# Generating the orthoplane

**URL:** <https://community.pix4d.com/t/generating-the-orthoplane/8676>\
**Category:** PIX4Dmapper Questions/Troubleshooting\
**Created:** [July 29, 2019, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/generating-the-orthoplane/8676 "2019-07-29T19:39:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Brad\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a587f6/32.png) [@Brad\_Smith](https://community.pix4d.com/u/Brad_Smith)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2019, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/generating-the-orthoplane/8676/1 "2019-07-29T19:39:42Z")

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I am on version 4.4.12 using Pix4DModel.

&nbsp;

I am trying to use the orthoplane to improve the mesh quality.&nbsp;

I have tried numerous times on different models but am getting the same results. I make the Orthoplane, align to a surface, and click “Apply.”

From that point the pix4D stops. It is not freezing or crashing but it does not progress. The “Generate” button is grayed out and unavailable. I have attached a picture below to show you what I am seeing.&nbsp;

Is there something I am doing wrong? I am following the tutorials as exact as possible.

 ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/pix4d/original/1X/02f9193e0792c2027728f10d311b0f92ab7b9303.png)

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**Author:** ![Pix4D\_Alumni\_MV](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/pix4d/user_avatar/community.pix4d.com/pix4d_alumni_mv/32/2071_2.png) [@Pix4D\_Alumni\_MV](https://community.pix4d.com/u/Pix4D_Alumni_MV)\
**Post date:** [August 6, 2019, 8:19am UTC](https://community.pix4d.com/t/generating-the-orthoplane/8676/2 "2019-08-06T08:19:57Z")

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Hi Brad,

As you are using Pix4Dmodel, you cannot export the Orthoplan. That’s why this option is grayed out.  
However I think that you want to use the surface tool instead of the orthoplan tool.  
These articles should help:

[How-to-draw-a-Surface-in-the-rayCloud](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/202560269-How-to-draw-a-Surface-in-the-rayCloud)  
[How-to-improve-the-3D-Textured-Mesh](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/211083803-How-to-improve-the-3D-Textured-Mesh)

Best