> 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

There are multiple ways to capture staircases with LX1 depending on the layout and access available.

In most situations, stair openings can be captured using the same techniques used for doors and windows, including:

* measuring directly across the opening
* measuring between walls or railings
* using the active reference point when capturing edge-to-edge

The diagram below shows a typical flow:

* points before the stairs continue the wall measurement
* two pause points are taken across the stair opening to define the stair width at point 3 and 4.
* measurement then continues along the wall

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/YEp7UK9jAKdqASw1C7Rx" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Method 1: Across the Stair Opening (Recommended)

For most open staircases or stair voids, place LX1 against the edges of the opening in the same way you would capture a doorway or window opening.

This is usually the simplest and fastest method.

Workflow:

1. Confirm the first edge of the stair opening
2. Select **Stairs**
3. Move directly across the opening to the opposite edge.
4. Confirm the second pause point

The stair opening is then added to the floor plan automatically.

***

#### Method 2: Edge to Edge Using the Active Reference Point

If the stair opening edges are difficult to access directly, you can capture the opening using nearby wall edges, banisters, or railings.

In these situations, the active reference point becomes important.

Workflow:

1. Place LX1 so the active reference point touches the first capture edge
2. Confirm the pause point
3. Select **Stairs**
4. Move to the opposite edge
5. While moving, switch the active reference point if the opposite side of LX1 will contact the surface
6. Confirm the second pause point

Using the correct active reference point ensures LX1 records the correct contact position.

***

#### Method 3: Floor-to-Floor Stair Capture

You can also capture staircase openings directly using floor placements.

Place LX1 flat on the floor with the LEDs facing upward beside one side of the staircase opening and confirm the pause point.

Then:

1. Select **Stairs**
2. Move directly across the opening
3. Place LX1 flat on the floor on the opposite side
4. Confirm the second placement

Ensure the active reference point matches the side of LX1 touching the floor edge being measured.

If the opposite side of LX1 is used on the second placement, switch the active reference point while moving across the opening.

This method is useful when:

* measuring around stair voids
* avoiding unwanted walls across the opening
* capturing stair openings in open-plan spaces

It also allows you to continue measuring around the room naturally without needing to trace the staircase shape itself.

***

### Editing Stairs After Measurement

After capturing the stair opening, you can adjust the staircase shape in the editor.

This allows you to:

* define the stair direction
* adjust the opening shape
* refine the staircase layout within the room

LX1 captures the stair opening during measurement, while the final staircase layout is adjusted afterward in the app.

***

### Best Practice

For the most accurate results:

* measure directly across the opening whenever possible
* keep LX1 flat and fully still during placements (pause points)
* move smoothly between pause points
* allow each pause point to fully confirm before moving again
* switch the active reference point while moving if the opposite side of LX1 will contact the next surface

***

### Result

Once both edges have been captured:

* the stair opening appears in the floor plan
* measurement continues as normal
* the staircase layout can be refined afterward using the editor


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