---
title: "Understand the space layout"
url: "https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/understand-the-space-layout"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-07-12T23:58:09.496Z"
---

# Understand the space layout

Learn where to find the tabs, toolbars, panels, and controls inside a CADchat space.

## Tabs

At the top center of a space, five tabs control what you're working on: **3D Canvas**, **Documents**, **Whiteboard**, **Meeting**, and **Folder**. You open on the **3D Canvas** tab by default.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/1e928818-4307-4bbf-a6d0-2eaddd6b602b)

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## Space header

The top-left shows the space name with icons for **Settings** (⚙), privacy, and sync status. The top-right has **Chat** (opens the chat panel), a **Members** icon, your **initials icon**, and the **Invite** button.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/64efb006-36bd-450d-a4cc-28e1631af917)

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## Left toolbar

The left side of the canvas has two sections at the top, **Files** and **Threads,** which toggle their respective panels. Below those are tab-specific tools. The tools available change depending on which tab you're on.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/ed80a1f7-e454-4604-b210-f69164938929)

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## Panels

**Chat** is a sliding panel that opens on the right side and is available on all tabs simultaneously.

**Files** panel (left) shows uploaded 3D models on the 3D Canvas tab, or uploaded documents on the Documents tab.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/dfb1a5eb-e84a-4403-889b-682b905a4dc2)

**Threads** panel (left) lists all pins and threads in the current space section.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/afa6f39f-decb-437c-ba1c-4028c128c575)

You can have both a left panel and the Chat panel open at the same time.

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## Meet button

The **Meet** button at the bottom center of the canvas starts an ad hoc call. See [Start an ad hoc meeting with the Meet button](https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/start-an-ad-hoc-meeting-with-the-meet-button).

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/24e8fc82-084e-4954-b6f1-6928b623acde)

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## Tips and edge cases

-   If the toolbar looks different from what you expect, check which tab you're on, each tab has its own left toolbar.
-   If the **Chat** panel isn't visible, click **Chat** in the top right to open it.
-   If you can't see the **Meet** button, try reducing your browser zoom level.

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## Related articles

-   [Work with the 3D canvas](https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/work-with-the-3d-canvas)
-   [Use the Documents tab](https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/use-the-documents-tab)
-   [Use the Whiteboard tab](https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/use-the-whiteboard-tab)
-   [Chat in a space](https://help.cadchat.com/en/article/chat-in-a-space)