A method preparing for tiling a surface generally includes the steps of: measuring the surface with a cable measuring device to produce a digitized plan of the surface; displaying a plurality of possible tile layout for the surface on a display of a computer containing the produced digitized plan and programmed to display tile layouts for the surface depending on parameters including tile size, grout width, and tile orientation; selecting a tile layout, and placing the selected tile layout on the surface with the device. The method may include using the device for placing cut lines on the tiles.