How to Use the Extend Tool in Space Mode

The Extend Tool in Space Mode allows you to continue a previously saved scan, making it easy to scan larger areas in multiple sessions. This is helpful if you have multi-room spaces or large properties that can't be completed in one go.

Important: The Extend Tool is only available for Space & Object Mode and is not currently supported in Floorplan mode. To use it, you must be on the same device that created the original capture, and the raw data for that scan must still be available and not deleted.

Plan Availability

iOS Web Android
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Supported Capture Types

The Extend Tool is available for specific capture types only. This article covers the Extend Tool for Space Mode only. For information about using the Extend Tool with Object Mode captures, please see How to Use the Extend Tool for Photogrammetry Captures.

Capture Mode Extend Tool Support Notes
Object Mode Fully supported
Space Mode Fully supported
AI Capture Not supported
Floorplan Mode Not supported
360 Mode Not supported

How to Extend a Capture

Follow these steps to extend your existing Space Mode capture with additional areas.

1Open the Capture

Navigate to a Space capture you want to continue. Make sure you're using the same device that created the original capture.

2Access the Extend Tool

Navigate to the Advanced tab located on the bottom right hand side of the app.

Advanced Window_Polycam Navbar

Once in the Advanced tab, scroll to the right to find the Extend option. Tapping this will reopen the capture session and retain the tracking data from your original scan.

Extend Capture Button

3Position Yourself in the Original Scan Area

For the best results, start at the place you originally scanned. The area that you already scanned will have a green grid covering it, making it easy to identify. For example, if you're scanning into a new room, begin near the doorway or transition point from your last scan. This helps the app more accurately align your new scan with the existing one.

When you successfully align with the previous scan, a message will appear informing you that relocalization was successful. This confirms that the tracking has been reestablished and you can continue scanning seamlessly.

Relocalizaton visual when scanning
Pro Tip: Start your extended scan from a distinctive feature or area that was clearly captured in your original scan. This gives the system better reference points for alignment.

4Continue Scanning the New Area

Scan as you normally would, following best practices—slow, steady movement and a clear line of sight to surfaces. The app will automatically merge your new scan data with the existing capture.

5Finish and Reprocess

Once you've finished capturing the new section, tap Done. You'll return to the processing screen, where you can reprocess your capture with the new data included.

During processing, you'll see a visual representation of your extended capture. Green highlights indicate the area that was previously scanned, while pink and purple highlights show the new areas that were scanned during the extended session. This color coding helps you verify that all intended areas have been captured successfully.

Processing Screen

After extending a capture, review the entire scan to double-check that you have proper alignment between the original and extended areas. If you notice any misalignment, you may need to recapture the transition area.