--- title: Scanning Plate and Creating Reusable Workspaces description: We recommend scanning and gridding Plate once to create a template Workspace. Using Plate for different operations is then a simple matter of duplicating the template workspace to use with specific cu --- [Skip to content](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/8900545576219-scanning-plate-and-creating-reusable-workspaces#main-content) - [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/8900545576219-scanning-plate-and-creating-reusable-workspaces) - [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/8900545576219-plate-scannen-und-vorlagen-arbeitsflächen-erstellen) - [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/8900545576219-scanner-plate-et-créer-des-espaces-de-travail-réutilisables) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Shaper-KB-Logo.svg\]](https://support.shapertools.com/hubfs/Shaper-KB-Logo.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/8900545576219-scanning-plate-and-creating-reusable-workspaces) - [Deutsch](https://support.shapertools.com/de/hc/de-de/articles/8900545576219-plate-scannen-und-vorlagen-arbeitsflächen-erstellen) - [Français](https://support.shapertools.com/fr/hc/fr-fr/articles/8900545576219-scanner-plate-et-créer-des-espaces-de-travail-réutilisables) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://support.shapertools.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/) [Go to shapertools.com](https://www.shapertools.com/) Shaper Support - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.shapertools.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Plate](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en) 3. [Origin + Plate Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/plate?hsLang=en#origin-plate-setup) # Scanning Plate and Creating Reusable Workspaces We recommend scanning and gridding Plate once to create a template Workspace. Using Plate for different operations is then a simple matter of duplicating the template workspace to use with specific cut files. ### Set Up Place Plate on a flat surface. Since the **Scan** will be reused for multiple cut files and multiple Workpieces, we recommend using a neutral background such as light wood or a piece of paper behind Plate's window. #### Perform a Scan ![scan.gif](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359563784859-1.gif?width=501&height=281&name=9359563784859-1.gif) **Scan** Plate following Origin's normal [Scanning](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405283199131-start-a-new-scan?hsLang=en) procedure. Use the recommended "lawnmower" technique for a high quality scan. #### Set a Grid ![probe-points.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9271736394907.png?width=450&height=397&name=9271736394907.png) Create a **[Grid](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002904354-creating-a-grid?hsLang=en)** in the Workspace by going to **Design Mode** and selecting **Grid**. To define the X-axis, probe the two points at the center-left and center-right of Plate's window. Make sure the dotted line on Origin's screen aligns with the edges being probed - for the X-axis, the dotted line should be below the probe on Origin's screen. To define the Y-axis, probe the centerline above Plate's window. Here the dotted line on Origin's screen should appear to the right of the virtual probe. ![grid.gif](https://support.shapertools.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359804288155-1.gif) With the X- and Y-axes defined, a Grid will appear with point (0,0) at the exact center of Plate's Window. 10mm is the most useful Grid increment. Plate's features are multiples of 10mm from the center point. For a more detailed description of how to Grid on Plate, [consult these instructions](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/8900561374875-gridding-with-plate?hsLang=en). #### Import Guide Template ![import-file-place-1.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359133039515-1.png?width=650&height=390&name=9359133039515-1.png) To help keep track of Plate's dimensions and alignment features, we've created a helpful template available [here](https://hub.shapertools.com/creators/5b437481a92ce901517c0655/shares/63239b9ffa10069638e46006). **Place** the custom anchor point at (0,0). #### Name Template Workspace Return to **Scan Mode** and navigate to select **Workspaces**. ![workspace-rename-1.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359187155099-1.png?width=650&height=390&name=9359187155099-1.png) Find the most recent scan, and tap the menu button to the right of the workspace name, then select **Rename**. ![workspace-rename-2.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359174157339-1.png?width=650&height=390&name=9359174157339-1.png) It's useful to rename the template workspace something easy to remember, like "Plate - Template." ![workspace-rename-3.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359187217947-1.png?width=650&height=390&name=9359187217947-1.png) ![workspace-rename-4.png](https://support.shapertools.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/9359174256923-1.png?width=650&height=390&name=9359174256923-1.png) **Duplicating** the template workspace will copy the original Scan, Grid, and Guide Template so it will be instantly ready to import a cut file. Remember to [rename the new workspace](https://support.shapertools.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048103674-workspaces?hsLang=en) so it's easier to remember what it stores. - [Origin](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting Started Guide](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#getting-started-guide) - [Workspace Setup](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#workspace-setup) - [Scanning](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#scanning) - [Design Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#design-mode) - [Extensions](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#extensions) - [Cut Mode](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cut-mode) - [Cutting Principles and Techniques](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#cutting-principles-and-techniques) - [Issues when Cutting](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#issues-when-cutting) - [Error Messages](https://support.shapertools.com/origin?hsLang=en#error-messages) - 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