PolycamPolycam democratizes 3D scanning, making it accessible and efficient for creators to bring real-world objects into the digital realm.
Key takeaways
- •Polycam is a mobile app that uses AI and photogrammetry to capture, reconstruct, and share detailed 3D models of real-world objects and environments using a smartphone camera.
- •Best for: Architecture and Real Estate.
- •Pricing model: Freemium. There is a free tier.
- •Biggest strength: Accessible 3D scanning via smartphone.
- •Main limitation: Requires good lighting for best results.
- Vendor
- Polycam
- HQ
- San Francisco, USA
- Founded
- 2020
- Pricing
- Freemium
Information verified from official product sources.
What is Polycam?
Polycam is a mobile app that uses AI and photogrammetry to capture, reconstruct, and share detailed 3D models of real-world objects and environments using a smartphone camera.
Polycam is an app that allows users to capture 3D models of real-world objects and scenes using their smartphone camera. It uses advanced photogrammetry and AI to reconstruct detailed 3D assets quickly and accurately.
Have we tested Polycam hands-on?
Not yet. This listing is compiled from Polycam’s public documentation, pricing pages and changelogs — nothing on this page is presented as a hands-on test result.Polycam sits in our testing queue; when we run it, this section will state what we tested, how long for, and what it actually produced. How we review AI tools.
Who is Polycam for?
- Architecture and Real Estate: Create detailed 3D scans of properties and spaces for virtual tours, measurements, and documentation.
- Product Design and Prototyping: Capture existing products or components to iterate on designs or create digital twins for manufacturing.
- Game Development and VFX: Scan real-world assets to quickly populate virtual environments with realistic 3D models.
- Art and Museums: Digitize sculptures, artifacts, and historical sites for preservation, education, and digital exhibitions.
- Education and Research: Document scientific samples, historical findings, or create interactive 3D learning materials.
How does Polycam work?
- Photogrammetry scanning
- LiDAR scanning (on supported devices)
- Semantic segmentation
- 3D model export (OBJ, GLTF, etc.)
- Cloud processing
- Collaboration tools
- AR viewing
What does Polycam cost?
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Experimentation and occasional casual use with limited exports and captures. |
| Pro | $19.99/month | Professional users needing unlimited captures, full export options, and advanced features. |
Prices as of , taken from Polycam’s public pricing page. Vendors change pricing without notice — check before you buy.
What are the pros and cons of Polycam?
- Accessible 3D scanning via smartphone
- High-quality reconstruction
- User-friendly interface
- Fast processing times
- Multiple capture modes
- Requires good lighting for best results
- Free tier has limitations
- Can be resource-intensive on older devices
What are Polycam's limitations?
- Accuracy can vary with object complexity and lighting
- Free tier limits exports and processing
- Requires a stable internet connection for cloud processing
How does Polycam compare to Metashape?
| Feature | Polycam | Metashape | RealityCapture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Polycam | High | Medium |
| Mobile Accessibility | Polycam | Excellent | Limited |
| Pricing Model | Polycam | Freemium | Paid |
What are the best alternatives to Polycam?
How do I get started with Polycam?
- Download the Polycam app from your device's app store.
- Open the app and choose your capture mode (e.g., Photo Mode, LiDAR Mode).
- Follow the on-screen guidance to capture photos or scan your object/scene. Process your scan in the cloud.
How can I use Polycam with SynaBot?
Use a SynaBot assistant to produce the thinking, then move the output into Polycam for execution. Every SynaBot assistant is included with the platform membership.
- Content Creator (ZARA) — drafts the copy, captions and campaign angles you'll run through Polycam.
- Business Planner (VIKRAM) — decides whether Polycam belongs in your stack and what it should replace.
- Project Manager (PACE) — turns the rollout of Polycam into owned, dated tasks.
Browse the full AI assistant roster, grab a starting point from the prompt library, or have us wire it together with our AI consultancy service.
Frequently asked questions about Polycam
What is Polycam?
Polycam is a mobile application that allows users to create 3D models of objects and environments using their smartphone's camera. It utilizes advanced photogrammetry and AI for accurate reconstructions.
Is Polycam free to use?
Polycam offers a freemium model. A free tier is available with limitations on exports and processing, while a paid Pro subscription unlocks full features and unlimited usage.
What types of devices support Polycam?
Polycam is available on iOS and Android devices. For LiDAR scanning capabilities, it requires a device with a LiDAR sensor, such as newer iPhone Pro models.
What 3D file formats can Polycam export?
Polycam supports various export formats, including OBJ, GLTF, PLY, STL, and FBX, catering to different 3D software and workflows.
How does Polycam reconstruct 3D models?
Polycam uses photogrammetry, where it analyzes multiple photos taken from different angles to calculate the 3D structure of an object or scene. LiDAR-equipped devices can also use depth information for more accurate scans.
Can I edit my 3D models within Polycam?
Polycam offers basic editing tools for trimming and cleaning up models. For more advanced modifications, you would typically export the model to dedicated 3D modeling software.
What is the difference between photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning in Polycam?
Photogrammetry uses photographic data to build 3D models, while LiDAR scanning uses laser pulses to measure distance, providing depth information directly. Combining both can lead to more accurate and detailed scans, especially with LiDAR-enabled devices.
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