When processing a photogrammetry capture in Polycam, you can choose between four quality types: Fast (Optimized), Medium, Full, and Raw. Understanding when to use each processing type will help you achieve the best quality, speed, and file size balance for your specific project needs.
Comparison: Making the Right Choice
| Fast (Optimized) | Medium | Full | Raw | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Very Fast | Moderate | Slower | Slowest |
| File Size | Small | Medium | Large | Very Large |
| Polycount | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Texture Quality | Low | Medium | High | Full |
Fast (Optimized)
The fastest processing option with the smallest file size, optimized for speed over detail.
When to use it:
- When you need a quick result for review or initial assessment
- For internal use or concept visualization, where high fidelity isn't required
- When working with limited device storage or bandwidth
- For rapid iteration in the early stages of a project
- When you're creating multiple test models and need quick feedback
Key characteristics:
- Lowest polycount: Mesh is heavily simplified
- Lower texture quality: Textures are compressed to speed up processing
- Fastest processing time of all options.
Medium
What it is: A balanced option that provides good visual quality while maintaining reasonable processing times and file sizes.
When to use it:
- For most general-purpose scanning needs
- When you want decent detail without long processing times
- For objects with moderate texture variation or some intricate geometry
- When creating models for sharing, archiving, or lightweight editing
Key characteristics:
- Moderate polycount: Preserves more mesh detail than Fast
- Medium texture resolution: Good visual fidelity for most surfaces
- Strikes a good balance between quality and processing speed
- Suitable file size for standard sharing and storage solutions
- Good performance in most 3D viewers and platforms
Full
High-quality processing that preserves detailed geometry and crisp textures for professional use.
When to use it:
- For client deliverables and professional presentations
- When scanning objects with intricate details or fine textures
- For models that will be closely examined or used in high-quality renders
- When you need precision for measurements or analysis
Key characteristics:
- High polycount: More surface geometry retained
- High-resolution textures: Crisp color data and surface definition
- Larger file sizes and longer processing times
- Excellent detail preservation for important features
- Professional quality suitable for commercial applications
Raw
What it is: Unfiltered, maximum-detail processing that preserves all captured data for specialized workflows.
When to use it:
- When you plan to do extensive post-processing in external applications
- For technical or scientific applications requiring maximum data preservation
- When working with specialized workflows that benefit from unfiltered data
- For archival purposes, where preserving all original scan data is critical
Key characteristics:
- Very high polycount: All geometry is preserved, including noise
- Unfiltered texture data: Textures are retained in full but may appear unrefined
- No optimization — includes background elements, stray points, and untextured surfaces
- Largest file size and longest processing time
- Provides maximum flexibility for expert users
Important Notes
- All types use the same photo input — only the mesh and texture output vary.
- Polycount and texture resolution directly affect processing time, file size, and performance in 3D viewers.
- You can always reprocess a capture with a different setting if your needs change later.
- Consider the end platform where your model will be viewed—some platforms have file size or polycount limitations.
- For web or mobile viewing, Fast or Medium may provide better performance.