What is Polycam?
Polycam is a 3D capture app that turns phone photos, video and LiDAR scans into 3D models, Gaussian splats and floor plans. It runs on iPhone, iPad, Android and the web, and is one of the most popular 3D scanning apps on both mobile stores. On LiDAR-equipped iPhones and iPads it can scan whole rooms in minutes, while photo mode works on any phone.
Polycam covers both creative and professional work. Creators use it to capture objects and places as meshes or photorealistic Gaussian splats for games, VFX and 3D printing, and it also offers AI-generated captures from images. Professionals in real estate, construction and architecture use the Business plan for 2D and 3D floor plans, measurements, point cloud exports and virtual walkthroughs. Captures export to common formats such as GLTF, OBJ and FBX.
Main Features
- Scan rooms and spaces quickly with LiDAR on supported iPhones and iPads.
- Build 3D models from a set of photos with photogrammetry on any phone.
- Create photorealistic Gaussian splats from video or photos.
- Generate 3D captures with AI from images.
- Export meshes in formats including GLTF, OBJ and FBX for games and printing.
- Produce 2D and 3D floor plans with measurements on the Business plan.
- Share captures by link or embed and manage them in a team library.
How to Get Started with Polycam
- Install Polycam on iOS or Android, or open poly.cam on the web.
- Pick a capture mode: LiDAR, photo, splat or AI.
- Walk around the object or room while the app guides coverage.
- Process the capture, then view, measure, share or export it.
Polycam Pricing
The Free plan includes limited object, space and AI captures with GLTF export and public sharing. Basic costs $30 per month or $12.50 per month billed yearly ($150 per year) and adds unlimited captures, splats and six export formats. Business is $33 per user per month billed yearly with floor plans and team tools, and Enterprise is $1,200 per user per year with a three-user minimum.
Who Should Use It?
- 3D artists and game developers capturing real-world assets.
- Real estate agents and photographers creating floor plans and tours.
- Architects, contractors and surveyors measuring existing spaces.
- Hobbyists scanning objects for 3D printing.
- VFX and virtual production teams using Gaussian splats.
Polycam Alternatives
- Meshy AI: better if you want 3D models from text or images rather than scans
- 3D AI Studio: many AI 3D tools such as texturing and rigging in one place
- Tripo3D AI: fast AI image-to-3D generation for game assets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polycam free?
Yes, Polycam has a free plan with a limited number of captures and GLTF export. Paid plans start at $12.50 per month billed yearly for unlimited captures.
Do I need LiDAR to use Polycam?
No. Photo mode and Gaussian splats work on any modern phone. LiDAR on Pro iPhones and iPads makes room scanning faster.
What is Polycam used for?
Polycam is used to turn real objects and spaces into 3D models. Common uses are game and VFX assets, 3D printing, floor plans and property tours.