7 best 3D scanning apps for Android and iOS.
While you can create complex objects using design software such as Blender, it does take a long time. Fortunately, there are many 3D scanning apps that can do this for you in minutes. The results won’t be as good as a professional scanner, but if you want to create basic 3D models so that you can refine them later, then I have several 3D scanner apps. Let’s check them out.
There are many 3D scanning techniques that produce different results. Some of the more advanced techniques, such as laser triangulation, 3D scanning of structured light, are not possible on smartphones due to hardware limitations. Photogrammetry is the only technique that allows you to scan 3D objects using only a smartphone camera and some computational algorithms.
Best 3D scanning apps for Android and iOS
1. Bellus3D FaceApp
Bellus3D is one of the most powerful 3D scanning applications. It can create a quality 3D model of your face using the front camera. Apple’s True Depth ID is one of the reasons this app gives such good results. It uses hardware and captures additional information, not just a 2D image. You can scan your face in three modes; Face, Face + Neck, and Full Head.
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It only takes a few seconds to scan a model, and the app guides you through every step and offers enough tactile feedback to make sure you don’t go wrong. Once the scan is complete, it takes a few seconds to calculate and then create a 3D model of your head. You can rotate to see details and even share the video on Facebook.
The app also allows you to export the file in OBJ, STL, and GLB formats but requires a one-time purchase that gives you unlimited exports for the next three days. Bellus3D is the best application for creating 3D human face models.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✯✰
Install Bellus3D for iOS (Free, $ 5.99)
2. RoomScan
If you ever plan to renovate your home, the first thing an interior designer will ask you is the floor plan. They can provide you with an exact copy created in design software before any work begins. RoomScan can help you create your home floor plan with simple steps.
There are three modes in the app; Scanning by touching walls, scanning with a camera and drawing by hand. The first method uses an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure distance and angles from walls. This is the easiest to follow because you just have to hold your phone against the wall and follow the instructions until you have circled the entire room.
Also Read: Best Map Scanning Apps for Android
The second method is more complex, but it actually allows you to scan 3D space. You start by entering the details of the room and start capturing it. The application contains all the components of a standard room, including walls, doors, sliding doors, roof, etc. Once the scan is complete, it saves the information in a separate folder.
You can even connect a Bluetooth laser scanner module to easily capture room dimensions.
After scanning all the rooms in your home, you can share files in multiple formats, including PNG, PDF, DXF, or CAD. RoomScan is great for scanning interiors.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✰✰
Install RoomScan Pro for iOS (Free, $ 8.49)
3. 3D scanning
This app uses photogrammetry to scan objects in 3D. Patchy Scan captures areas and computes to create a 3D rendering of the object in the viewfinder. It happens almost instantly and you can see the progress in real time.
The app detects key points and when you press the capture button it starts capturing the space. You can use it for 3D scanning outdoors and large objects. Once the scan is complete, you can export the application in obj format. One caveat: each scan costs $ 8.99. It’s a little cool, but you get a quick scan that will take hours to recreate in the simulation software.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✰✰
Install Patchy Scan 3D for iOS (Free, $ 8.99)
4. Qlone
Qlone is an AR-based 3D scanning app. It allows you to scan objects with a marker and place an object on it. You can easily create and export 3D objects and use files for 3D printing, use them in apps and games, etc.
Using the app is very simple: first, print the mat on non-reflective paper and set up the app by following the steps below. After that, simply place the object on the mat and press the scan button. This will show you a dome with segments. The app will prompt you to scan each segment until the entire dome is covered. It will handle and create a 3D rendering of the object in the application. You can visualize how an object will look in different scenarios using the AR feature, which projects the object in the real world onto your viewfinder.
The application can export objects in OBJ, STL, PLY, X3D formats, so that later you can edit and tweak the rough sections of the software. The app is free, but an additional in-app purchase is required to export objects in these formats ($ 0.99 to $ 29.99).
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✰✰✰
Install Qlone (Android | iOS)
5. 3D Scanner – Model Builder
The following app is similar to Patchy Scan 3D, but much more powerful. It is used to transform real objects into 3D models. It uses photogrammetry to create a 3D mesh from photographs taken from different angles.
Capturing an object to create a 3D model is very simple: place the object on a solid background that doesn’t have much texture. Start recording by pressing the capture button and slowly moving around the subject to get a 360-degree view of the subject. Make sure the subject is within the frame of the viewfinder. After capturing the model, you can view it in the built-in 3D viewer and swipe to rotate the object.
Right now, you can only share models in OBJ, but you can expect more supported formats in the future. The app is free and you can create 2 models for free, you can upgrade to the Pro version to enable the export function.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✰✰
Install 3D Scanner for Android (Free)
6. Scann3D
A 3D model won’t turn out decently if you don’t follow the instructions, and Scann3D makes sure you’re doing it right. With Scann3D, you can create standard wavefront objects and then share them as point cloud data, polygonal mesh, and STL models. It uses the same photogrammetry technique to capture 2D images and then stitches the images into one 3D model.
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To create a 3D model, make sure you have a tripod to mount your smartphone on. This is necessary because a slight change in the angle of the image will skew the model. To create one model, you need to make at least 20 images. You can view the model in the in-app viewer.
After your model is ready, you can share or upload it to your Sketchfab account. The app is free, but you need to subscribe to be able to export models.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✰✰
Install Scann3D for Android (free,
7. Fuse
Ok, this is not a 3D scanning app, but it is a unique app that takes photos in 3D. You can capture an object in 3D space and manipulate it by moving your phone in space. It uses technology similar to the other apps on the list and creates a grid using multiple captured images.
To create a 3D photo, log into your account and click the red button at the bottom. After that, just share the photo with your friends. The best part is that they don’t even need to install an app to view the file. The link opens in any web browser and they can swipe to see the full picture. Fyuse is a great way to share 3D photos across multiple platforms.
3D Scan Quality: ✯✯✯✯✰
Install Fyuse (Android | iOS)
Best 3D scanning apps for Android and iOS
This was my pick of 3D scanning apps for your smartphone. Some are more advanced and take advantage of the built-in hardware features of devices like Bellus3D, which takes advantage of Apple’s True Depth technology to create stunning facial models. Other applications are taking the more traditional path and use photogrammetry to create 3D space with 2D images. While all apps are free, each app has an expensive business model. If you are going to use it from time to time then these apps are well worth the money. Let us know which apps you like the most in the comments below.
7 best 3D scanning apps for Android and iOS
7 best 3D scanning apps for Android and iOS