LiDAR + AR - Free apps for 3D scanning on Mac, iPhone and iPad

Scanned 3D models are not only useful in films and video games to represent digital objects as realistically as possible. It can also be practical for companies and private individuals to produce 3D models or to use ready-made 3D items - if e.g. B. the apartment is to be equipped with new furniture. The LiDAR scanner and the camera can be used on the iPhone and iPad to display the selected objects in the correct size using augmented reality (AR). In the following you will find out which free apps you can use to create your own 3D models on Mac, iPhone and iPad or use ready-made ones. Feel free to leave your own app tips in the comments! :)

Reading recommendation: Create objects step-by-step in Reality Composer

3d scanner app by Laan Labs

The 3d scanner app for macOS, iOS and iPadOS is completely free and uses the camera and the LiDAR scanner on Apple's mobile devices not only to create 3D structures, but also to give them the right textures and colors. There are a lot of options for adjusting the scans as well as an option for measuring the scanned objects. They can also be output and shared in various formats. Photos can be used on the Apple Mac - by feeding in images from different perspectives, the photographed object is created as a 3D model. More details and the download can be found in the App Store.

The 3d scanner app from Laan Labs is not only well rated, but also available for free for macOS, iOS and iPadOS. You can create AR objects with a camera and LiDAR scanner (mobile) as well as with photos (Mac).

Canvas for Homeowners by Occipital, Inc.

I recommend this app for iPhone and iPad with reservations because it promises to scan entire rooms and create larger 3D models. This can be interesting for room planning, renting out rooms or apartments and for renovation / refurbishment. However, this program collects significantly more data than the aforementioned one. The reviews aren't that good either. If you still want to try out the software and create CAD files of your property (or try out whether the free app works reasonably well), then come along with this link to the App Store.

Canvas for Homeowners promises easy recording of entire rooms as 3D models as well as the creation of CAD models. However, more data is collected and the app is not rated as well.

IKEA Place by Inter IKEA Systems BV

Who doesn't immediately think of IKEA when they think of new furniture, if only out of reflex? If you want to use augmented reality with your iPhone or iPad to try out new furniture in your space, then the IKEA Place app could be the right thing for you. This way you can deal more immersively with the potential new additions and in the end you are better informed and can make a purchase decision that is less frustrating. When I took a quick look at the app, I found the best sellers and a few new products. The complete product catalog does not seem to be available down to the smallest detail. But just take a look for yourself: To the App Store.

IKEA Place is representative of a group of furniture store apps and web applications that allow you to place furniture and other furnishings in your home using AR.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.