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Top 3D Scanner Apps for Android and iOS

Published on February 6, 2024 by Aysha M.

Obtaining a 3D file for printing can be done in many ways: free or paid download from a dedicated platform, modeling from an adapted CAD software or 3D scanning via a 3D scanner. Today there are a multitude of solutions to scan your part, from portable devices to larger devices to capture large objects. However, the purchase of such a device can be quite costly and using it might be complicated if you don’t have certain technical knowledge. This is why some industry players have developed mobile scanning solutions that are directly available on the smartphones. 3D scanner apps have been designed to be practical, easily accessible and always at hand: our phones are more present than ever in our daily lives. But how do different 3D scanner apps work? Which solution to choose? We have prepared the list of some of the best available 3D scanner apps for iOS and Android in no particular order.

MyFit Solutions: Professional 3D scanning from iOS and Android smartphones

MyFit Solutions is a software editor allowing full 3D scanning of the human body from smartphones without add-on equipment required. It is aimed at professionals wishing to create 100% customized products, 3D avatars or facilitate morphological follow-up and monitoring. Using the phone’s rear (photogrammetry) or front (TrueDepth) cameras, you can obtain precise, to-scale 3D models with photo-realistic rendering in just a few moments.

The solution is used in the healthcare, luxury and consumer goods sectors through ready-to-use, white-label mobile applications or SDKs. It is combined with a web platform for access to extended functionalities and integration with third-party systems. Find out more on the MyFit Solutions website.

Canvas

Canvas was developed by a US company called Occipital, which has made a name for itself with its hardware and software for 3D scanning. It enables scans to be made with all Apple devices that have the LiDAR scanner (for example the iPad Pro). Devices that do not have the LiDAR scanner must be equipped with Canvas’ Structure Sensor, costing around $400. The app is great for makers and DIY enthusiasts, as well as for professional applications including interior design and architects. Canvas is very user friendly, with an intuitive interface and straightforward scanning process. The app is able to build a 3D model of a room in real time, the user need only walk around the room with their iPad. Canvas offers a scan to CAD service that enables users to convert their 3D scans into CAD files for just $29 each. The app also allows users to share their scans by email.

3D scanner app

Heges 3D Scanner App for iOS Devices

Heges is a 3D scanner app available only for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads). It allows scanning people and all kinds of objects – from small and complex parts to a whole car. Once the process is complete, the models can be exported as PLY (with color) or STL files for later 3D printing. If you want to share the file, you can also do so via a built-in Wi-Fi server, the iOS file app, or via iTunes. The FAQ section of the Heges website also has recommendations for quality scans and tips for preparing your models for additive manufacturing. One big advantage of the Heges 3D scanner app is that privacy is a big deal. The app provider promises that no data will leave your device unless you choose to share it.

itSeez3D, the App for Capturing and Sharing Models

The itSeez3D 3D scanner app allows you to easily capture and share models. To download the app, you need a compatible device and a Windows + RealSense or iOS + Structure Sensor 3D (both available on the app’s website). Its use is quite intuitive and simple, since there are only 3 steps. The first is to scan the device, object or person you want, following the instructions provided. Then you get a preview of the raw scan, send it to the cloud and process it to get the 3D model with better quality. Finally, you can have your 3D model downloadable and editable via modeling software. It can also be printed in 3D. The application states that a normal size object can be scanned in 3 to 5 minutes while a full body will take 5 to 10 minutes.

3D scanner app

KIRI Engine, a Powerful 3D Scanner App for All Smartphones

Self-designated as one of the world’s most powerful 3D scanner apps for iOS, Android and web browser, KIRI Engine has grown quickly in popularity since its launch in 2022. The photogrammetry 3D scanning app can generate textured 3D scans, with an AI-backed algorithm helping adjust even low-quality photos or those done in poor lighting. Even better, the most basic version of the software is free! Thus, allowing for unlimited projects that can be started and viewed in 3D, up to 70 photos per project, three free exports, access to all export formats, in-app editing tools, LiDAR RoomScan for IOS devices. The pro version (available for $14.99 per month or $59.99 per year) gives access to unlimited exports, shorter queuing times, advanced camera settings and access to Kiri Engine Web, a professional photogrammetry platform available on web browsers, among other exciting features. You can learn more about the latest update in the video below:

MagiScan, 3D Scanning With Gamified Elements

The MagiScan 3D scanner app, available on Android and iOS, will enable you to scan your objects quickly and easily, and export them in several formats for 3D printing, such as STL and OBJ among others. It’s an artificial intelligence-based solution, offering several scan modes (automatic, manual, hybrid, etc.). There’s even a Minecraft mode for game fans, so you can export your everyday objects to your Minecraft adventures! A Premium version of MagiScan is also available, giving you access to even more features.

Photo Credits: MagiScan

Polycam, a Newer 3D Scanner App

Of course, we would be remiss if we did not mention some of the new generation of apps that are starting to come through, notably those related to Apple’s LiDAR scanner. Generally, though there are many 3D scanner apps that are now becoming available thanks to this incredible technology, many of them are not yet really used with 3D printing, excluding them from this list. However, we did want to highlight one popular app that has been making waves, not the least because of its ability to be used with 3D printing. Polycam is currently supported on the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and the 2020 iPad Pro. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find it on Android devices, though the developers mention that if mainstream Android devices come out with a comparable sensor, then they will make polecat available on Android as well. Polycam can export to a number of files including obj, and .stl. The app enables you to quickly create color 3D scans of objects and spaces. Thanks to LiDAR, it is much faster than many other scanning apps, allowing users to scan a single room in only seconds. The base app is free, but exporting requires a one-time in-app payment.

Qlone, a Simple 3D Scanner App

For those who want to scan without the use of complex software, Qlone offers a user-friendly alternative that aims to make 3D scanning of small objects a breeze. Qlone was originally designed for 3D scanning of toys. Eyecue Vision Technologies, the company behind Qlone, has already worked with manufacturers such as Playmobil, LEGO and Bandai, but has also been able to convince hobby printers with the idea. For the 3D scan to succeed, the Qlone Mat must first be printed out, which is placed under the object. Then, two different sections of the same object are created and merged using the smartphone. The user also has the option to modify the 3D model created by the smartphone – such as the texture or size. Afterwards, the scanned object can be exported to a variety of popular 3D file formats: OBJ, STL, USDZ, GLB, FBX, PLY and X3D.

3D scanner apps

RealityScan From Unreal Engine

RealityScan is a free 3D scanner solution developed by Unreal Engine, available on the App Store, Google Play and Galaxy Store. It lets you create highly realistic 3D models from your phone or tablet. Key features include augmented reality guidance, a cropping tool, revision mode and the ability to export your creations to Sketchfab. Take a look at the tutorial below, which will guide you through the various steps involved in creating your 3D model:

Scandy Pro, an American 3D Scanner App

Scandy Pro is a 3D scanner app that was developed in the US and first launched in 2014. It is compatible with iOS devices only, specifically iPhone X, 11 and 12 and iPads Pro 2018 and above. Its features are numerous: adding a colored background, light adjustments, augmented reality view, noise filter, etc. 3D scans can be exported to .ply, .obj, ,stl formats which makes the application ideal for 3D printing. Scandy Pro uses LiDAR on the latest iPhone models.

SCANN3D

The Scann3D app was developed by Hungarian company Smart Mobile Device and relies on photogrammetry technology to enable the capture and reconstruction of 3D models from a smartphone or tablet. In other words, once downloaded to your phone (Android only), your device becomes a tool to transform the images you capture into 3D models by generating point cloud data. The resulting 3D models can be stored, shared and edited by other applications, and these same 3D models can also be used in augmented or virtual reality applications. This includes the ability to share with SketchFab. You have the possibility to export any model on Scann3D in several formats such as .obj, .stl or .ply.

3D scanner apps

Trnio, the High-Quality 3D Scanner App

Trnio is an application for cell phones that turns your device into a high quality 3D scanner. The platform is very simple and has three scanning modes. The first, called Photo Import, allows you to transform the photos on your phone into 3D models. The second, called ARKit Mode, uses Apple’s ARKit technology to guide you through the scanning process. Finally, Object Mode is ideal for scanning objects to get the best textures and colors. Once Trnio has generated a 3D model, you can easily export it to other 3D editors for further customization. Trnio works only for the iOS operating system, and can be downloaded from Apple’s app store.

3D scanner apps

3D Creator by Sony

The 3D Creator was developed is a scanner app from Sony that was developed to allow you to capture objects and people on your smartphone and directly turn them into high-resolution 3D models. There are five scanning modes on the 3D Creator, selfie, face, head, food and freeform. Depending on what you want to scan, the app will guide you to choose the correct mode. As with other scanning apps, 3D Creator lets you use your 3D models with other applications such as augmented reality. These models can easily be exported for 3D printing too. Keep in mind that you need a Sony mobile for the app to work. It is preinstalled in the Xperia 1, Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact, Xperia XZ2, Xperia XZ2 Compact, Xperia XZ2 Premium, and Xperia XZ3. The Xperia XZ Premium receives the 3D Creator as part of the Android 8.0 (Oreo) update.

3DsizeMe from TechMed3D

The 3DsizeMe mobile application was developed to digitize the human body in 3D. Available on the App Store, it uses the Structure Sensor 3D scanner (which must be bought separately) to capture all data from any part of the body, specifically to scan a plantar surface, a leg, a foot, the torso, etc. It is therefore geared towards the medical sector in order to learn more about a person’s anatomy. 3DsizeMe is equipped with an ergonomic interface that will allow you to retrieve all your data, current projects, etc. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad and requires at least iOS 11.0. The resulting files can be read directly into the MSoft software of TechMed3D and exported in .STL or .OBJ format for 3D printing.

Widar, the Accessible 3D Scanning App 

Another of the 3D scanner apps available for free is WIDAR. Working off the idea that they want to “bring the creative power of 3D to everyone and co-create the future of the metaverse,” WIDAR seeks to be a more accessible version of traditional 3D production tools like Blender. With the app, it is possible to use your smartphone camera to scan real objects and then transform them into 3D models. Not only that, but it has a numberof editing tools to allow users to shape their models in any way they want, including crop, erase, sculpt and compress. In terms of pricing, in line with the company’s goals, there is a free version of WIDAR which allows access to pretty much everything including the use of LIDAR Scan on iOS devices, unlimited scans and compositions and access to all editing tools. However, there is also a pro version available for $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year which allows exporting with different professional file formats, 4K high-res texture for photo scanning and no watermark when exporting videos.

Photo Credits: Widar

What do you think of these 3D scanner apps for Android and iOS? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!

The 10 comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

  1. TK says:

    Wonderful list.. but for an article published august 5th 2020.. not really well researched, since Display. land is closing their service and Microsofts MobileFusion is not available for download and the articles that can be found are mostly from 2015 and say it may never come to consumers.

  2. Rob van Houtert says:

    Mobilefusion has never been released, project has closed in 2015 already…

  3. Gio says:

    Maybe put what hardware they are compatible with in the title next to the app name next time.

  4. Cmdr Obbert42 says:

    You only list 2 apps that are compatible with Android devices, one of which is proprietary & can’t even be found in the Google Play Store. To say Android in your title, you should have really considered not being lazy and only include 2 of the shittiest of selections.

  5. Anas says:

    Hi. Thanks for the detaild description of 3d software packages. Very interesting how they have quickly developed through the past few years. However. I am looking for something simillar but a bit more complicated and i would be greatful if anyone can help. I am trying to scan human face with high accuracy for research purpose. The available apps includes turning the head right and left or moving the camera which add time factor to the errors in image capture, during the few seconds of capture the person may smile or move his lips animate in a way that greatly affect the accuracy of the image. Professional research setereogrammetry cameras provide the option of using three or more cameras destributed around the head so tbat they capture the images simultaneously from different angles which eleminates the time factor and error.
    Are you aware of any software that can provide the option of using multiple cameras at the same time? Please let me know and i will be very greatful.
    Have a good day.

  6. noorgram says:

    very nice app
    i can download it

  7. You are a genius! I just read your article and I have to tell you that it’s amazing. The best part of the post is the 3-dimensional scanner apps for Android & iOS because they’re going to be huge in 2022, right? They’ll make our lives so much easier with all this new technology at our fingertips – now if only somebody would invent something similar for desktops…

  8. Steven Yi says:

    Hello,
    I am writing to inform you that we have just released a new iOS scanner app or SureScan 3D app. This app has been field tested by over 50 experts in foot orthotics, prosthetics, hearing aid device, and entertainment etc. It is ranked the best as it is much easier to use (no losing track!) and 3D quality id superior. I am hoping that when you write an article on 3D scanner app next time, please do kindly include this app in the review.

    Thank you,
    Steven

  9. KIRI Engine says:

    Hello from the KIRI Engine 3D scanning app for iOS and Android ! Our app was released after your latest article update, just wanted to drop a comment for anyone scrolling all the way down here 🙂 Thanks for all the content you publish everyday! Great resource for 3D printing/scanning info 🙌 Keep up the great work!

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