How to scan real‑world products
Easy steps to walk around your product and get great results.
The app is currently in Beta and will be released soon.
Here's how to turn your real product into a 3D model that people can view in augmented reality (AR). Think of it like taking a photo album of your item from every possible angle.
What works best
- Textured items: Things with patterns, rough surfaces, or details (like wooden furniture, fabric, or decorative objects)
- Medium-sized objects: Something you can walk around easily - from a coffee mug to a chair
- Solid objects: Things that don't bend or move while you're taking photos
Setting up your space
- Find good light: A cloudy day by a window is perfect. The light should be soft and even, like in a well-lit room
- Choose your background: Put your item on a plain surface. A white table or colored paper works great
- Clear the area: Make sure you can walk all the way around your item with your phone
Taking the photos
Our upcoming app will provide real-time instructions to guide you through this process step-by-step.
- Start at eye level: Hold your phone steady and take a photo. Make sure your item fills most of the screen
- Move in small steps: Take a tiny step to the side (about 6 inches) and take another photo. The new photo should show mostly the same view with just a little bit more
- Keep going around: Continue this until you've made a complete circle around your item. You'll need about 24-40 photos for the full circle
- Go higher: Raise your phone about a foot higher and do another complete circle, taking photos every few steps
- Go lower: Lower your phone and do one more circle, getting some photos from below if possible
- Don't forget the top and bottom: Take a few photos looking straight down at the top, and if you can safely get under your item, take some looking up
The secret to success
The app will help you track these key points automatically in real-time while scanning.
- Overlap is key: Each photo should show about 70% of what the previous photo showed. This helps the computer understand how all the photos connect
- Stay focused: Keep your item sharp and clear in every photo. Tap your screen to focus if needed
- Take your time: Rushing leads to blurry photos. Move slowly and deliberately
- More is better: Take 25-50 photos total depending on the size of the object. You can always delete extras, but you can't add missing angles later
What to avoid
- Shiny surfaces: Mirrors, glass, or very reflective items are tricky. Try dulling spray or powder if needed
- Clear/transparent items: Glass or clear plastic won't work well
- Very dark or bright lights: Avoid camera flash or very dim lighting
- Busy backgrounds: Patterned tablecloths or cluttered areas confuse the process
- Moving too fast: Big jumps between photos make it hard for the computer to connect them