This article explains how to use the Slab Layout module in MeasureSquare Stone. This module is designed for fabricators who need to perform vein matching, book matching, or other visual alignment tasks for countertops and cut-to-size stone projects. There are two methods available: Auto Plan and Manual Layout.

Method 1: Auto Plan

Step 1: Run Auto Plan

• In the Slab Layout tab, click the Auto Plan button at the upper left of the toolbar.
• MeasureSquare will automatically add slabs and place all parts onto them.
  

Note: Auto Plan prioritizes yield optimization. Parts will not be vein matched. Ideally, use this method when vein matching is not required. However, you may still edit the results of Auto Plan yourself. 

Method 2: Manual Layout (for Vein Matching and Book Matching)

Step 1: Open the Add Slab Dialog

• In the Slab Layout tab, click the Add Slab button (the first icon in the Slab Layout View toolbar at the upper left).
• The Batch Add Slabs dialog will appear.
  

Step 2: Fill In the Slab Fields

• Enter the following information in the dialog:
  • Product — name of the stone material
  • Length — length of the slab
  • Width — width of the slab
  • Count — number of slabs to add
• Click OK when finished.
  

Step 3: Set the Slab Image

• In the Batch Add Slabs dialog, click Set Slab Image.
• The Select Slab Image window will open, displaying the slab photo with a red selection rectangle.
• Drag the corners of the red rectangle to define the usable area of the slab image, if needed.
• Click OK to confirm 
  

Step 4: Verify the Slab Appears in the Layout View

• After setting the slab image, the slab will appear in the Slab Layout View panel on the left side of the screen.
• The panel will show Total Slabs, Total Pieces, Yield%, and Waste%. At this point, no parts have been placed, so Yield% will show 0%.
  

Step 5: Drag Parts onto the Slab

• In the countertop plan view on the right side of the screen, click on a part to select it (or select multiple parts).
• Drag the selected part(s) onto the slab in the Slab Layout View panel on the left.
• Once placed, the slab texture image will appear on the corresponding countertop part in the plan view. This allows you to visually align veins across adjacent pieces.
• Repeat for all remaining parts.
  

Tip: Position each part carefully on the slab to achieve accurate vein matching or book matching. The live texture preview on the countertop plan helps you see how veins will align before finalizing placement.

• Once all parts have been placed, confirm the layout in the Slab Layout View panel.
• Review the updated Yield% and Waste% to confirm the layout meets your requirements.
  

Step 7: Export the Layout

• When the layout is complete, click Export PDF or Export CAD in the Export group of the Slab Layout toolbar.
• Choose your preferred format and follow the prompts to save the file.
  

Note: If you need further assistance, contact MeasureSquare Customer Support at +1-626-683-9188 press 3 or email support@measuresquare.com.