The planner is Ferrumium's main factory editor. This is where you build a layout, connect it, read feedback, and shape the factory as it grows.

Most users reach the planner after opening a factory from the Factories menu in the header. Once a factory is open, the planner becomes the main place where work happens.

What you do here

In the planner, you can:

• place machines, resources, inputs, outputs, and logistics parts
• connect parts of the layout with belts or pipes
• check rates, warnings, and flow problems while you work
• organize larger builds with Groups and Subfactory
• switch between Detailed and Compact mode
• use Auto-Build to generate part of the layout
• share the factory or work on it in co-op

Main parts of the planner

Factory Summary

The left panel shows Factory Summary and Warnings. Use it to keep track of the overall state of the factory while you build.

If you want the full breakdown of that panel, see Left Sidebar.

Main workspace

The center of the screen is the factory workspace. This is where you place parts, move them around, connect them, and inspect the layout itself.

Most direct editing happens here. You can add new parts from the right-click menu and then adjust the factory by moving, reconnecting, or replacing pieces.

Planner toolbar

At the top right, the planner toolbar gives you quick controls and status.

This area shows Mode, Warnings, Layer, and Auto-Build. In detailed mode, it also shows BELT, which lets you change the default belt tier for new connections.

Mini Map

The bottom-right Mini Map gives you a small overview of the full layout. It is useful once the factory gets too large to keep in view at one zoom level.

When to use the planner

Use the planner when you want direct control over the layout. It is the right place for manual structure, connection changes, cleanup work, and visual organization.

If you want to start from a production target and solve backward from the result, use Drafts instead.