Polycam
3D scanning app for mobile and web that captures LiDAR and photogrammetry scans generates meshes floor plans and measurements and exports to common 3D formats.
Overview
Polycam turns phones and drones into capture devices for 3D models using LiDAR on supported iOS devices and photogrammetry from photos on most hardware. Users scan rooms objects or sites then process in the cloud for detailed meshes textured models and point clouds. Pro tools offer scale aware measurements floor plans and CAD friendly outputs while web viewers and share links make it easy to review with clients.
Exports include OBJ FBX GLTF and point cloud formats for Blender Unreal Unity and BIM workflows. A free tier supports basic scanning and sharing while business plans add advanced measurement and floor plan generation with per seat pricing. Polycam is popular across real estate architecture construction archaeology and product design where rapid capture and collaboration matter.
Key features
- Photogrammetry: Build detailed meshes and textures from photo sets captured on phones or drones
- LiDAR capture: Use depth sensors on iOS to scan interiors with strong scale fidelity
- Measurements: Take scale aware measurements and generate floor plans in business tiers
- Web viewer: Share interactive models with links for client reviews and comments
- Formats: Export OBJ FBX GLTF and point clouds into DCC and BIM tools
- Collaboration: Organize projects invite reviewers and control permissions
- Mobile to cloud: Capture on device and process in the cloud for high quality results
- CAD outputs: Produce floor plans and sections aligned to pro workflows
Best for
- Scan rooms and sites for quick as built references
- Create object models for product design and ecommerce
- Document excavation or heritage assets with photogrammetry
- Produce floor plans and measurements for real estate
- Share interactive models for remote client reviews
- Import into engines for AR VR previews and staging
- Hand off accurate references to contractors and fabricators
- Teach students spatial capture and reconstruction
Capabilities
Photos and LiDAR
Record photo sets or LiDAR passes then align with scale for accurate reconstruction indoors and outdoors.
Mesh and texture
Process in cloud to create detailed textured meshes and point clouds ready for editing or review.
Floor plans and tools
Extract measurements generate floor plans and sections and attach notes for field collaboration.
Formats and viewers
Deliver OBJ FBX GLTF and PLY plus web viewers so stakeholders can inspect and download as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Polycam pricing start?
There is a free tier and business plans are commonly listed around $300 per seat per year with seasonal discounts on the official site.
Does Polycam work without LiDAR?
Yes photogrammetry works on many phones and from drone photo sets though LiDAR improves interior scanning speed.
Can I export to CAD or game engines?
Yes export common 3D formats compatible with BIM and DCC tools and engines like Unreal and Unity.
Are floor plans included?
Floor plans and pro measurement tools are part of business tier plans according to the pricing page.
Is Polycam suitable for enterprise use?
Enterprise plans and sales assisted options exist with admin features and support for larger deployments.
