The Space tool should work with most kinds of floor plan drawings. When generating spaces, you can use the extruded 3D space type for most applications. The space perimeter is determined by the floor geometry, and the space is extruded vertically to a specified height. Whether the floor plan consists of 3D AEC objects, 3D AutoCAD lines, or 2D AutoCAD lines, you can generate extruded 3D spaces based on the floor outline. Note, however, that spaces generated from linework floor plans may require editing. For example, if a linework floor plan shows door swings into a room, the space generated from the floor outline might exclude the area in the door swing linework.
If a room does not have a constant perimeter throughout its height, such as it has sloped walls or ceilings, you can generate 3D free form spaces to automatically conform to the irregular volume. You can only create 3D free form spaces, however, if the floor plan is developed in 3D from AEC or AutoCAD objects.
When you generate spaces, they are specified as associative by default. Associative spaces are automatically linked to their bounding objects. If you modify the bounding objects, you can manually update the space in one step to match the new room shape. However, spaces set as associative cannot be edited. When working with referenced floor plans, it is recommended that you configure the spaces based on the type of floor plan you are using:
- AutoCAD MEP 2026 toolset floor plan: If the floor plan consists of AEC objects, you can generate a space that not only matches the floor plan geometry, but also detects openings such as windows and doors. It is recommended that you leave the space as associative if you have immediate access to updated floor plans. That way you can manually update the space to match the latest floor plan.
However, if you want to edit the space openings or space surfaces, you need to set the space to be non-associative. When you do this, the openings are maintained, but the space no longer interacts with its bounding objects.
- AutoCAD linework and blocks, 2D or 3D: You can generate spaces for both 2D and 3D linework drawings. For 2D linework, you can generate extruded 3D spaces. For 3D linework, you can generate extruded 3D spaces or free form 3D spaces. For both types, it is recommended that you generate the spaces, set them to be non-associative, and then manually add openings and specify surface types. You can manually edit the space geometry to match any changes to the floor plan.
For load analysis purposes, you must use extruded 3D spaces or free form 3D spaces. Do not use 2D spaces. This ensures that the room volumes are accurately modeled.