Using a Bluetooth Laser Measuring Device with Chief Architect's Desktop Applications

Reference Number: KB-01846
Last Modified: October 5, 2026
This article also applies to the following legacy products:
Pro | Architectural | Suite

QUESTION

Is there a way to use my bluetooth laser measuring device with my Chief Architect desktop application so I can take measurements of an existing job site?


ANSWER

A number of laser measuring devices have bluetooth capabilities, which may allow you to interface with a computer that supports bluetooth connectivity.

Although other devices may connect and work with Chief Architect's desktop applications, only the Leica DISTO X1, along with the Leica DISTO transfer software, have been verified for compatibility. 

The Leica DISTO transfer software is not compatible with macOS. However, not all bluetooth laser measuring devices require this software to function with desktop applications.

Note: If you have a supported Apple device, consider using a bluetooth laser measuring device in unison with Chief Archiect's Mobile As-Built application to capture measurements of an existing space. Please see our ChiefBlog article on the topic to learn more. 

Bear in mind that As-Built files can only be imported into Chief Architect Premier; Home Designer does not support this feature.  


To use a bluetooth laser measuring device with Chief Architect's desktop applications

  1. Ensure that bluetooth is enabled on both the computer and the laser measuring device, then pair the laser measuring device to your computer.


  2. Where applicable, launch the Leica DISTO transfer software and establish a connection with the device.

    Note: If you have trouble pairing your bluetooth laser measuring device to your computer or connecting the device to the DISTO transfer software, refer to your device's documentation or contact Leica Support. 


  3. With the device connected, select a wall or other object in your Chief Architect/Home Designer program and click on the controlling dimension line.

    Dimension input field for the length of a wall


  4. With the input field active, as shown in the image above, use your bluetooth laser measuring device to capture a measurement.


  5. The bluetooth laser measuring device will transmit the data to the DISTO transfer software as well as the open field. If the measurement does not register automatically, press the Enter key to confirm.

    Note: If you notice that the unit of measurement (", ') is not following the measurement value, enter this in using your keyboard, or make a setup modification within the Leica DISTO transfer software, then press Enter. 


  6. Repeat the process for any remaining measurements you would like to capture. 
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