> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.moasure.com/en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-lx1/measure-with-moasure-lx1/add-room-features/capturing-stairs.md).

# Capturing Stairs

Stair openings can be captured as you measure around a room, recording their position and width within your floor plan.

There are three ways to capture a stair opening:

* **Floor Placement** – place LX1 face up on the floor beside each edge of the stair opening.
* **Across the Opening** – measure between suitable surfaces on either side of the opening, such as walls or stair rails.
* **Edge-to-Edge** – use the reference point when suitable flat surfaces aren't available on both sides of the opening.

Once the stair opening has been captured, it is automatically added to your floor plan and **Wall is automatically selected again** so you can continue measuring.

***

### Floor Placement Method

The **Floor Placement Method** is unique to stairs and allows you to define the stair opening using two placements on the floor.

Before moving to the first edge, check which reference point is active. If you need to change it, press the **arrow button while moving** towards the stair opening.

#### Workflow

1. Line up the active reference point with the **first edge of the stair opening**.
2. Place LX1 flat on the floor with the **LEDs facing upwards**.
3. Either hold LX1 completely still or place it down and allow it to settle until the point is captured.
4. Don't select **Stairs** yet. Once the point has been captured, keep LX1 still and tap **Stairs** in the Moasure app. This captured point becomes the first point of the stair opening.
5. Move directly across the stair opening towards the opposite edge.
6. If the opposite side of LX1 needs to line up with the second edge, press the **arrow button while moving** to switch the active reference point.
7. Place LX1 flat on the floor beside the opposite edge, again with the LEDs facing upwards.
8. Line up the active reference point with the edge, then **let go** and allow LX1 to settle until the second point is captured.

The stair opening will appear automatically in your floor plan, and **Wall will be automatically selected again** so you can continue measuring.

***

### Across the Opening

You can also capture stairs by measuring directly across the opening, using the same technique as measuring a door **Jamb-to-Jamb**.

There's no need to change the reference point with this method.

#### Workflow

1. Whilst **Wall** is selected, move to one side of the stair opening.
2. Place LX1 flat against a suitable surface, such as a **wall or stair rail**.
3. Hold LX1 completely still until the point is captured.
4. Don't select **Stairs** yet. Once the point has been captured, keep LX1 still and tap **Stairs** in the Moasure app. This captured point becomes the first point of the stair opening.
5. Move directly across the opening.
6. Place LX1 flat against a suitable surface on the opposite side.
7. Hold LX1 completely still until the second point is captured.

The stair opening will appear automatically in your floor plan, and **Wall will be automatically selected again** so you can continue measuring.

***

### Edge-to-Edge Method

If you can't place LX1 flat against suitable surfaces on either side of the stair opening, use the **Edge-to-Edge Method** instead.

With this method, you'll use the active reference point, switching it from one side of LX1 to the other when needed.

#### Workflow

1. Whilst **Wall** is selected, move towards the first edge of the stair opening.
2. If required, press the **arrow button while moving** to select the correct reference point.
3. Line up the active reference point with the **first edge** and hold LX1 completely still until the point is captured.
4. Don't select **Stairs** yet. Once the point has been captured, keep LX1 still and tap **Stairs** in the Moasure app. This captured point becomes the first point of the stair opening.
5. Move directly towards the opposite edge.
6. If the opposite side of LX1 needs to align with the second edge, press the **arrow button while moving** to switch the active reference point.
7. Line up the active reference point with the **opposite edge** and hold LX1 completely still until the second point is captured.

The stair opening will appear automatically in your floor plan, and **Wall will be automatically selected again** so you can continue measuring.

***

### Using the Reference Point

When using the **Floor Placement** or **Edge-to-Edge** method, the active reference point must correspond with the side of LX1 aligned with the edge of the stair opening you want to capture.

If you need to change sides, press the **arrow button while moving** between points.

The LED indicates which reference point is active.

Switching the reference point correctly ensures LX1 records the intended position of the stair opening.

***

### Continue Measuring After the Stairs

Once the second stair point has been captured, **Wall is automatically selected again** so you can continue measuring.

Continue around the room in the same direction, capturing the next wall as normal.

There's no need to measure the depth or shape of the staircase while measuring the room.

***

### Editing Stairs After Measurement

LX1 captures the **stair opening** during measurement.

Afterwards, use the editing tools in the Moasure app to define its **shape, depth and appearance**.

This allows you to capture the opening efficiently while measuring and refine how the staircase is represented in your finished floor plan.

***

### Best Practice

For the best results:

* Use the **Floor Placement Method** when you can safely access both floor edges of the stair opening.
* Use **Across the Opening** when suitable flat surfaces, such as walls or stair rails, are available on both sides.
* Use **Edge-to-Edge** when you can't place LX1 flat against suitable surfaces on both sides.
* Don't select **Stairs** until the first point has been captured.
* Keep LX1 completely still until each point is confirmed.
* Move directly and smoothly between the two stair positions.
* When using the reference point, switch sides **while moving**, if required.
* Make sure the active reference point is aligned with the edge you're capturing.

The stair opening is captured while measuring; its **shape, depth and appearance** can be refined later using the editing tools.


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