What is SeatPlan.io?
SeatPlan.io is an online seating chart designer that helps you create professional seating arrangements for events. It offers both a simple designer for personal use and advanced event management tools for professionals.
Do I need to create an account to use SeatPlan.io?
No! You can start using the basic designer immediately without signing up. However, you will need to create an account and purchase a plan to save your work, export charts, and access advanced features.
What devices can I use SeatPlan.io on?
We recommend using a desktop, laptop, or large tablet for the best experience. The seating chart designer tools require a larger screen and are not available on smartphones.
How do I save my seating chart?
Your work is only saved if you have purchased a plan. We do not store charts for free or anonymous users - your work will be lost if you close the browser without upgrading.
What types of tables can I add?
You can add round tables, rectangular tables, chair rows (cinema-style seating), and special areas (like dance floors, stages, or bars). Each element is fully customizable in size, rotation, and seating capacity.
How do I assign guests to seats?
Simply drag and drop guests from the guest list onto chairs. You can also swap guests between seats by dragging them. The interface makes it easy to rearrange your seating plan quickly.
Can I import my guest list?
Yes! You can import guests via CSV file or paste from a spreadsheet. The system accepts names, emails, dietary restrictions, and notes for each guest.
How do I export my seating chart?
With a premium account, you can export your seating chart as a PDF or Excel spreadsheet for printing, sharing, or further editing. The exports include all tables, guests, and special areas in a professional format.
Available exports:
- Seating Chart (A3) – Visual layout for printing
- Guest List (A4) – Detailed guest & seating info
- Guest List (Excel) – Styled spreadsheet with filters & grouping
- Name Tags (A4) – Foldable place cards
What is the difference between Designer and Event Manager?
Designer ($8 one-time): Perfect for personal events. Includes basic seating chart creation, guest list management, and 90-day access with export capabilities.
Event Manager ($25/month): For professional event planners. Includes unlimited events, reusable templates, client collaboration tools, and advanced features.
How long does my Designer access last?
Designer access lasts for 90 days from your purchase date. You can renew for another 90 days at any time for the same price. Your charts are always accessible even after expiration, but export features require active access.
Can I cancel my Event Manager subscription?
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the subscription management page. You will retain access until the end of your current billing period. All your events and templates remain accessible in view-only mode after cancellation.
Is there a free trial for Event Manager?
Currently, we don't offer a free trial for Event Manager. However, you can start with the basic designer to test the core functionality before upgrading. Our monthly subscription has no long-term commitment.
What are templates and how do I use them?
Templates are reusable venue layouts that you create once and use for multiple events. For example, if you frequently work at the same venue, save it as a template with tables and room dimensions, then clone it for each new event to save time.
How does client collaboration work?
You can invite clients to view or edit seating charts via secure email links (no signup required for clients). You control permissions: make charts view-only, or allow clients to edit while keeping specific tables locked. Email tracking shows when clients open invitations.
How long do collaboration links last?
You can set collaboration links to expire in 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, or 90 days. This gives you full control over how long clients can access the seating chart.
Can multiple people edit a chart at the same time?
While real-time concurrent editing is not supported yet, multiple people can work on charts sequentially. Changes are saved automatically and sync across devices when you refresh.
Is my data secure?
Yes. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We use industry-standard security practices and comply with GDPR. Guest data is only accessible to you and people you explicitly share with. See our
Privacy Policy for details.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your charts remain accessible in view-only mode. You can always resubscribe to regain full editing and export capabilities. We retain your data for 12 months after subscription ends, then permanently delete it if you don't return.
Do you offer refunds?
We offer refunds on a case-by-case basis for Designer purchases within 7 days. For Event Manager subscriptions, you can cancel anytime and won't be charged for the next period. Contact us at hi@seatplan.io for refund requests.
How do I contact support?
You can reach us at hi@seatplan.io. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days. You can also use the feedback button in the designer to report issues or suggest features.
How do I create a wedding seating chart?
Open the free drag-and-drop maker — no signup needed. Add round or rectangular tables to match your venue, import your guest list via CSV, then drag each guest onto their seat. When you are ready, generate a PDF layout or export an Excel seating plan for your venue coordinator.
Is SeatPlan.io a free wedding seating chart maker?
Yes! You can start using our seating plan maker for free with no signup required. The full drag-and-drop designer and guest management tool are available immediately. You only pay when you want to save your chart, export professional layouts, or collaborate with your planning team.
What is the best free seating chart maker?
SeatPlan.io is a free online seating chart maker with drag-and-drop table placement, guest list import, and real-time collaboration. You can design a full seating chart without signing up or paying. Other tools like AllSeated and Social Tables exist, but most require accounts or paid plans before you can start designing.
How many guests can sit at a round table?
A standard 60-inch (5-foot) round table comfortably seats 8 guests. A 72-inch (6-foot) round seats 10, and a smaller 48-inch round seats 6. Allow 24 inches of space per guest around the table edge for comfortable seating. In SeatPlan.io, you can set any seat count per table and the chairs adjust automatically.
How far apart should wedding tables be?
Leave at least 60 inches (5 feet) between table edges to allow comfortable movement. For events with wheelchair access or waiter service, increase this to 72 inches (6 feet). Keep tables at least 36 inches from walls. The SeatPlan.io designer helps you visualize spacing on a scaled canvas.
Do I need a seating chart for my wedding?
Yes, a seating chart is strongly recommended for any wedding with more than 30 guests. Without one, guests cluster awkwardly, catering staff cannot serve efficiently, and the reception timeline suffers. A seating chart ensures everyone has a designated spot, accommodates dietary needs, and separates guests who might not get along.
How long does it take to make a seating chart?
With a digital tool like SeatPlan.io, most couples complete a seating chart for 100 guests in 30 to 60 minutes. Paper-based methods can take 4 to 6 hours for the same guest count. The key time-savers are CSV guest list import, drag-and-drop seat assignment, and instant rearrangement when RSVPs change.