The Best 3D Scanning Apps for iPhone

The Best LiDAR 3D scanning apps available. See the top 10 apps in action, how they work, and how to check the 3D data they produce.
Recommendations for the best app to use for your situation and advice on how to do the scanning.
In my next video, I'll discuss how to plan an upcoming project using 3D scan data. Building it in 3D first and visualizing how it will look in the space.
Creative Work Linked Below:
Instagram: / through.iris
Twitter: / throughiris_
Tiktok: / through.iris
0:00 Intro
1:05 The Apps
1:10 How to check the 3D scans
1:44 3D Scanner
2:09 3D Scanner App
2:57 Canvas app
3:42 Metascan app
4:41 Modelar app
5:36 OpalAI app
6:32 PolyCam app
7:33 Scaniverse app
8:22 SiteScape app
8:43 Recommendations
9:34 Outro - What's next

[@shubinternet]

I'd be curious to know which apps you'd be willing to pay money for, with regards to their added features.

[@DrRussell]

Definitely the most important remaining question!

[@throughiris8676]

Yeah, great question. I thought about this a lot and wanted to keep going by buying more apps, but I got such good results with the free versions that I never had to. Off the top of my head, the one thing that I would definitely pay for is a service that Canvas offers where they will convert or recreate your capture into a cleaner straighter 3D geometry. Other than that, I'm not sure what other features I would need.

[@Ibrahim_M]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@drcemdede]

Thank you for this great video!

[@GustavoPerez-wk7ex]

Thank you for creating this wonderful video.

[@zloiser]

Thanks!

[@mstreich]

Have you or anyone else done scans of smaller items, like chairs? I’m curious about measurements at this smaller scale. Thanks for this video.

[@Fzymk]

Great video thanks for putting in the time to educate us

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks for watching!

[@DamageNando]

Thanks for the detailed clear review you’re a real one ❤

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks for watching!

[@kris90bg]

Thanks to you my first experience of 3d scan with my iPhone

[@throughiris8676]

Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@SwissplWatches]

Fantastic video, thank you so much for doing the research and posting the video!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you

[@LivyLuu]

Amazing! Thank you man I can't wait to try this out!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you, enjoy

[@adrianstanchev4569]

Precious info, thanks a lot!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you for watching!

[@ItzSylvan]

underrated video!! thanks for pointing us in the right direction

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@The_Buttcheek_Bandit]

Thank you

[@charlyRoot]

Thank you. I love videos that answer the exact question I have.

[@throughiris8676]

Glad to have provided some answers

[@Adamski102]

Great job mate. Many thanks!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you

[@craigcorbin4098]

Nice vid! Thanks so much!

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennylutz8444]

This is a really good video! High production value high content value! Thanks kris!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you very much

[@ertobgio5348]

thank you for this video! you did a great job

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you

[@zqpleo]

Nice work! congratulations on success ofbthis vid!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you!

[@chawhifilms]

This has helped a bunch being a vfx data wrangler. Thanks so much, great video!

[@throughiris8676]

Glad it helped!

[@matthewmedina2513]

This video was in fact extremely helpful

[@throughiris8676]

Glad you found it helpful

[@mihtaad]

THANK U ALOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

[@Sovnyeild]

I will make video about your channel! You're great! Ty!

[@exbreezyboy]

Thanks so much for this video, Just got a iPad and was wondering where to start with the multiple apps out there. Loving your work 🙂

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you. Make sure that your iPad has Lidar and then download the app of your choice. I recommend the 3D scanner app.

[@amitanivfx]

Extremely useful 👍 I'm gonna try out the 3D scanner app. I previously Thought mostly all the apps were paid ones so didn't venture beyond regulars but now that you've shown I'll definitely try it out. Thanks bud & great video! You just won a Sub from me!👍

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks so much

[@slicedpage]

Just what I needed to know, thank you. Also, an easy sub, especially when you are planning to design and build from scratch using 3D scanning. Time permitting of course.

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you, glad you found it helpful.

[@TechFromRony]

Wow your this video got hit with 23k. Congratulations 🎈

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you

[@AngelRodriguez-ml5rk]

Thank you so much! This was exactly what I was looking for. The market on these applications is changing so fast it’s hard to keep up.

[@throughiris8676]

Glad this was helpful to you

[@firhanramadani1358]

Omg this is useful.

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks!

[@kajpaget3180]

Thank ❤ you. I think ur shower build is how building will b done in the future. I very much looked for this info in this video! Hooray u did all the work : )

[@throughiris8676]

Glad that you found it helpful.

[@indianolaguitarman]

Thanks for making this video. It is so challenging these days to find a useful/valid comparison review of apps as that seems to be one target phrase to draw in the most views for a channel but those seldom do a good apples to apples comparison. I look forward to the other videos you mentioned you'll get around to for your build when your day job will allow space for that. I've found value in taking WA state Lidar data, importing it into QGIS then sending data for a large conservancy parcel (21 acres) to a 3D model fabricator to get a better perspective on the terrain I'm in as it is heavily wooded with steep ravines. Now with a Lidar capable iPhone I've been trying to figure out which apps are of use for other purposes on a smaller scale.

[@throughiris8676]

Thanks so much! That large scale Lidar data seems really interesting. I've seen people access that public Lidar data to recreate golf courses on video games, and it seems really cool. I'm interested in learning more.

[@othoapproto9603]

Thanks, I know how much work that was to compile all that in to this wonderful video. I wish someone would do the same for the front scanner on the iPhone. Apple intended it for face scanning but for 3d object scanning it's WAY better than the LiDAR, NO REALLY. The problem is that you can't see while you're scanning because the screen is facing away from you. You have to use a second monitor to see what you're scanning. I wish apple would include the face sensor on the back camera cluster.

[@vernonleeper]

Thanks for the review, interesting is that in the end how you can fit the new build in and it be pretty accurate. I’m looking for something I can use to scan car parts and things of the nature to scale down and use to build models with.

[@throughiris8676]

You might need to clean up the model after you scan it if your planning to 3D print it or use it for something else, but this is a great start. it will get you most of the way there. much better than starting from scratch I think

[@vernonleeper]

@@throughiris8676 No doubt, did a quick and dirty scan of myself when I first opened the app, if I was patient with the movement it would have been much better.

[@argenisjuniorleoncapellan3044]

Thanks the only down side I found out of the 3D scanner app is that the app delete something with out not even notices and I couldn’t get it back but it’s the best and have a lot things to do indeed to export

[@nkcaleb]

Point cloud is used in mapping models very accurate. Too bad no apps for small mapping.

[@B0A2]

I would love a review for scanner apps for smaller objects.

[@throughiris8676]

For smaller objects, you can still use the 3D scanner app. It should have a scale setting that you can adjust for smaller items. There are some options on the App Store that are specifically made for smaller items, but I've heard they aren't very good.

[@juliomarques6741]

Cute dog! And great video. Thank you

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you!

[@canaldetestesgabrielbrito3836]

increadble content!!

[@throughiris8676]

Thank you

[@michadudek459]

Nice review. I'm looking for easy to use program which allows my company draw projects for customer of how heat pump installation will look like, it can help for sure

[@throughiris8676]

Yeah, I think when you can see how it will look it really helps. If you can scan your customers installation area and then add the pump in 3D then render it out it will probably really impress them and help them decide

[@alexandrossalonica]

Hi! Great video! I am thinking of getting an iphone 15 pro max. I use AutoCAD LT for my work (engineer) and I am wondering if there is an easy way to insert 3D scanned files from iPhone to AutoCAD LT without extra cost. Is it possible?

[@fjm4440]

Thanks for this! Which gave the most accurate measurements; Canvas?

[@throughiris8676]

3D scanner app, but honestly most of the apps were really similar. None of them were perfect. Interestingly, by doing this test, I had a few different models from a few different apps and the average of all of them was much closer than any one app on its own. So, I wonder if you took a few captures and looked where they matched if it would help. That's something I should try and report back. Overall, I think there are a lot of limitations to this technology, especially the versions available on phones. I wouldn't expect super accurate results from any of them and double check with the tape measure or another tool if you can.

[@ShebanFPV]

There is also KIRI Engine app for 3D scanning, and HDReye to create HDRIs 👍🏻

[@khalidalzain9452]

Hi, I have a face mask to take its exact measurements inside and outside. What would be tge best iPhone app to use. Thanks

[@dcnguyen28]

what app on desktop did you used to open the scanned file in the video?

[@dinhobueno412]

very good, can you use 3D model in autocad 3D?

[@throughiris8676]

Yeah, I haven't used AutoCad but I'm sure you can import an OBJ model into AutoCad

[@loganmarriott11]

Hi. A little puzzled with your reviews. You note the performance based on the walls being straight, if the box dimensions fit and textures (giving credit for random noise effects). To my eye, Canvas gave an awful rendition of the series of blocks to the Left of the stairs, very rounded, not capturing the crisp vertical/horizontal faces at all. Modular seemed near as good if not better than MetaScan if taking that brick profile as a performance point

[@throughiris8676]

Yeah, you have a good point. The main downside to all of these scanners is that they don't make very straight geometry. I think that's one of the main reasons that they don't get used more often. If you needed a model for a 3D program, these would probably have too many unnecessary polygons and be denser or heavier than they need to be. The comment where I mentioned about the wall might be about a paid feature canvas has where it will take your scan and convert or create clean straight walls from it. As far as I could tell, none of the other apps offered that service. So if you needed that and could pay, it would be your only option. Also, I wonder if the service is done by human beings or an algorithm, because my understanding is this is pretty difficult to achieve algorithmically. I hope that makes sense and answers your question.

[@rekik66]

What’s the recommendations for small items? Like model cars, legos and micro rc’s

[@throughiris8676]

I would still recommend the 3D scanner app, it should have a scale setting to go smaller. I did see that there were some apps in the App Store specifically made for small objects, but I've heard that they're pretty bad.

[@addahanna4844]

Really enjoyed your video, thanks. I am looking for an app/s to 3D model an existing opal mine and overlap on an aerial photo to establish mine boundaries underground. The mine is comprised of about 100m of tunnels and a few open areas 5m across. Tunnels typically are 2m high and 1.5m wide. I am after an accurate representation as it is very important to establish mine boundaries so as to not accidentally mine in a neighbouring claim and as the mine is like a rabbit warren it is very difficult to determine where you actually are underground. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Adam

[@throughiris8676]

This sounds like a really interesting project. I know there are professional LiDAR devices made for commercial projects like this. As far as the iPhone and its apps, even on these small projects that I’ve been doing, it’s not super accurate. I would only use the apps for hobbyist projects or as a second reference. I don’t think they hold up to professional grade projects.

[@grahamulax]

These are my top favs too. 3d scanner app has a room layout function that id be interested to see how it lined up in real world measurements! It basically simplifies all the geo and easier to select, but everything is boxed. Sometimes I just bake textures from one scan on another if I like another app more..... Allllllso 3d scanner app has point cloud too! Never tried it, AND 4k textures, ANNNNNND you can walk around in the app like a game with two joysticks now. Its nuts. Been modeling my house with it so I can reorganize! They have a new cloud and photo feature too thats just photogramatry instead of lidar. I think it requires a mac desktop though soooo no way for me to test that! Great vid! Glad I'm still using my fav :p

[@mozhganbayat6941]

Thank you for info, which 3d app are you using in laptop?

[@throughiris8676]

Cinema 4D is the 3D software that I use. If you are looking for something free, I’ve heard Blender is great.

[@Fabio-hv8jz]

Which is the best app to use in AutoCAD software exporting the point cloud in . RCS? Thank you!

[@throughiris8676]

If you want to use point cloud data, in my test I found that Site Scape supported it. Personally, I didn't find point cloud as useful as 3D geometry, but that’s mostly recuses my use case. Thanks!

[@shubinternet]

And where would you put Kiri Engine in this comparison?

[@throughiris8676]

I haven't had a chance to use it, but I'm excited to try it out and might do a follow up with new apps and some of the new updates.

[@belakulcsar]

Hy. Which one can be used to show measures? To export walls for creating furniture. Thank you

[@throughiris8676]

Either Canvas or 3D Scanner app.

[@raine4214]

Trying to recreate an old discontinued guitar which I've had the luck to obtain, was thinking if I stripped it down of all the hardware and used one of these apps to get exact shapes and measurements, do you think this would be a good way to go ?

[@throughiris8676]

That would be a really good start, but you will probably have to clean up the geometry of those models to make them perfect.

[@raine4214]

@@throughiris8676 is that doable through the app ?

[@AlessandroPetrocino]

Do you recommend the 3d Scanner App to be used on an iPad Pro M2 11" ? I would like to get some rooms measurements to expose them to rent, and want to have details to show, and possibility of navigation on it, but I have this iPad, but not an LIDAR iPhone (I have a iPhone 11 today). It works at the same way??

[@throughiris8676]

As long as it has Lidar (that iPad should) it should work the same way.

[@braingrenade]

How well do you think your recommended apps would do scanning people? I have a Sense 2 hand held 3D scanner, but it’s not supported anymore, and I have people wanting busts made because they saw the ones I did of my kids.

[@throughiris8676]

Using any of these apps will be a great start. However, you will probably need to touch them up in a 3D program if you are making busts.

[@ervey370]

If I want to scan my head would you say scaniverse is the way to go? Because on the video you said it was good for more organic things

[@throughiris8676]

I would use 3D scanner app! And maybe meta scan as a back up. they were both free so it can’t hurt to do a second one. As for scaniverse I thought it was pretty bad, I wouldn’t use it but it had a few decent reviews on the App Store so I figure there might something it’s good for that i missed but honestly I’d avoid it.

[@ZhuJo99]

Scaniverse is probably only one working in realtime for iPhone without Lidar, using photogrammetry. I tried it and while not ideal, better than to use hundreds of photos

[@gabrielstegmaier2477]

can you show how you export the model to the program? and what program are you using?

[@throughiris8676]

Hey, yeah, I actually had a long section of this video that was the step by step on how to do that, but the video was getting really long so I decided to make it into a second video. I’ll try to finish that soon

[@yinhoeong]

Hi sir, I am using Iphone 13 and 3D Scanner App TM to scan a rock core which is size is about 1.3 m x 1.3 m. When I import the cloud data in Analist software, I found the average distance between one cloud point to the nearest cloud point is about 15 mm. I am not able to do any setting using the 3D scanner app TM. Q1. Do you know how to increase the density of the could point or in other word decrease the spacing between cloud data ? Q2. Did you notice any difference in 3D scanning using Iphone 13 and Iphone 13 Pro ? Thank you.

[@throughiris8676]

In the 3D scanner app you can go to “LiDAR advanced” and then choose a smaller scale. Also a lot of times it depends on how you scan it. I would try to go slower or try an up and down movement like you're painting a wall. Lastly and unfortunately, these tools aren’t super accurate. It helped me get the basic layout of my space, but I also measured to make sure I had the right dimensions.

[@buggy5079]

greetings, do you have any opinion on which is the best for face-scanning ? I tried a couple of free apps with LIDAR but since I am human and have micro-movements even when trying to remain still, the end result of my face models were bad.

[@throughiris8676]

I would still recommend the 3D scanner app, it should have a scale setting to go smaller. although I did see there were some in the App Store specially made for faces but I’m not sure how well they work

[@paulcurtis4673]

What would it take to be able to scan someone’s place unknown to them in real time ?

[@gregoryziemba1720]

We are a stair company.Many times we need to fabricate railings for something existing. What would be the best tool to scan dimensions, angles. Plumb, level, square???

[@stealtheo]

You can use an iPhone with LiDAR to measure just by pointing your iPhone at the steps where you want to install the railing. The built in app is called Measure LiDAR uses thousandfold of invisible light points to accurately measure or you can also use the front facing camera I believe that uses a depth sensor to unlock the iPhone also using thousand of invisible lasers to do the measurements and can also use it in low or no lighting conditions

[@throughiris8676]

Canvas App and probably the paid service on that would be the best for a clean model.

[@nalandajayasena6265]

What is the best app for scan small sculptures

[@throughiris8676]

I would suggest 3D Scanner App or Magiscan. Although I didn't review Magiscan I have heard it is good for smaller objects.

[@ahmadihsan5652]

next best scanner for small object or diecast 1/64

[@throughiris8676]

For something that scale you will probably need another app. I didn't test one out that would work for that.

[@AbdulAziz-cj4hg]

Im a 3d artist, and print enthusiasts, whats the best app to get clean mesh but still maintain the good shape, and ready to print?

[@throughiris8676]

Hey, I’m a 3D artist too, sometimes, what software do you use? So the bottom line is none of the meshes are very good. They’re all gonna need some cleaned up some but I like that poly Cam used less polys, it seemed like it was trying to add less unnecessary ones, but it was less detailed. As far as good detail and texture I liked the 3D scanner app. But you can get models from both for free, so I’d do both

[@user-zj6kj5eu2n]

Is it possible to accurately scan small objects like nails with the 3D scanning app in the video?

[@throughiris8676]

I'm not 100% sure, but I do believe there are other apps for small objects.

[@ahmadihsan5652]

whait for update app and lidar next year

[@_casg]

bro i gotta scan a little toy car, how do i go about scanning it if i wanna scan its underside?

[@throughiris8676]

I would recommend using the 3D scanner app.

[@davidhallowell9211]

I'm a podiatrist and was wondering which app would be best for scanning the bottom of a foot?

[@throughiris8676]

3D scanner app. Do you need a high resolution texture?

[@user-zj6kj5eu2n]

@@throughiris8676 I want to measure my nails accurately. Is there a suitable app?

[@vinceping7602]

Hello Quelle application gratuite permet d'exporter directement dans REVIT? Merci pour votre réponse Vince

[@throughiris8676]

I’ve never used REVIR before, but most, if not all, 3D programs can import OBJ file format. OBJs are a little basic, so if it can take FBX or another format - even better.

[@jacklynch3333]

can I scan this, clean it up, and then use my VR to walk through it?

[@throughiris8676]

Yes, although I’m not sure which app lets you view it in VR. Once you've scanned it, you should be able to access that data anyway you want to.

[@piosin1682]

Can you scan large places?

[@throughiris8676]

Yes, depends on how large though. Rooms, cars, parts of a house are all fine. I’ve also heard of people scanning parts of a city with Polycam, but I don’t know how realistic that is.

[@piosin1682]

@@throughiris8676 About 2 months ago they bought me an iPad Pro and it can scan large places

[@cheongau07]

Which one can be accepted for iPhone X?😢

[@throughiris8676]

It only works for iPhones or iPads that have Lidar scanners. iPhone 12 pro and iPad Pro and any following models of these will have Lidar.

[@enoqq]

Anything for Android?

[@throughiris8676]

Good question! I'm not sure, I apologize for only covering iPhone ones.

[@ahmadihsan5652]

realty scan dan polyscan

[@cekuhnen]

None of those apps mentioned are good and usable Actually the only good LiDAR Scanner is Trnio which combines photogrammetry with LiDAR alignment

[@projectionmapping]

Sounds right! Trnio is more suited for artist / pro use as far as mobile apps go.

[@throughiris8676]

I haven’t heard of this one. I only grabbed the top 10-15 apps on the AppStore. I looked into it though and it says it’s no longer supported and not available in the App Store, so I’m not sure how to try it. It sounds great though - hopefully they’ll bring it back.

[@FacesintheStone]

I am trying to expose the artifacts of North America, teaching people how to see the images that are carved into stone long ago before books.

[@FacesintheStone]

It seems like all this stuff is so much more advanced than what I need. I just wanna take a 3-D photo that’s interactive.

[@unn357]

how about for android?

[@jijierv2884]

Android does not habr a 3d scanner

[@throughiris8676]

Unfortunately, I don't have android and I would hope some of these apps are on both platforms, but I'm not entirely sure. Thanks for watching!

[@mandanawright]

Thanks for this video! I can't find the next video you mentioned where you utilize 3D modeling...? @thoughtiris8676

[@throughiris8676]

Still in the works, been very busy with work and life, but it’s on the way!