Why do Tasks and Markups move after uploading a plan with a different size? – Knowledge Base

Overview

This article explains why tasks, markups, and annotations may shift when you upload a new version of a plan that has different dimensions than the original version in Fieldwire.

Why this matters: If your plan versions are not sized consistently, your tasks and markups may appear in the wrong locations, making it harder to coordinate work and review updates accurately.

Subscriptions: Pro, Business, Business Plus
Permissions: Any user who can upload or version plans
Platforms: Web / iOS / Android

Why does this happen?

The first plan uploaded acts as the reference frame for all tasks and markups on that sheet.

When tasks or annotations are created, their positions are stored as coordinates relative to the original plan’s dimensions. If you upload a new version with different dimensions (for example, a different page size, DPI, or orientation), Fieldwire scales the new plan to match the original plan’s size.

Because of this scaling, any differences in aspect ratio or resolution can cause tasks and markups to appear shifted, stretched, or compressed.

In Fieldwire: Tasks are positioned correctly on the original plan.
In a new version with different dimensions: Tasks and markups appear offset or misaligned due to scaling.

What you’ll see

Tasks and pins appear offset from their intended locations
Markups and annotations are misaligned or shifted
Some markups may appear outside of the visible plan area
The Compare tool may not align both versions correctly

How to fix the issue

Before uploading a new version

Plan Frame as Boundary: The plan frame should represent the absolute edge of the document. Avoid additional white margins outside the frame, as these change the total PDF dimensions.
Standardize Export Settings: Use the same source and output settings for every version of the Plan.
Verify Dimensions: Check the actual page size in the bottom right corner ,or via Properties, of your PDF viewer before uploading.
Maintain Orientation: Do not mix Portrait and Landscape orientations across different versions of the same Plan.
Double-Check Uploads: Verify the plan size when uploading through the Plans tab, as warnings in the version control modal may not always appear.

If tasks have already shifted

Tasks will need to be repositioned manually on the plan
Batch-moving tasks will not correct the issue because each task may shift differently
If markups are outside the visible area, try narrowing your browser window to bring them back into view before repositioning

Result: Once all plan versions share the same dimensions, tasks and markups will remain aligned across versions.

Troubleshooting

Are the plan dimensions, orientation, and overall PDF properties identical between versions?

It is very important to first verify the physical properties of the PDF files:
1. Confirm Orientation: Confirm that the Orientation (Portrait vs. Landscape) is identical.
2. Visual Inspection: Zoom out to see the entire page. Look for extra white space outside the plan frame that differs between versions.
3. Check Dimensions: In your PDF program, look at the actual page dimensions in the bottom right corner or via File > Properties.
Why are my tasks or markups appearing in the wrong location on the plan?

Tasks and markups may appear shifted if the new version does not match the original plan’s size or proportions.

Solution: Ensure both versions have identical dimensions and orientation as the original plan.
Why are my tasks or markups not visible or appearing outside the plan?

Tasks or markups may be positioned outside the visible area due to scaling differences.

Solution: Adjust your browser window size (make it narrower and/or lower) to bring them into view, then reposition them
Why do my plans look identical but still cause alignment issues?

A common misconception is that identical drawing frames mean identical plan sizes. However, PDF files often include additional white margins outside the actual drawing. The plan frame should always represent the absolute edge of the document.
- The impact: These white margins are part of the total page dimensions.
- The scaling: Fieldwire scales the full page, not just the drawing frame.
- The result: The drawing content shifts, causing markups to move.
Why does the Compare tool not align both plan versions correctly?

The Compare tool relies on matching dimensions between versions.

Solution: Ensure both versions have identical dimensions for accurate alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resize a plan after uploading it?
No. Plans are automatically scaled based on the first uploaded version, and there is currently no manual resize option.
Will the Compare tool work with different plan sizes?
It may work to some extent, but alignment is most accurate when both versions have identical dimensions.
Will I see a warning when uploading different-sized plans?
A warning may appear in the version control modal, but not always when uploading from the Plans tab. It’s best to verify dimensions beforehand.
Will this be improved in the future?
Improvements to handling differently sized plan versions are being explored.