Why is my design loading slowly?

SimplyScapes performs well for most users, but occasionally you may experience freezing, lagging, or slow loading times. These issues are typically browser-specific and can often be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

Common Causes of Performance Issues

Performance problems in SimplyScapes usually stem from:

• Browser settings or permissions that interfere with the app
• Browser extensions that conflict with SimplyScapes features
• Slow internet connection affecting image loading
• Outdated browser version lacking optimal WebGL support
• Account login issues causing the dashboard to hang

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Try a Different Browser

The fastest way to identify if your issue is browser-specific is to test SimplyScapes in a different browser.

Recommended browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge

Both browsers provide excellent WebGL support, which SimplyScapes uses to deliver smooth performance by interacting directly with your computer's graphics hardware.

To test in a different browser:

1. If you're currently using Chrome, download and install Microsoft Edge (or vice versa).
2. Open the new browser and navigate to SimplyScapes.
3. Log in to your account.
4. Test the areas where you were experiencing problems (moving plants, resizing images, loading designs, etc.).

If the issue disappears in the new browser, the problem is likely related to your original browser's settings or extensions.

Step 2: Check Your Account Email

If your dashboard is frozen or won't load:

1. Verify that you're logging in with the same email address you used when purchasing your subscription.
2. If you signed up for a trial with one email but paid with a different email, this can cause the dashboard to hang.
3. Try logging out completely and logging back in with your original email address.

Step 3: Clear Your Browser Cache

Clearing your cache removes temporary files that may be causing conflicts:

Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
3. Select Cached images and files and click Clear data.
4. Restart your browser and try SimplyScapes again.

Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
4. Select Cached images and files and click Clear now.
5. Restart your browser and try SimplyScapes again.

Step 4: Disable Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with web applications. To test if an extension is causing issues:

Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
3. Toggle off all extensions temporarily.
4. Test SimplyScapes to see if performance improves.
5. If it does, re-enable extensions one at a time to identify which one is causing the conflict.

Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
3. Toggle off all extensions temporarily.
4. Test SimplyScapes to see if performance improves.
5. If it does, re-enable extensions one at a time to identify which one is causing the conflict.

Step 5: Check Your Internet Connection

Large plant images can load slowly on slower internet connections. To test your connection:

1. Visit a speed test website (such as speedtest.net) to check your internet speed.
2. If other websites and applications are loading normally, but SimplyScapes is slow, the issue may be browser-related rather than connection-related.
3. Try connecting to a different network (such as mobile hotspot) to rule out network issues.

Step 6: Update Your Browser

Ensure you're using the latest version of your browser:

Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
4. Restart your browser.

Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
3. Edge will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
4. Restart your browser.

Step 7: Check Browser Permissions

SimplyScapes needs certain browser permissions to function properly:

Chrome:

1. Click the lock icon (or site settings icon) in the address bar.
2. Ensure that JavaScript is set to "Allow."
3. Check that no other critical permissions are blocked.

Edge:

1. Click the lock icon in the address bar.
2. Click Permissions for this site.
3. Ensure that JavaScript is set to "Allow."
4. Check that no other critical permissions are blocked.

Still Experiencing Issues?

If you've tried all the steps above and are still experiencing performance problems, please contact our support team at support@simplyscapes.com with the following information:

• Browser name and version (e.g., Chrome 119, Edge 118)
• Operating system (e.g., Windows 11, macOS Sonoma)
• Description of the issue (freezing, lagging, images not loading, etc.)
• When the issue started (after an update, specific date, etc.)
• Which features are affected (moving plants, loading designs, etc.)

Our team may ask you to provide diagnostic information to help us investigate further. This typically involves taking screenshots of your browser's Network and Console tabs, which help us understand your specific setup and identify the root cause.

Why SimplyScapes Runs Best in Chrome and Edge

SimplyScapes uses WebGL (Web Graphics Library) to deliver smooth, high-performance graphics. WebGL allows the app to interact directly with your computer's graphics card, enabling complex actions like moving, resizing, and editing plants and objects without lag.

Chrome and Edge both provide excellent WebGL support and are regularly updated with performance improvements. Using these browsers ensures you get the best possible experience with SimplyScapes.