Polycam

Polycam is a powerful 3D scanning app that transforms real-world environments and objects into accurate digital models using your phone’s camera or LiDAR sensor. Whether you’re a designer, architect, hobbyist, or 3D artist, Polycam offers an easy way to create high-quality 3D assets directly from mobile devices, without the need for expensive hardware.

Available on iOS, Android, and web, Polycam supports both LiDAR scanning (on compatible devices) and photogrammetry (turning multiple photos into 3D models). It has quickly become one of the most popular mobile 3D capture tools globally.

Features

1. LiDAR Scanning (iOS Pro Devices)
   Utilize iPhone or iPad Pro’s LiDAR sensor to create instant and accurate 3D scans of rooms, objects, or architecture.

2. Photogrammetry (All Devices)
   Capture dozens of photos of an object or space, and Polycam turns them into a 3D model using its cloud-based photogrammetry engine.

3. Instant 3D Model Viewer
   Preview your scans in real-time and rotate, zoom, or inspect details before exporting.

4. Export in Multiple Formats
   Download models in OBJ, GLTF, FBX, USDZ, STL, and more—ready for 3D printing, game engines, or AR/VR workflows.

5. Mesh & Point Cloud Export
   Get access to both clean mesh files and raw point cloud data for different use cases.

6. iOS & Android Compatibility
   Use on iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Photogrammetry is available across platforms; LiDAR is exclusive to certain iOS devices.

7. Online Viewer & Sharing
   Share your 3D scans via a simple web link using the Polycam web viewer—no extra software required.

8. Public Scan Library
   Browse thousands of scans shared by other users in the community for inspiration or reuse.

9. AR Model Placement
   Place your scanned 3D models into real environments using AR features (iOS only).

10. Multi-Platform Sync
    Access your scans across devices with automatic cloud sync and storage.

How It Works

Polycam is designed to make 3D scanning simple for non-experts:

Step 1: Download the App
Install Polycam from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Choose Capture Method
Select either “LiDAR” (iOS only) or “Photo” mode to begin scanning.

Step 3: Capture the Object or Space
Walk around your subject, allowing the app to collect spatial or photographic data.

Step 4: Generate Model
Polycam processes the scan locally or in the cloud, depending on the method.

Step 5: View, Edit, and Export
View your 3D model, crop or clean it up, and export it in your preferred format.

Use Cases

1. Architects and Designers
   Scan interior spaces or building facades for use in CAD or modeling software.

2. Game Developers and 3D Artists
   Capture real-world textures and geometry to build immersive assets.

3. Educators and Researchers
   Document historical artifacts, natural objects, or environments in 3D for education.

4. eCommerce and AR Sellers
   Create 3D models of products for augmented reality display on websites or mobile apps.

5. Construction and Real Estate
   Generate accurate scans for project planning, floor plans, and virtual tours.

6. Hobbyists and Makers
   Scan objects for 3D printing or preservation.

Pricing

As of June 2025, Polycam offers several plans:

Free Plan

• Access to LiDAR scanning (iOS) and limited photogrammetry

• Basic editing tools

• Limited export formats

• Access to Polycam community

Polycam Pro – $79.99/year or $14.99/month

• Unlimited photo mode scans

• High-resolution exports

• Advanced export formats (FBX, USDZ, STL, etc.)

• Priority cloud processing

• Batch editing and advanced tools

Team & Enterprise Plans

• Volume licensing

• Team dashboards and cloud collaboration

• Custom storage and sharing solutions
  (Contact Polycam directly for enterprise options)

Visit https://poly.cam/pricing for the latest updates.

Strengths

• Easy to use with professional-grade results

• Works across multiple devices and platforms

• High-quality photogrammetry and LiDAR results

• Strong community and scan-sharing features

• Supports a wide range of export formats

• Ideal for quick prototyping and design workflows

Drawbacks

• LiDAR scanning limited to newer iOS devices

• Photogrammetry requires good lighting and multiple photos for best results

• Free version has export and resolution limitations

• Cloud-based photogrammetry may take several minutes to process larger models

Comparison with Other Tools

Polycam vs. Luma AI
Luma AI focuses more on cinematic NeRFs; Polycam offers broader export support and practical model use for CAD, printing, and games.

Polycam vs. 3D Scanner App
Polycam offers higher-quality results and broader format support, especially for professional workflows.

Polycam vs. RealityCapture or Agisoft
RealityCapture is more advanced but desktop-based; Polycam offers instant mobile scanning with no technical setup.

Polycam vs. Trnio or KIRI Engine
Polycam provides better UI, faster processing, and more sharing/export features.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

“I scanned an entire apartment in 5 minutes and exported it straight to Blender. It just works.”
— 3D Artist

“Polycam is essential for our architecture team to quickly map environments and get measurements.”
— Architect

“I use Polycam to digitize objects for AR demos. The results are impressively realistic.”
— XR Developer

Conclusion

Polycam is one of the most accessible and powerful 3D scanning tools available for mobile users today. Whether you’re building a 3D asset library, modeling interior spaces, or prototyping a product, Polycam allows you to capture reality in detailed digital form—no expensive equipment or technical expertise required.

If you want to bring real-world objects into digital design with minimal friction, Polycam offers a fast, user-friendly, and professional solution for 3D scanning on the go.