Introduction

Preparing a detailed and clear lifting plan diagram is a key responsibility of an Appointed Person (AP) in lifting operations. A good diagram ensures safe execution by visually communicating the lifting operation, obstacles, equipment, and crew roles.

In this guide, you will learn:

• Important elements to include in a lifting diagram

• Recommended free tools to draw your lifting plan

• Step-by-step method using draw.io (diagrams.net)

Example Diagram Preview:

✏️ Part 1: 

Important Information to Consider for Drawing a Lifting Plan Diagram (for Appointed Person)

When an Appointed Person prepares a lifting plan, the lifting diagram must include these critical elements:

📐 Part 2: Drawing Tools

Recommended Free Software to Draw Lifting Plan Diagrams

Most Common/Easiest Recommended = draw.io (diagrams.net)
(Because it’s simple, fast, and good for both beginners and professionals.)

Additional Important Free or Easy Software for Lifting Plan Preparation (Drawing + Calculation)

Besides drawing software, you can use some specialized apps and software to calculate crane radius, lifting height, ground pressure, sling forces, etc.
Here’s a list:

🛠 Specialized Calculations You Can Perform with These Apps:

🧮 Part 3: Calculation Tools and Apps

When preparing a lifting plan, Appointed Persons must not only draw the lifting diagram but also calculate:

• Crane radius based on load movement

• Height of lift considering boom angle

• Ground bearing pressures to ensure safe support

• Size and capacity of pads/mats

• Load on lifting accessories like slings and shackles

• Identification of site hazards and risk management

For this, use specialized free tools like:

• Crane Lift Calculator (CLC) (Mobile radius calculator)

• Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0 Free (Professional desktop software)

• Crane Bee (Mobile lifting plan assistant)

• Manitowoc Lift Solutions App (Real crane planning)

• AutoCAD Mobile (Drawing detailed field plans)

• Load Moment Indicator Simulators for real crane models

🎯 Part 4: How to Use draw.io for Lifting Diagrams

How to Draw a Lifting Plan Diagram Using draw.io (Desktop)

Step 1: Download and Install

• Visit: draw.io GitHub releases

• Download the installer for your operating system (Windows/Linux/macOS).

• Install the software normally.

Step 2: Open a New Blank Diagram

• Launch draw.io.

• Select “Create New Diagram” → Choose Blank Diagram → Name it (e.g., “Site Lift Plan”).

Step 3: Setup Basic Layout

• Create a site layout using rectangles for buildings/obstacles.

• Use a large circle or rectangle to indicate the crane area.

• Mark outrigger positions.

Step 4: Add Crane and Load

• Use a triangle shape or an arrow to show the crane boom.

• Draw a load as a rectangle or circle.

• Label load weight, dimensions, COG (center of gravity).

Step 5: Add Movement Paths

• Use arrows to show the lifting movement — from pickup to placement.

• Clearly mark lifting radius (e.g., 8m, 12m) near the crane.

Step 6: Add Roles and Safety Zones

• Insert small shapes and label them for Slinger, Banksman, Supervisor.

• Mark restricted areas, exclusion zones, and danger zones using dashed lines or shaded areas.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Add text boxes for crane details, load information, and safety notes.

• Insert a Legend/Key to explain colors, lines, and symbols used.

📐 Simple Top View Layout (Concept to Draw on draw.io)

Here’s the structure you will create step-by-step in draw.io (or you can import it directly if you want):

✏️ Basic Elements:

📋 Simple Example Details

📷 Visual Sketch (that you can draw in draw.io)

+----------------------------------------------------------+| || [Placement Point] || [Load 8T] || || || ↖ (Arrow: Movement Path) || || [Restricted Zone - Dashed Rectangle] || || || [CRANE: Zoomlion QY-30V] || [Outrigger 1] [Outrigger 2] || || (Banksman Here) || || Roadway ➔ Pick-up Point |+----------------------------------------------------------+Legend: Crane, Load, Movement Path, Personnel, Restricted Area

🖥 Step-by-Step Drawing in draw.io:

1. Open draw.io

2. Start Blank Diagram ➔ Save as “Simple Lifting Plan”

3. Create a Large Outer Rectangle (Site Boundary)

4. Add:

   • Crane (Circle or rectangle shape)

   • Outriggers (small rectangles on each side)

   • Load (Small rectangle)

5. Draw Arrows from load pick-up to placement

6. Mark Restricted Zone with dashed line rectangle

7. Add Personnel (small circle shapes)

8. Insert Text Boxes to label:

   • Crane name/model

   • Load details

   • Radius (8m)

   • Personnel roles

9. Insert a small Legend/Key explaining shapes/colors.

10. Save and Export as PDF or PNG.

Here is your ready-to-import draw.io file for a Simple Top View Lifting Plan Diagram:

👉 Download Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View.drawio

📥 How to Use:

1. Go to draw.io

2. Click “File” > “Import From” > “Device”

3. Select the downloaded .drawio file.

4. Edit/Modify as per your project!

Here is the updated Simple Lifting Plan Diagram with a crane radius circle included:

👉 Download Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View_With_Radius.drawio

📥 How to Use:

• Go to draw.io

• File ➔ Import From ➔ Device

• Upload the .drawio file and edit as needed!

📋 How to Export Your .drawio Lifting Plan as a Real Diagram PDF

✅ Follow these quick steps:

1. Open draw.io (diagrams.net)
   Go to: https://app.diagrams.net/

2. Import the File

   • Click File → Import From → Device

   • Select the .drawio file you downloaded (example: Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View_With_Radius.drawio)

3. Adjust Layout (Optional)

   • Zoom and fit everything nicely if needed.

   • Check margins if you want it clean on A4.

4. Export to PDF

   • Click File → Export As → PDF

   • In export options:

     • Page Format: A4

     • Include a Border: Yes (recommended)

     • Crop: Disable (to maintain full view)

     • Scale: 100% or Fit to page

   • Then Download PDF.

✅ Now you will get a full professional real diagram PDF, exactly like a technical field lifting plan sheet!

🛠 Example Options you can select when exporting:

⚡ Short Summary:

• .drawio file ➔ open on draw.io ➔ export ➔ PDF

• You get full drawing with crane, load, restricted zones, arrows etc. in proper graphical PDF.

🎯 Part 5: How to Perform Basic Crane Radius and Lift Height Calculations

Quick Example (using CLC or Manual Formula):

Radius = Distance from crane centerline to load center

Boom Angle = Measured from ground to boom

Lift Height = (Boom length) × (sin of boom angle)

Example:

• Boom length = 40 meters

• Boom angle = 60°

• Lift Height = 40 × sin(60°) ≈ 40 × 0.866 = 34.64 meters

You can verify this quickly using apps like CLC or Liebherr Planner.

📢 Conclusion:

Drawing and calculating a lifting plan is made much easier today with free and easy tools available for both desktop and mobile platforms.
An Appointed Person must ensure not only a neat diagram but correct calculations for radius, height, ground bearing, and accessories selection for a safe lift.

✅ Always cross-verify load charts!
✅ Always use a practical risk assessment checklist with your diagram!

🎥 Bonus: Templates Download Links 

lift-paln-software-Post-image.jpg

Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View_With_Radius.pdf

Lifting_Plan_Field_Checklist_Appointed_Person.docx

Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View.zip

Simple_Lifting_Plan_Top_View_With_Radius.zip

Full_A4_Lifting_Plan_Template_With_Example.pdf

Full_A4_Lifting_Plan_Template_FIXED.pdf

Check our YouTube for tutorials and guides: EngineerHow YouTube Channel

✅ Summary of What We Added Today:

• ✅ Full lifting plan diagram checklist

• ✅ Best free drawing software

• ✅ Best free calculation apps (mobile & PC)

• ✅ How to use draw.io

• ✅ How to calculate radius/lift height

• ✅ Bonus risk assessment tips