into axle load, center of gravity and payload.

2. Step 1: Set up your vehicle

Before you plan anything, you need your vehicle. You can:

• choose a vehicle from the list (e.g. "Sprinter W906/907 L3 (Long)") – the app automatically adopts wheelbase, cargo area dimensions, axle loads and kerb weight,
• or enter the dimensions manually if your vehicle isn't in the list.

You can change these values at any time later (e.g. when you know your actual kerb weight from a weighbridge – you should definitely enter this once you know it, because otherwise the app works with an estimated value).

3. Layout Templates – Starting with a Ready-Made Plan

VanLogic comes with ready-made layout templates: complete floor plan designs you can load with a single tap and immediately customise. Instead of starting from scratch, you get flooring, insulation, wall cladding and a well-arranged furniture layout in your vehicle right away – and all weights are calculated automatically as usual.

Good to know: All objects in a template are automatically adapted to the dimensions of your vehicle – whether you have a short compact van or a long panel van.

Where do I find the templates?

In the planning view: tap the Menu (three dots, top right) → "Load template". A selection dialog opens showing all templates compatible with your vehicle.

Tip: If you are starting the app fresh and have just configured your vehicle, the template offer is shown directly on the vehicle selection screen – so you can get started straight away without switching to the planning menu first.

What does a template contain?

Every template includes at least:

• Flooring: PVC panels on a chipboard sub-floor – automatically scaled to cover the full load area of your vehicle.
• Insulation: PE foam underfloor insulation – also full-area, adapted to your vehicle.
• Wall cladding: Panels for walls and ceiling.
• Furniture: Sleeping, kitchen, seating and storage – arranged differently depending on the template.

The size and weight of the flooring, insulation and cladding are cut precisely to your vehicle on loading – you immediately see realistic weight values.

Visibility note: Wall cladding is hidden by default after loading – flooring and insulation, on the other hand, are visible. The cladding is present in the plan and counted in the weight – but not shown, so the planning view stays clear and you can see the furniture layout directly. You can show or hide it at any time via the object list (layer icon, top right).

Template overview

All 8 templates are Pro templates – recognisable by the lock icon on the template card. There are no free templates anymore. You can try all of them without restriction and without a time limit, for free, in the Test Environment (see Chapter 4).

Small van (up to approx. 2,800 mm load area):

• Weekend Basics: Cross bed, kitchen and bench seat. Ideal for short trips in a compact van.

Medium van (from approx. 2,800 mm):

• Solo Starter: Lengthwise bed on the right, kitchen and seating on the left. A first complete build for solo travellers.
• Solo Full-Time: Office desk, bed and compact kitchen – for digital nomads living in a van.
• Workation: Office area, bed, compact kitchen and WC – full working and living in a van.

Large van (from approx. 3,400 mm):

• Couple Classic: Cross bed, full kitchen and seating area – a complete build for two people.
• Outdoor & Adventure: High bed over a rear garage for boards and bikes, plus an outdoor kitchen.

XL van (from approx. 4,000 mm):

• Family: Master bed, upper bunk, family kitchen and seating area.
• Premium Full Build: Luxury complete build with premium bed, shower, kitchen and lounge.

Which templates are shown to me?

Not all templates fit every van. The app only shows templates that are suitable for your vehicle. Templates designed for a larger van are automatically hidden – they would cause collisions in your van without adjustments.

Which size category your van falls into depends on the load area length you configured in Step 1:

• Up to approx. 2,800 mm → small van (e.g. VW Caddy, Ford Transit Connect)
• 2,800–3,400 mm → medium van (e.g. VW T5/T6 short, Mercedes Vito short)
• 3,400–4,000 mm → large van (e.g. VW T5/T6 long, Mercedes Sprinter short)
• From 4,000 mm → XL van (e.g. Mercedes Sprinter long, Fiat Ducato XL)

If fewer templates are shown than expected, this is due to the automatic filtering – the app shows a note with the number of available templates.

Loading a template – what exactly happens

Once you confirm a template:

1. Flooring, insulation and cladding are adjusted to your exact load area dimensions.
2. Furniture is positioned to fit in your vehicle – in very small vans there may be slight overlaps that you can correct manually afterwards.

After loading you can change, move, delete or add anything. The template is just a starting point, not a fixed plan.

Important: Save your existing plan first

⚠️ If you have already been working on a project, the template replaces your current plan permanently. There is no way to restore the old plan afterwards – unless you made a backup first.

The app shows a warning before the template is loaded. You then have the option to first export your plan as a .vanlogic file (export requires Pro) – this saves it and you can import it again later (see Chapter 12 for more).

If you haven't planned anything yet (empty plan), no warning appears – the template is loaded immediately.

Pro objects in templates: moving yes, editing with Pro

All templates contain assemblies and/or objects with Pro materials. Without an active Pro you can freely move all objects – just like your own. The object editor (double-tap) is locked for Pro elements though: dimensions, material and build type can only be changed once Pro is active. In the selection dialog you can identify these objects by the small 🔒 symbol next to the action buttons.

4. Try Everything Free – The Test Environment

VanLogic has a test environment: a special mode where you can try all Pro features without a time limit – free, without any form of payment.

In the test environment you can do everything Pro users can: create assemblies, use the 3D preview, use all construction types and materials, check axle loads and tipping risk, load layout templates – everything.

The only difference: Your plan in the test environment is not permanently saved. As soon as you close the app, it's gone. That's the deliberate restriction: try for free, keep with Pro.

How do I access the test environment?

Three ways:

1. Menu (three dots, top right) → "Test Environment" – you can choose to start with an empty plan or a copy of your real plan.
2. Pro info card: When a feature normally requires Pro, an info sheet appears. There you'll find the "Try Test Environment" button.
3. After vehicle selection: A hint about the test environment is shown on the vehicle selection page.

What can I do in the test environment?

Everything Pro users can do – specifically:

• Use all construction types (open, frame, slanted, …) and all materials from the full database
• Create assemblies – group multiple parts into one piece of furniture
• Load assembly templates from the library
• Load layout templates
• View the 3D preview of your project
• Tank simulation: move the fill level, see weight changes live
• View collision details – exact error messages for overlapping objects
• Enter all dimensions and properties precisely, duplicate objects

Collision checking – hollow spaces are recognised too

VanLogic doesn't just check whether two objects roughly overlap – the collision check recognises real hollow spaces. If, for example, a battery or a tank sits under a bed that stands on support posts, the app checks precisely whether the equipment actually sits in the free space underneath, or whether it genuinely collides with a solid part (even thin 80×80 mm posts count as a real obstacle if they're in the way).

What this means for you: you can place equipment, storage and tanks the way it's actually done in real van builds – under beds, inside benches, in raised platforms – without constantly getting unnecessary collision warnings. This level of detail in collision checking is a distinguishing feature of VanLogic compared to other van-planning apps, which usually only check rough overlaps (or don't take weight and collisions into account at all).

What remains restricted: Saving as a .vanlogic file, PDF export, and the materials report – these actions require Pro because they enable permanently keeping the plan. Sharing (blueprint, stats card) is always free.

What does "temporary storage" mean?

As long as the app is running, your test plan is fully intact – you can add objects, move them, load templates and adjust everything. The plan also survives if you briefly send the app to the background.

But: As soon as you fully close the app (swipe it away in multitasking), the plan is gone. It is deliberately not saved in the app.

A yellow banner at the bottom edge reminds you throughout the entire session: "Test environment – your plan will not be saved."

Back to my real plan

In the banner on the right you'll find the link "Back to my plan". A tap on it immediately brings you back to your real project – the test plan remains untouched in memory until you close the app.

If you leave the test environment with a plan that represents some effort, the app briefly asks: "Discard plan?" – so you don't accidentally lose hours of work.

Permanently adopt the plan

If you've built a plan in the test environment that you like and want to keep: get Pro. After the purchase, the app asks directly: "Adopt your test plan as a starting point?" – with a tap on "Yes, adopt" your test plan becomes your real plan and is permanently saved.

5. Step 2: Enter the fixed vehicle structure

Before planning furniture, it's worth first entering the fixed, unchangeable parts of your vehicle. These are things that are simply there and can't be planned around:

• Wheel arches (block floor space, often angled),
• Sliding door (needs free access),
• B-pillar (the wall/support between the doors),
• Rear door,
• Fuel filler,
• Roof taper (on many vans the roof gets lower towards the sides).

You add these elements via "+ Object" → "Vehicle structure". They have no weight of their own (they belong to the vehicle, which is already accounted for), but they block space: furniture you place there later will be highlighted (red border) if it collides with the structure (Pro feature – indicated by the lock icon).

Why enter structure first? If you know where the wheel arches and sliding door are, you automatically plan your furniture to avoid blocking them – saving corrections later.

6. Step 3: Add furniture and objects

Now comes the actual planning. Via "+ Object" you have three options:

a) Custom build

For everything you build yourself or have built: cabinets, beds, benches, shelves, worktops. Here you define:

• Shape: rectangle, cylinder (for round things like a gas cylinder) or L-shape (for corner furniture),
• Dimensions: width, length, height,
• Material: e.g. plywood, film-faced plywood, aluminium – each material has a stored density (kg per m³),
• Build type: see next chapter – this is critical for the weight!

b) Component

For ready-bought parts with a fixed, known weight: fridge, heater, solar charge controller, battery as finished product, water tank. You simply enter the weight from the packaging or data sheet – the app doesn't calculate here, because there's nothing to calculate (the weight is already fixed).

For tanks there is additionally a fill level slider (0–100%), with which you can simulate how your center of gravity changes depending on whether the tanks are full or empty. An empty 100-litre fresh water tank weighs almost nothing; full it weighs around 100 kg – especially at the start of a trip (full) vs. returning home (often empty) this is a realistic difference. This simulation function is Pro (indicated by the lock icon).

Additional settings (apply to both custom build and component):

"Rests on" – calculate mounting height automatically: Every object has a mounting height – how high its bottom edge is above the vehicle floor (Z position). You can enter it directly, or use "Rests on" to select another object as support: the app then automatically sets the height to the top edge of the selected object. If the support is changed later, you need to update manually (no automatic update).

Example: Cool box rests on storage box (height 400 mm) → select "rests on: storage box" → mounting height automatically set to 400 mm.

Rotation: Every object can be rotated in 4 steps: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°. This is a horizontal rotation around the vertical axis – as if you're turning the furniture on the floor. There is no tilt rotation (no "laying on its side"). All objects always stand with their height vertical. What this means for doors and vertical panels is explained in detail in Chapter 16.

Note on components: For a component, shape and dimensions are only used for visual display in the vehicle. The weight comes exclusively from the fixed weight you entered – the app does not calculate anything from dimensions for components.

c) Assembly template (Pro)

Instead of building a group from scratch, you can choose directly from a ready-made assembly from the library. You'll find this option in the menu under "Choose assembly template". More on this in Chapter 10.

7. Build types in detail – and how weight is calculated

This is the core of the app, so it's explained in detail here. For "Custom build" you choose a build type. For each build type, imagine how much material is actually used – because that's exactly how the weight is determined: used material volume × material density = weight.

🔒 Pro note: Solid block, Closed box and Simple panel are available in the free version too. Open box, Frame/structure (open), Frame/structure (closed), Angled box and Custom are Pro functions (indicated by the lock icon in the selection dialog).

Solid block

The piece of furniture is completely filled with material from top to bottom – no hollow space. Imagine a solid block of wood. Weight = the complete volume (width × length × height) × material density. This naturally gives the highest weight of all build types – only use this when the part is genuinely completely solid (e.g. a solid wood step or a small storage block).

Tip: Solid block is also suitable for vertical panels like doors or partition walls – more about this in Chapter 16.

Closed box

A box with all six sides (bottom, lid, four walls) – like a closed crate or equipment housing that's enclosed all around. Weight = only the material of the walls (area of all 6 sides × your set wall thickness) × density. Considerably lighter than solid block, because inside is air.

Open box (Pro)

Like the closed box, but without a lid – e.g. an open compartment, an open drawer, or a cabinet body where the front (where the door goes) counts as open. Weight = material of bottom + four walls (one surface less than the closed box) × wall thickness × density.

Frame/structure (open) (Pro)

What it is: Just four corner posts, connected top and bottom by a crossbar. In between – along the middle of each side – there's nothing at all, just air. The 3D preview shows exactly this: a see-through frame you can look straight through from the side. Picture it as: scaffolding, or the bare leg frame of a stool before the seat is attached. Weight = density × the volume of the four corner posts plus the upper and lower crossbars (not perimeter × wall thickness like the other build types – an open frame has no continuous wall). The strut thickness is calculated automatically from the object's dimensions (exactly as in the 3D model) – that's why, unlike the other build types, there's no wall-thickness slider to set manually here. This is the lightest build type. What you build with it: a slim shelf frame without a back panel (add the actual shelves via "shelf count"), an open bracket/mount for a bike or a crate, a support frame under a worktop that you can see through from the side.

Frame/structure (closed) (Pro)

What it is: A solid perimeter frame made of four continuous walls, but without a floor and without a lid – storage space inside, open at the top and bottom. Picture it as: a crate base or a raised-bed planter box without a bottom – closed all the way around, but open top and bottom. Unlike the open frame, you can NOT see through the sides. Weight = perimeter × height × your set wall thickness × density – exactly like closed/open box, just without a floor and without a lid. Unlike the open frame/structure, this one has a normal wall-thickness slider you can set manually. What you build with it: the side panels of a bed frame (the frame that carries the slats), a crate base as a bed sub-structure with storage underneath, a perimeter plinth/base frame under a cabinet or kitchen unit.

Easy to mix up: Both are called "Frame/structure" but mean very different constructions. Open = thin struts only at the corners, air in between, very light, no wall-thickness slider – like scaffolding. Closed = solid continuous walls all around, noticeably heavier, with a wall-thickness slider – like a crate base. A bed frame with solid side panels is almost always closed, not an open frame.

Simple panel

Just one single, lying surface – a flat board or tabletop spread flat. Weight = only the base area (width × length) × wall thickness (= panel thickness) × density. Typical for tabletops, shelf boards, floor panels or a lying solar panel on the roof.

Note: "Simple panel" calculates the area seen from above (width × length). For a vertically standing panel (e.g. a door) this is wrong – please use Solid block instead (see Chapter 16).

Angled box (Pro)

Like the closed box, but with a sloped top – useful for cabinets under a sloping roof so they don't hit the ceiling at the top. You additionally specify how deep the slope runs from the top ("roof depth"). Weight = material of all (now sloped) sides, including the sloped back wall, × density.

Custom (Pro)

For special cases that don't fit any scheme. You directly specify a quantity (e.g. "3 panels"), and the app calculates: base area × wall thickness × density × quantity.

Additional shelves

Regardless of which build type (except solid block and simple panel): you can specify additional shelves. These are insert shelves – extra horizontal boards inside the furniture piece, e.g. in a cabinet.

For each shelf the app adds one extra board exactly as large as the base plan of the furniture piece (width × length), with the same wall thickness set for the main object. The material is the same as the main object – there's no separate material or thickness choice for shelves. So for example if you build a cabinet from 18mm plywood and enter 2 shelves, the app adds 2 × (width × length × 18 mm) plywood to the total weight. This is a good approximation, even if the actual shelves are sometimes slightly differently dimensioned.

A simple rule of thumb: Solid block = filled block. Closed box = crate with lid. Open box = crate without lid (open at front). Frame/structure (open) = only thin struts, everything in between is air. Frame/structure (closed) = solid walls, but without a floor or lid. Panel = one single lying board. The less material is actually used, the lighter it's calculated – and that's how it is in reality too.

8. Moving, rotating, zooming and editing objects

• Tap once = select object (it gets highlighted).
• Tap, hold and drag = move object.
• Double tap = the object editor opens. Here you can change name, dimensions, position, material and build type, duplicate or delete the object.
• Red border around an object means: it collides with a piece of vehicle structure (e.g. it's in the wheel arch). This is a warning, not a prohibition – sometimes a small overlap is actually intentional. This collision warning is a Pro function (indicated by the lock icon in the toolbar).

Dimension inspector

As soon as an object is selected, a small dimension inspector appears to the left of the vehicle. There you can see the exact position of the object (X/Y/Z) and enter it directly. This is especially helpful when an object is very small and hard to move precisely with a finger – here you can simply enter the value directly.

Deselecting

To deselect an object, tap the "Deselect" button at the bottom right (appears when an object is selected). The object stays in position but is deselected.

Zooming and panning

The "Focus" button (fullscreen icon) in the toolbar automatically zooms so your vehicle fits optimally on the screen. Only then can you:

• Spread or pinch two fingers (pinch) = zoom in or out further.
• Drag with one finger = pan the view.

To reset the zoom, tap the button at the bottom right (visible during zoom mode).

Pro objects: moving allowed, editing locked

Objects with Pro features – e.g. assemblies, Pro build types or custom materials – can be selected and freely moved even without an active Pro. Double-tapping shows a notice: editing (dimensions, material, build type) requires Pro. In the selection dialog you can identify these objects by the small 🔒 symbol next to the action buttons.

9. The selection dialog ("Select")

When multiple furniture pieces are stacked on top of each other or one is hidden behind another, the "Select" button helps. It opens a list of all objects – separated into "Furniture & objects" and "Vehicle structure".

For each object in the list you see three small icons:

• ⚖️ Scale: Toggle weight of this object on/off. If you turn it off, the object is still displayed but not included in the weight calculation (useful if you want to simulate "what if I left this out" without deleting it).
• 👁 Eye: Hide/show object in the vehicle (visually only). Note: hidden objects still count towards weight – hiding is a visibility function only, not deactivation!
• 📌 Pin: Pin object so it can't be accidentally moved while clicking around.

Tap on the name of an object in the list to select it and automatically bring it to the front so you can edit it.

In this dialog you'll also find the blue button "Combine into one piece of furniture" – which leads directly to the next, bigger topic:

10. Groups – combining multiple parts into one piece of furniture

🔒 Pro feature: Creating groups is a Pro feature. Free users see the button in the selection dialog, but tapping it shows the Pro upgrade option.

What is a group?

Imagine you're building a wardrobe from two parts: the body (open box, since the door sits in front of the opening) and a door (a slim solid block – more about this in Chapter 16). Until now you had to manage these as two separate objects in the list. With a group you can combine them into one single entry – with a shared name, shared total weight and shared center of gravity. The individual material composition for the material list/inspection report is still preserved.

Important: A group doesn't change the calculation – it's purely for overview. The total weight of a group is exactly the sum of the weights of its parts, before and after.

How do you create a group? Step by step

1. Open the selection dialog via the "Select" button.
2. Tap the blue button "Combine into one piece of furniture". A brief window explains what will happen.
3. You're now in selection mode: before each object (except vehicle structure – which can't be grouped) a checkbox appears.
4. Select at least 2 objects that belong together (e.g. cabinet body + door).
5. Tap again on the (now lower) button "Combine into one piece of furniture (count)".
6. A small window asks for a name for the new group – pre-filled with the name of the heaviest selected part. You can change the name or simply confirm.
7. Done – the individual objects have now become one combined entry.

How do you recognise a group in the plan?

In the top and rear view, a group still shows the actual outlines of all individual parts (not a merged single shape) – so for "bed platform + slat base" you really see both shapes. Additionally a small badge with ☑️ symbol and the group name is stuck in the top left, making it clear: these belong together.

Editing a group

Double tap on the group like any other object. A dedicated editor opens with:

• a name field,
• the total number of parts and total weight,
• a list of all contained parts – each part can be individually edited (opens the normal object editor for that specific part), duplicated or removed (at least 2 parts must always remain).

Dissolving a group

At the very bottom of the group editor you'll find the button "Dissolve group". This turns all parts back into individual, independent objects in your list – the total weight stays exactly the same, it's just split up again. This is useful if you change your mind or want to move a part separately again.

Pre-built Assembly Templates

🔒 Pro feature: The assembly library is only available in Pro.

Instead of building a group from scratch, you can choose from 27 pre-built furniture assemblies – taken directly from the official VanLogic build templates.

You'll find them in the menu under "Choose assembly template". The library is divided into three categories:

• Kitchen – kitchen units, cooker units, storage blocks
• Comfort – bed platforms, seating groups, wardrobe solutions
• Sanitary – shower cabins, toilet boxes, water units

Each template already shows you the scaled dimensions for your van – the assembly is proportionally adjusted to your load area's width and length when inserted. The height remains unchanged (ceiling height is vehicle-specific).

Important: Pre-built assemblies count as Pro objects. If you don't renew your Pro subscription later, they remain visible and included in calculations – but you won't be able to edit them until Pro is active again.

11. Understanding weight, axle load and center of gravity

At the bottom of the screen you permanently see a panel with the most important values:

• Axle load front / rear: How much weight is on which axle. Every vehicle has a maximum permissible axle load per axle (stated in the vehicle registration). If it's exceeded, a warning appears ("Front axle overloaded!" / "Rear axle overloaded!").
• Payload: How much weight you can still add in total before reaching your vehicle's maximum permissible weight.
• Center of gravity: A blue dot showing roughly where the "weight center" of your loaded van is. A center of gravity too far back or too high increases the risk of tipping in corners and the risk of the vehicle becoming unstable under hard braking.

The rule of thumb: Heavy things (water tank, battery) as low and as centrally as possible. Light things (wardrobe contents, bedding) can be higher or further back.

Values are color-coded (green = fine, yellow/red = problem). Simply move objects until all values are back in the green zone – this happens in real time, you don't need to recalculate anything.

12. The 3D preview

Via the view switcher you can switch from the 2D top/rear view to a 3D view. There you see your vehicle including all installed furniture spatially.

• Rotate with one finger.
• Zoom with two fingers (pinch gesture).

The 3D preview automatically shows different body shapes depending on the selected vehicle model (e.g. a Ducato looks different from a Crafter), so you can visually recognise your vehicle. Groups are also shown here with the actual outlines of their individual parts, not as a merged block.

🔒 Pro feature: In the free version the 3D preview shows a fixed example project (showcase) instead of your own – once you unlock Pro, you see your real, actual project there.

Realistic or X-ray: see through furniture

Above the 3D view you can switch between two view modes:

• Realistic: the normal, opaque display (default).
• X-ray: all furniture (except the fixed vehicle structure) becomes see-through, and dark edge lines appear. This lets you see through objects that are actually in front – for example a worktop that hides the cabinet underneath.

Exploding groups: pulling parts apart

If your plan contains at least one group (see chapter 10), a selector bar with all the groups in your project appears below (scroll sideways if there are more than fit on screen – an arrow shows when more follow).

• Select a group to reveal a slider.
• Drag the slider to visibly pull the individual parts apart – each part gets its own colour, thin lines show where it originally sat.
• The rest of your van stays visible and is additionally dimmed, so you can see where in the vehicle the group actually is, without being distracted by the other furniture.
• If your plan has no groups, this area stays hidden (with a short hint text).

13. Saving, exporting, importing

Your project is automatically saved on your device – you don't need to save manually.

🔒 Pro feature: If you want to additionally back up, transfer to another device or share your project, you can export it as a file (extension .vanlogic) and import it again later. On import the app automatically checks whether the file is compatible with your app version.

14. Material and inspection report

🔒 Pro feature

The app can generate two different reports at the push of a button. You'll find them in the menu under "PDF Export" (for the inspection/expert report as PDF) and "Material list" (for the material report as PDF or CSV):

Material report (PDF or CSV)

The material report lists all used materials grouped by category (e.g. wood, metal, insulation materials). For each material you see:

• the material name,
• the net purchase area (how many square metres/square feet you need – i.e. the total area of all panels of this material added together),
• the number of individual parts,
• the total weight of the material in the build.

With groups, every individual part with its own material is automatically listed again – the group summary only affects the overview in the plan, not the material report.

The report is available as PDF (for printing or forwarding) and as CSV (for spreadsheet programs like Excel, e.g. for creating a shopping list).

Inspection/expert report (PDF)

This report is designed to be presented at an official vehicle inspection (MOT, DEKRA, expert) as proof. It contains:

• Vehicle data: model, dimensions, permissible axle loads and total weight per vehicle registration,
• Kerb weight (as entered in the app),
• Total weight of the build (sum of all active objects),
• Axle loads front and rear, each in kg and as a percentage – with marking whether legal limits are met,
• Center of gravity: longitudinal position (distance from front axle) and height above vehicle floor,
• Warning markings when permissible values are exceeded.

Note: This report is an aid and does not replace an official calculation by an expert. However it can serve as a basis and talking point.

15. Creating custom materials, components and categories

🔒 Pro feature

The stored materials and components aren't enough for you? You can create your own – indicated by the small lock icon for free users.

Creating a custom material (for "Custom build")

Open the "+" in the material selection of a custom build object to create a new material (or tap the pencil icon on an existing custom material to edit it). You define:

• a name,
• how the weight should be calculated – choose between two modes:
• Density (kg/m³): The app automatically calculates the weight from volume × density just like any other building material (see Chapter 6). If you don't know the exact density, a table icon (❔) helps with a list of common materials (plywood, aluminium, steel, insulation, …) to tap.
• Fixed weight (kg): Instead of a density you enter a fixed weight, regardless of size – useful e.g. for composite materials where a pure density calculation doesn't fit.
• a color with which the material is displayed in the app.

Creating a custom component (for ready-bought devices)

For components there's a dedicated, intentionally simpler dialog – the density option is omitted here, because a ready-bought device always has a fixed, known weight: you simply enter name and weight (kg), done. You can also edit existing custom components via the pencil icon or delete them via the trash icon.

Custom categories

For both materials and components you can additionally create custom categories to sort your own entries sensibly (e.g. a custom category "Custom builds special" or "Solar accessories"). This is done via the category dialog directly in the respective selection list – there you can create, rename or delete categories. If you delete a category, the materials/components in it are still retained, they're just no longer displayed as assigned to that category.

16. Undo / Redo

At the top of the toolbar you'll find two arrow icons:

• ↩️ Undo: Reverses your last action (e.g. a moved, deleted or changed object). You can tap multiple times in a row to go back several steps (up to 30 steps are stored).
• ↪️ Redo: Restores an action you just reversed with "Undo".

If there's currently nothing to undo or redo, the respective icon is grayed out and can't be tapped. Once you make a new change after an "Undo", the ability to "Redo" is lost (this is normal behaviour, as you know from other programs).

17. DIY builds – all situations, all furniture, step by step

This is the most important chapter for everyone who builds furniture themselves. Here you'll learn how to correctly model every typical van furniture piece in the app – with the right build types, the right positioning and when a group makes sense.

The basic principle: What do width, length and height mean?

Understand this once – never be confused again:

In VanLogic the three dimensions are clearly defined:

• Width = left-right in the van
• Length = front-back in the van (from the driver's cab towards the rear)
• Height = bottom-top in the van (from floor to ceiling)

In the top view (seen from above) you always see: width × length (the floor plan – like a blueprint).

In the rear view (seen from behind) you see: width × height.

Most important: You can't tilt or lay any object on its side. All objects always stand upright. Height always points upward. This means:

• A wardrobe with height 200 cm stands correctly upright – its floor plan (e.g. 80 cm × 60 cm) is visible in the top view.
• A door (also 200 cm high) also stands upright – but it has a very small depth (e.g. 2 cm).

This leads to an important trick for vertical panels:

The key trick: Vertical panels (door, wall, shelf side)

The problem: "Simple panel" always calculates as a lying surface (width × length as floor plan). This is correct for a shelf board or tabletop. For a standing door or side wall it's wrong – the panel would appear huge in the floor plan and have an incorrect weight.

The solution: Solid block with very small length.

Imagine a cabinet door: 80 cm wide, 200 cm high, 2 cm thick (material thickness). This is how you enter it in VanLogic:

Why solid block? A door is solid material from one side to the other. The formula width × length × height gives: 80 × 2 × 200 = 32,000 cm³ – exactly the right volume, exactly the right weight. ✓

What do you see in the plan? - Top view: A wafer-thin 80 × 2 cm strip – correct, that's the footprint of the door from above. ✓ - Rear view: An 80 × 200 cm rectangle – the full door area. ✓ - 3D: A thin upright block – looks like a door. ✓

Use this trick for all vertical components:

Note on back panels: A back panel running along the vehicle width needs to be "rotated" mentally: its "width" in the app is the vehicle width, its "length" is the wall thickness, its "height" is the actual wall height. The principle is identical.

Which build type for which situation?

Quick overview for all situations in van conversion:

Furniture 1: Wardrobe

A wardrobe consists of body + door → group.

Part 1 – Cabinet body: - Build type: Open box (Pro) — open at front, that's where the door goes - Width = 80 cm, Length = 60 cm, Height = 200 cm - Wall thickness = 18 mm (plywood thickness) - Mounting height = 0 (stands on the floor)

Part 2 – Door: - Build type: Solid block — vertical panel, length = door thickness - Width = 80 cm, Length = 2 cm, Height = 200 cm - Mounting height = 0 - Positioning: directly in front of the body (body length = 60 cm → door position Y = 0, body starts at Y = 2 cm, or door at rear side of body at Y = 60 cm)

Form group: Select both in the "Select" dialog → combine → name "Wardrobe"

Special case sliding door: Instead of in front of the body, position the door offset to the side (Width = 80 cm, Length = 2 cm, offset to the side on rail). For planning purposes it's sufficient to model the door in its final position.

Special case 2 doors: Create two doors, each half as wide (40 cm), positioned left and right respectively.

Furniture 2: Wall cabinet (wall-mounted, elevated)

Like wardrobe, but with raised mounting height:

• Body: Open box, e.g. Width = 60 cm, Length = 30 cm, Height = 40 cm
• Mounting height = 150 cm (hanging 150 cm up, under the ceiling)
• Door: Solid block, Width = 60 cm, Length = 2 cm, Height = 40 cm, same mounting height

Important: The app can only show hanging cabinets as "floating in the air" objects – the wall material doesn't carry its own weight in your planning. This is correct: the hanging cabinet hangs on the vehicle wall, which isn't accounted for.

Furniture 3: Bed (closed frame + platform + slat base)

Part 1 – Bed frame: - Build type: Frame/structure (closed) (Pro) — solid side panels, not an open frame (that would be too thin for a real bed frame, see chapter 7) - Width = 140 cm, Length = 200 cm, Height = 30 cm - Wall thickness = 44 mm (thickness of the wood beams)

Part 2 – Sleeping surface (bed platform): - Build type: Simple panel — lying board - Width = 140 cm, Length = 200 cm, Wall thickness = 18 mm - Mounting height = 30 cm (top edge of the frame) → or "rests on: bed frame"

Part 3 – Slat base (optional): - Build type: Frame/structure (closed) (Pro) — the slat-base frame also has solid side rails, not an open structure - Same dimensions as sleeping surface, Height = 8 cm - Mounting height = 30 cm (rests on the platform or replaces it)

Group: All parts → "Bed"

Furniture 4: Bed with storage (bed with under-storage)

Many van beds have a storage box underneath:

Part 1 – Storage box: - Build type: Open box (Pro) — open at top (the bed rests here) - Width = 140 cm, Length = 200 cm, Height = 40 cm

Part 2 – Sleeping surface: - Build type: Simple panel - Mounting height = 40 cm → "rests on: storage box"

Part 3 – optional: Bed frame (if bed frame in addition to storage box): - Frame/structure (closed), Height = 5 cm, on the sleeping surface

Group: Storage box + sleeping surface → "Bed with storage"

Furniture 5: Kitchen unit (base cabinet + countertop)

Part 1 – Base cabinet: - Build type: Open box (Pro) — open at front (drawers/doors) - Width = 120 cm, Length = 60 cm, Height = 85 cm

Part 2 – Countertop: - Build type: Simple panel — lying board - Width = 124 cm (slightly wider, overhang), Length = 62 cm - Wall thickness = 38 mm (typical countertop thickness) - Mounting height = 85 cm → "rests on: base cabinet"

Group: "Kitchen unit"

Extension sink: A sink is a component (fixed weight from data sheet) – enter separately and add to kitchen unit group.

Extension wall cabinet above kitchen: Like Furniture 2 (wall cabinet), create separately or add to kitchen unit group.

Furniture 6: Seating bench with storage

Part 1 – Storage box: - Build type: Open box (Pro) — open at top - Width = 120 cm, Length = 50 cm, Height = 45 cm

Part 2 – Seat surface: - Build type: Simple panel - Width = 120 cm, Length = 50 cm, Wall thickness = 18 mm - Mounting height = 45 cm → "rests on: storage box"

Group: "Seating bench"

Note: Cushions → as component with fixed weight, or as solid block with density of foam/upholstery material.

Furniture 7: Shelving unit

Approach A – Simple (frame with shelves): - Build type: Frame/structure (open) (Pro) - Width = 80 cm, Length = 30 cm, Height = 180 cm - Shelves: e.g. 3 (the app adds 3 × base area × wall thickness of wood) - Quick and practical; in 3D view you see the frame, the shelves are included in the calculation

Approach B – Exact (each part individually, group):

Side panels are vertical panels → Solid block: - 2× Side wall: Build type Solid block, Width = 1.8 cm, Length = 30 cm, Height = 180 cm — position left and right - 3× Shelf board: Build type Simple panel, Width = 76.4 cm (inner dimension), Length = 30 cm, Wall thickness = 18 mm — at heights 60 cm, 110 cm, 160 cm - Optional: Back panel: Solid block, Width = 80 cm, Length = 0.6 cm, Height = 180 cm (thin back panel, e.g. 6 mm HDF)

All parts → Group "Shelving unit"

Furniture 8: Table (tabletop + legs)

Part 1 – Tabletop: - Build type: Simple panel - Width = 120 cm, Length = 60 cm, Wall thickness = 25 mm - Mounting height = 72 cm (table height)

Parts 2–5 – Table legs: 4 legs as solid block, thin! - Build type: Solid block - Width = 6 cm, Length = 6 cm, Height = 72 cm - Position at each of the four corners

Group: "Table"

Folding table: A folding table is either folded up or folded down. For planning, enter it in the unfolded position – this shows you whether it fits in the space. Folded up it takes up almost no space, so it doesn't need to be entered separately.

Furniture 9: Partition wall / room divider

A vertical wall between two areas (e.g. sleeping and kitchen area):

• Build type: Solid block — vertical panel
• Width = inner width of the van (e.g. 180 cm)
• Length = wall thickness (e.g. 2 cm, for e.g. two 1 cm veneer panels)
• Height = desired height (e.g. 140 cm, if only half room height)

In the top view it appears as a thin cross strip. ✓

Door opening in the partition wall: Model two sections left and right of the opening (instead of one continuous wall), each as solid block with adjusted width.

Furniture 10: Floor build-up / plank floor

The vehicle floor (wood subfloor, insulation, plank floor) is typically flat and lying:

Insulation: - Build type: Simple panel - Width = vehicle interior width, Length = cargo area length, Wall thickness = insulation thickness (e.g. 25 mm Armaflex) - Mounting height = 0

Plank floor: - Build type: Simple panel - Same base dimensions, Wall thickness = plank thickness (e.g. 12 mm) - Mounting height = insulation thickness (rests on the insulation)

Group: "Floor build-up"

Tip: Exclude wheel arches. Since the floor is routed around the wheel arches, the actual area is slightly smaller than total width × total length. For weight planning however the approximation is accurate enough.

Furniture 11: Wall paneling / interior cladding

Wall panels are vertical panels (side cladding right, left, rear):

For each wall one object as Solid block: - Side cladding left/right: Width = length of cargo zone, Length = wall thickness (e.g. 1.2 cm), Height = interior height - Rear cladding: Width = interior vehicle width, Length = wall thickness (e.g. 1.2 cm), Height = interior height

All three → Group "Wall paneling"

Furniture 12: Ceiling paneling / roof build-out

Ceiling panels lie horizontally – but at the ceiling, i.e. at maximum mounting height:

• Build type: Simple panel
• Width = interior vehicle width, Length = cargo zone length, Wall thickness = material thickness
• Mounting height = interior height − material thickness (i.e. directly below the roof height)

Note: Insulation between roof and cladding = another Simple panel object, same dimensions, smaller wall thickness, slightly higher mounting height.

Furniture 13: Cabinet under sloping roof

When the van has a falling roof curve towards the sides and a cabinet sits under this slope:

• Build type: Angled box (Pro)
• Enter width, length, height normally (maximum outer dimensions)
• Roof depth: How far the slope runs from the back into the object (is subtracted)

The app calculates the weight of the sloped surfaces correctly, and in the 3D preview you see the angled object.

Furniture 14: High bed / roof bed

A high bed is simply a bed with elevated mounting height:

• Bed platform: Simple panel, Mounting height = e.g. 120 cm (rests on a frame or is attached to wall mounts)
• Support structure: Frame/structure (open) or individual solid block posts, Height = 120 cm
• Storage space below: the area under the high bed (e.g. for bikes, kitchen) remains free – no extra object needed, it's automatically "left free" by the high bed

Group: Platform + support structure → "High bed"

Furniture 15: Wheel arch build-up

When you build over a wheel arch (e.g. a bench or storage box that goes around the wheel arch):

Option A – L-shape: - Select "L-shape" as shape instead of "Rectangle" - Enter the outer dimensions plus the notch dimensions so the L-shaped floor plan goes around the wheel arch - Build type: Open box or Frame/structure (closed) – depending on construction (solid side walls usually closed, thin structure rather open)

Option B – Two parts: - Two rectangle objects next to each other (left and right of the wheel arch), forming an arc in the top view - Group of both parts

Collision with the wheel arch: The app shows a red border when your object touches the wheel arch (Pro). This is normal and often intentional – the wheel arch is just there. Check whether this works in reality too.

Checklist: Have I done everything correctly?

Before marking a furniture piece as done, quickly check:

• [ ] Build type matches the component (vertical panel → solid block, lying → simple panel, body → open/closed box, solid frame → frame/structure (closed), thin frame → frame/structure (open))?
• [ ] Dimensions match the actual plan (tape measure / CAD drawing)?
• [ ] Mounting height correct (on the floor = 0, on another object = use "rests on")?
• [ ] Material correctly selected (e.g. plywood 18 mm for panels, spruce for beams)?
• [ ] Wall thickness entered (for box and panel)?
• [ ] Multiple parts of the same furniture piece combined into a group?
• [ ] Weight plausible? (Check: 1 m² plywood 18 mm weighs approx. 13 kg)

18. Sharing – floor plan, statistics and more

Share Project in the main screen lets you share your van build in four different ways:

• Share floor plan – sends your complete planning file (.vanlogic) to other people, who can view everything – more on this below.
• Build Card – creates an infographic with a top-down view of your van, axle loads, and key figures. Perfect for Instagram, WhatsApp and similar platforms.
• Technical Data – sends a text report with all weight and axle load values. Pro users get a professionally structured report, useful for presenting to an inspector or certifier.
• Build Statistics – generates an infographic with unique insights: weight distribution left/right and front/rear, weight by material category, all objects ranked by weight.

Sharing your floor plan – and what happens next

When you tap "Share floor plan", your current plan is exported as a .vanlogic file and can be sent via WhatsApp, email, AirDrop, or any other app that supports file attachments.

What the recipient sees – the guest preview

When the recipient taps the file, their own project is not overwritten. Instead, a guest preview opens:

• They can see your complete plan: all furniture, dimensions, materials, weights, axle loads.
• They can freely browse the plan – 2D view, 3D preview, axle load display, everything.
• They cannot make changes – the preview is read-only.
• A banner at the bottom of the screen clearly shows that they are viewing someone else's plan.
• "Exit preview" returns them to their own project.

Their own project remains completely intact.

Importing – what it's for and where the risk lies

If someone wants not just to view your floor plan but to use it as a starting point for their own build, they can import it. This copies the floor plan into their project, where it becomes fully editable.

What is importing for? Two people are building out the same vehicle type and one wants to build on the other's plan. Or you created a plan on one device and want to continue on another.

What's the risk? Importing completely replaces your current project – with no undo. Whatever was in the app before is gone for good. That's why the app always shows a clear warning before importing. Read it carefully before confirming.

Tip: Export your own plan as a .vanlogic file before importing anything – that way you always have a backup.

This help is continuously expanded as new features are added or feedback shows what's still missing.

19. Frequently asked questions and problems

Will be expanded – the most common questions accumulate over time with use.

20. Short glossary of terms