If you want to create a 3D model with your smartphone, you need a 3D scanner app. These are available for both Android and iOS.
3D scanner apps for Android
3D scans are now possible with a smartphone. You don’t need any special hardware or software to do this. However, Android devices with different specifications are on the market. The better the camera technology of your smartphone, the better the results of your scan will be.
- The Kiri Engine app is the all-rounder of 3D scanner apps. It quickly textures models in 4K. You can scan individual models or entire rooms. You can then select the format in which you want to save the model. You can then integrate the models or rooms into other systems and edit them. There is a free, limited version. You can book the pro version from 15 euros per month.
- With “MagiScan” you also have the option of scanning models and buildings. By linking to the NVIDIA Omniverse platform, you can even transfer and edit the model directly. The app is easy to use, but does not have the option of scanning rooms. Three scans are free, after which a subscription is required. This is available for around 15 euros per month.
- “Widar” is structured to be even more user-friendly. Small adjustments and changes to the scan are possible directly in the app. These include colors, textures and backgrounds. In addition, there is a dedicated Widar community where you can share your scans. The app’s language selection is still limited. The app cannot be used in German. You can take up to five scans a day for free. A subscription costs around 9 euros a month.
3D scanner apps for iOS
If you use Apple and iOS, you don’t need to worry so much about finding the right app for your device. Since iOS runs exclusively on Apple devices, the apps available are also geared to your software. If you use an iPhone 12 or a more recent model, your device has integrated lidar technology. This allows you to take better and faster scans than with Android devices. When choosing, you can therefore follow your personal preferences.
- SureScan is one of the 3D scanner apps that only run on iOS. The app marks the surface to be scanned for you. This way, you can influence how your scan should ultimately look even before you create it. The app can also show you the size and dimensions of the object. You can test the app for free for seven days. After that, a subscription of around 23 euros per month is required.
- Easy to use and therefore particularly suitable for beginners is “Scandy Pro”. You can view the model while it is still being scanned. You don’t have to export the model to edit it. You can do that in the app itself. Finally, you can download the model as an STL file. The scanner is initially available for free, but only with limited functionality. The full version is available as a permanent license for 100 euros.
- The 3D Scanner app is perfectly integrated into the iOS and Apple world. The user interface is clear and easy to use. You can also share your designs via iMessage. Your device requires at least iOS 14.1. It’s free to use.
