Floor plans aren’t optional anymore — they’re a conversion tool. Zillow’s own research found that 79% of prospective buyers are more likely to view a listing if it includes an appealing floor plan, and any Zillow Showcase package requires one as a core component. That leaves agents and photographers with a practical question: CubiCasa or Matterport?
This guide breaks down how each platform works, where they differ, and which one makes sense depending on the listing.
How CubiCasa Works
CubiCasa is a mobile-first floor plan capture tool. A photographer (or even a homeowner) walks through the property using a smartphone app, scanning each room. The app processes the scan into a 2D floor plan, complete with room labels and square footage estimates, typically delivered within hours.
Strengths:
- Fast — a full home can be scanned in 10–15 minutes.
- Low cost relative to 3D scanning hardware.
- No special equipment required beyond a smartphone.
- Output integrates cleanly with MLS and Zillow’s room-tagging requirements for Showcase listings.
Limitations:
- 2D output only — no immersive walkthrough experience.
- Accuracy depends on a clean, careful scan; cluttered rooms can reduce precision.
How Matterport Works
Matterport uses a dedicated 3D camera (or LiDAR-equipped smartphone scanning via its app) to capture a fully navigable 3D digital twin of the property. The output includes an interactive dollhouse view, a walkthrough tour, and a derived 2D floor plan.
Strengths:
- True 3D, immersive walkthrough — buyers can "walk" the home remotely.
- Produces the dollhouse view that high-end listings use to show the full home layout at once.
- Pairs naturally with the 3D virtual tour requirement in a Showcase package.
Limitations:
- Higher cost, especially with dedicated camera hardware.
- Longer capture and processing time than a CubiCasa scan.
- Larger file sizes and more bandwidth-intensive hosting.
CubiCasa vs. Matterport: Side-by-Side
| Factor | CubiCasa | Matterport |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 2D floor plan | 3D tour + dollhouse + 2D floor plan |
| Capture time | 10–15 minutes | 20–45 minutes |
| Equipment | Smartphone | 3D camera or LiDAR phone |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Standard listings, fast turnaround | Luxury listings, full Showcase packages |
Which One Should You Use for Zillow Showcase?
Both tools satisfy Zillow’s room-tagging and floor plan requirements, so the choice often comes down to listing tier and budget. For standard residential listings where speed and cost control matter, CubiCasa is typically the more efficient choice. For luxury listings, new construction, or any listing where the full immersive 3D walkthrough is part of the marketing pitch, Matterport is the stronger fit — particularly when paired with drone and aerial photography for a complete premium media package.
For exact package pricing on both options, see our real estate photography pricing breakdown.
Bottom Line
Neither tool is universally "better" — they solve different problems. CubiCasa wins on speed and cost for standard listings; Matterport wins on immersive experience for premium ones. Many photography studios offer both and recommend based on the listing’s price point and the seller’s marketing goals.
Not sure which floor plan option is right for your next listing? Book a photography session and we’ll walk you through the best fit.