Help Center
Find answers to common questions about SeatCanvas.
SeatCanvas is a free, browser-based seating chart maker built for weddings, banquets, galas, and any event where guests have assigned tables. This Help Center is organized around the stages of planning a real event, so you can jump straight to what you need. If you're just getting started, the fastest path is to create a new project, drop a few tables onto the infinite canvas, and import your guest list from a spreadsheet so every name is ready to seat. From there you can drag guests onto tables, move whole families as a single group, and rearrange the room as plans change. When the layout is final, you can export a clean, print-ready PDF or a high-resolution PNG to hand to your venue and caterer.
The questions below are grouped into the topics planners ask about most: getting started, importing and managing your guest list, working with groups and plus-ones, designing your floor plan on the canvas, and exporting your finished chart. Each answer covers the practical steps and the small details that trip people up, like matching spreadsheet columns during an import or keeping couples seated together. We update these articles as we ship new features, so it's worth checking back if something looks different from a previous visit. If you can't find what you're looking for, or something isn't behaving the way you expect, we'd rather hear from you than have you stay stuck.
SeatCanvas runs entirely in your browser, so there's nothing to install and your event stays on your own device until you choose to save or export it. You can try the full planning flow for free, and most events fit comfortably within the free tier before you ever need an Event Pass. If you're evaluating SeatCanvas against another tool, the articles here describe exactly how features like CSV import, grouped seating, and print-ready exports behave, so you can decide whether it fits the way you plan.
Getting Started
How do I create my first seating chart?
Click 'Start Planning' on the home page. You'll see an empty canvas where you can add tables from the toolbar and drag guests onto seats.
How do I import my guest list from a spreadsheet?
We recommend using the Guest Import Wizard. Click 'Import Guests' in the sidebar or Spreadsheet View toolbar to upload a CSV or paste data.
What's the difference between canvas view and spreadsheet view?
Canvas view is for visual seating arrangement. Spreadsheet view is for managing guest details like dietary restrictions and notes.
Guest Management
How do I add guests manually?
Switch to Spreadsheet View (using the toggle in the header). Click the '+' button in the toolbar or 'Add Guest' to create a new entry.
How do I create family groups?
In Spreadsheet View, set the same Invite ID for all members of a group. For example, if Guest 1 has Invite ID 1, change Guest 2's Invite ID to 1 as well. The first guest with that ID becomes the group carrier.
How do I mark guests to keep apart (conflict detection)?
Switch to Spreadsheet View and click the 'Collision Creator' button in the toolbar. Select two guests to flag them as incompatible.
Canvas & Tables
How do I add tables?
Use the Tables menu in the toolbar to add round or rectangular tables. Click to place them on the canvas.
How do I drag guests to seats?
Simply click and drag a guest from the sidebar onto an empty seat on a table. Drop them to assign.
How do I use the drawing tools?
Select a drawing tool from the toolbar (line, rectangle, or Pen). Click and drag on the canvas to draw. Use venue presets for common elements.
How do I move a whole family group?
On the carrier's card, look for the small 👥 icon on the right side. Drag from that icon to move the entire group together. If you drag the card from any other spot, only that individual guest will be moved.
How do I lock or delete elements?
To Lock: Select an element and click the Lock icon in the toolbar. To Delete: Select an element and press the Delete or Backspace key.
Exporting
How do I export a PDF?
Click 'Export' and select Export PDF. This generates a single-page summary including your layout and guest list.
How do I export as an image (PNG)?
Click Export and choose 'Export PNG'. This creates a high-resolution image of your canvas.
How do I export a CSV (Spreadsheet)?
Click 'Export' and select Export CSV. This downloads your guest list data compatible with Excel or Google Sheets.
Account & Billing
How do I sign in?
Click 'Sign In' and choose Google or Microsoft. Your seating chart will be saved to the cloud automatically.
What is an Event Pass?
A one-time $9.99 purchase that unlocks unlimited guest seating. The free tier allows seating up to 40 guests.
How do I request a refund?
Email hello@seatcanvas.app within 7 days of purchase. Include your email and describe the issue you experienced.
How do I set my event date?
After purchasing an Event Pass, you'll be prompted to set your date. You can also update it anytime from your profile.
Troubleshooting
My changes aren't saving
Make sure you're signed in with Google or Microsoft. If signed in, check your internet connection. Your data auto-saves every few seconds.
I can't seat more than 40 guests
The free tier allows seating up to 40 guests. Purchase an Event Pass ($9.99) to unlock unlimited seating.
The PDF export looks wrong
Our system automatically detects your layout boundaries. If issues persist, try Export PNG for a high-resolution image alternative, or contact support.
Still need help?
Email us at hello@seatcanvas.app