Question 1

What is CCTVplanner?

Accepted Answer

CCTVplanner is a free online tool for designing CCTV surveillance systems. You can place cameras on satellite maps, visualize field of view, detect blind spots, and export professional PDF reports.

Question 2

Is CCTVplanner free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! CCTVplanner offers a permanent free plan with the core design features — camera placement, real FOV visualization, and watermarked PDF export. Paid plans unlock unlimited projects, clean PDF exports without the watermark, and team collaboration.

Question 3

Do I need to install software?

Accepted Answer

No installation required. CCTVplanner runs entirely in your web browser. Just sign up and start designing immediately.

Question 4

Can I use it on mobile?

Accepted Answer

CCTVplanner is optimized for desktop and tablet use for the best design experience. You can view projects on mobile, but we recommend using a larger screen for designing.

Question 5

How do I start my first project?

Accepted Answer

Sign up for a free account, click 'New Project', search for your location on the map, and start placing cameras. Our getting started guide walks you through every step.

Question 6

How do I choose the right camera type?

Accepted Answer

The right camera type depends on your environment. Dome cameras are ideal for indoor use, bullet cameras for outdoor long-range, and PTZ cameras for large areas needing pan-tilt-zoom control.

Question 7

What focal length do I need?

Accepted Answer

Focal length determines how far and wide your camera can see. Shorter focal lengths (2.8mm) give wider views, while longer ones (12mm+) provide narrower but more detailed views at distance.

Question 8

What is field of view?

Accepted Answer

Field of view (FOV) is the area visible through a camera lens. It depends on the focal length and sensor size. A wider FOV covers more area but with less detail per pixel.

Question 9

What does DORI mean?

Accepted Answer

DORI stands for Detect, Observe, Recognize, and Identify. It defines the maximum distances at which a camera can perform each task, helping you choose the right camera for your needs.

Question 10

How many cameras do I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of cameras depends on the area size, layout, entry points, and desired coverage level. Use CCTVplanner to place cameras on your actual site map and visually verify coverage.

Question 11

How do I avoid blind spots?

Accepted Answer

Use overlapping camera coverage at key intersections and entry points. CCTVplanner's visual coverage overlay helps you identify and eliminate blind spots before installation.

Question 12

Where should I place cameras?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize entry/exit points, parking areas, perimeter boundaries, and high-value zones. Mount cameras at 2.5-4m height and angle them to avoid direct sunlight and backlighting.

Question 13

PoE or WiFi cameras?

Accepted Answer

PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras are more reliable and recommended for permanent installations. WiFi cameras offer easier setup but can suffer from interference and signal drops.

Question 14

IP or analog cameras?

Accepted Answer

IP cameras offer higher resolution, remote access, and advanced analytics. Analog cameras are cheaper but limited in features. Most modern installations use IP cameras.

Question 15

How do I create a CCTV proposal?

Accepted Answer

Design your system in CCTVplanner, export the layout as a PDF, add your camera list and cost estimates. Our proposal guide covers everything from site survey to final presentation.

Question 16

How do I calculate storage?

Accepted Answer

Storage depends on camera count, resolution, frame rate, compression, and retention days. Use our storage calculator or the formula: cameras x bitrate x hours x days = total storage needed.

Question 17

What frame rate should I use?

Accepted Answer

15 fps is standard for general surveillance. Use 25-30 fps for high-traffic areas or where motion detail matters. Lower frame rates save storage but may miss fast events.

Question 18

4K or 1080p?

Accepted Answer

1080p is sufficient for most surveillance needs. 4K provides more detail for identification but requires more storage and bandwidth. Choose based on your identification distance needs.

Question 19

How do I plan NVR/HDD?

Accepted Answer

Calculate total storage from all cameras, add 20% overhead, and select an NVR with enough drive bays. RAID configurations add redundancy but reduce usable capacity.

Question 20

What's included in the free plan?

Accepted Answer

The free plan includes camera placement, FOV visualization, watermarked PDF export, and up to 2 saved projects with up to 6 cameras each. Upgrade for unlimited projects, clean PDF exports, team features, and priority support.

Question 21

Can I export PDF reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every plan can export PDF reports with camera layouts, equipment lists, and coverage maps. Free-plan exports include a watermark; paid plans produce clean, client-ready documents.

Question 22

Do you offer team plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Studio includes 5 team seats and Enterprise includes 10, with extra Enterprise seats available from €9/month. Share projects, assign roles, and work together on the same designs.

Question 23

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time. Your account will remain active until the end of the billing period with no additional charges.

Frequently asked, plainly answered.

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