I recently got an iPhone 12 Pro Max and want to take advantage of the great optical systems, especially 3D scanning capability. From what I've read there are several ways, including lidar. What's the best software for scanning 3D objects? Mine was cloned from my old iPhone 5 so I'm not sure I got all the native apps.
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iPhone 12 Pro Max Best 3D scanning software?
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I’ve seen a few apps but haven’t come across anyone really pushing or experimenting with the iPhone as a 3D scanner……
….so it’s a good job I have!
Things you need to know: The LiDAR Scanner is really good for large rooms and objects but you need to use the TrueDepth camera on the front for smaller objects and details.
For lidar I use Scaniverse for car-sized objects and Smartpoint for really large scans. Both will give you decent results. See here for some quality examples (not my work) https://albn.medium.com/3d-scanning-with-the-iphone-lidar-8cbd723fc9ab
For TrueDepth I swear by Capture by Standard Cyborg. It’s free and the easiest to get to grips with. There are other apps like Heges which give you finer control over the process but I have found the results haven’t been as good. The issue with using TrueDepth is of course you need to point the front of the iPhone at an object to scan it meaning you cannot see the results at the same time! I have found looking at the screen from a steep angle to be a good way around it. Heges has an iPad app that lets you use the iPad as a remote display allowing you to see the results at the same time which is pretty neat.
This is some of my work using the TrueDepth scanner and processing the resulting model in mesh lab and Fusion 360: https://carlstjames1.medium.com/3d-scanning-and-manufacture-using-an-iphone-57c9bc473fca
This took some work but I managed to combine several mesh scans from Capture into one large model for 3d printing:
….so it’s a good job I have!
Things you need to know: The LiDAR Scanner is really good for large rooms and objects but you need to use the TrueDepth camera on the front for smaller objects and details.
For lidar I use Scaniverse for car-sized objects and Smartpoint for really large scans. Both will give you decent results. See here for some quality examples (not my work) https://albn.medium.com/3d-scanning-with-the-iphone-lidar-8cbd723fc9ab
For TrueDepth I swear by Capture by Standard Cyborg. It’s free and the easiest to get to grips with. There are other apps like Heges which give you finer control over the process but I have found the results haven’t been as good. The issue with using TrueDepth is of course you need to point the front of the iPhone at an object to scan it meaning you cannot see the results at the same time! I have found looking at the screen from a steep angle to be a good way around it. Heges has an iPad app that lets you use the iPad as a remote display allowing you to see the results at the same time which is pretty neat.
This is some of my work using the TrueDepth scanner and processing the resulting model in mesh lab and Fusion 360: https://carlstjames1.medium.com/3d-scanning-and-manufacture-using-an-iphone-57c9bc473fca
This took some work but I managed to combine several mesh scans from Capture into one large model for 3d printing:
3d Scanner App™
3D Scanner App for Mac is a desktop tool for processing photos and videos into 3D models using the power of Photogrammetry. Perfect for 3D Design, CAD, Architecture, Games Assets, AR, VR, XR. Share USDZ models via iMessage to let friends and family see your models in Augmented Reality...
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Thanks you so much for sharing your experience! Great work! You have given me something to sink my teeth into and get started. My objects of interest are less detailed than your examples, much smaller and I will be working at home where I can set up the lighting. I think editing should b minimal once I get the hang of the process.
Thanks! Looks pretty good and has excellent reviews so I'm trying it.3d Scanner App™
3D Scanner App for Mac is a desktop tool for processing photos and videos into 3D models using the power of Photogrammetry. Perfect for 3D Design, CAD, Architecture, Games Assets, AR, VR, XR. Share USDZ models via iMessage to let friends and family see your models in Augmented Reality...
How did it print? Would it be possible to simply use some sort of turntable to rotate a small subject and generate a model from several shots covering a full rotation?