How to Use Space Mode (Non-LiDAR Devices)

Space Mode captures detailed 3D models of your spaces using your device's camera. Perfect for iOS devices without LiDAR sensors.

Important Note: Floorplan generation (both 2D and 3D floorplans) is not currently available for non-LiDAR Space Mode. This mode focuses on creating detailed 3D mesh models of your space.

Plan Availability

Space Mode for non-LiDAR devices is currently only available on iOS and is accessible to all subscription plans.

iOS Web Android
Free ✅ ❌ ❌
Basic ✅ ❌ ❌
Pro LEGACY ✅ ❌ ❌
Business ✅ ❌ ❌
Enterprise ✅ ❌ ❌
Battery & Performance: Space Mode scanning can use a noticeable amount of battery, but the exact usage depends on your device model, project size, and how long you're scanning. For the best results, we recommend starting with your device charged to at least 80%, especially if you're working on larger projects or multiple rooms.

What Space Mode Creates

Non-LiDAR Space Mode creates detailed 3D mesh models of your spaces using your device's camera.

3D Mesh Model: Detailed 3D model capturing surfaces, textures, and objects in the space. Works for any subject - rooms, individual objects, outdoor spaces, or architectural details. Perfect for virtual tours, design visualization, and detailed measurements.

Detailed 3D mesh works for interior spaces (top) and individual objects or exteriors (bottom)

Pre-Scan Preparation

Proper preparation is essential in creating successful scans. Follow this 5-minute setup checklist before you begin.

1Prepare Your Space

Keep the walking paths clear and plan your walking path. Open any doors before scanning to prevent capture quality issues.

  • Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting throughout the space. Good lighting is crucial for camera-based capture.
  • Obstacles: Remove items from the floor that might block your path while scanning.
  • Mirrors: Cover or avoid large mirrors and highly reflective glass surfaces as these can interfere with capture quality.

2Configure Scan Settings

Before starting, configure your Space Mode settings.

  • Tap the + button on the home screen
  • Select Space from capture options

3Position and Start Scanning

Stand in a corner and aim at the opposite corner to begin.

  • Stand in a corner for best initial tracking
  • Aim device at the opposite corner
  • Tap the white circle to start scanning
  • Slowly move your phone left and right to help the system understand the room layout and improve initial tracking
Starting Position: Beginning in a corner gives the system clear reference points and improves tracking stability throughout your scan. The initial left-and-right movement helps the app gather spatial information about the room.

4Shutter Type Selection

Choose between Auto and Manual scanning modes to match your project needs and scanning preferences.

Shutter Type Options: Configure your capture method before beginning the scan.

  • Auto Mode (Default): Automatically captures data as you move around the space. The device provides haptic feedback (buzzing) to confirm scanning is active and collecting data. Simply walk through your space at a steady pace.
  • Manual Mode: Gives you complete control over when to capture. Tap the center plus button to take each photo manually. Requires a minimum of 20 images with 70% overlap between consecutive images for proper reconstruction.
Manual Mode Tips: Take as few photos as possible that include mainly textureless surfaces like blank walls. If blank walls need to be imaged, back up, and include texture in large parts of the photos that also contain the blank walls.

Scanning Technique

Master the scanning movement and visual cues for consistently successful captures.

5Move at Walking Pace

Move around the room at a steady walking pace—about 2 feet per second. Too fast can cause tracking issues.

  • Visual feedback: Watch for on-screen indicators showing successful capture
  • Tracking lost: Stop moving, let the app relocate
If You Lose Tracking: Stand still and slowly pan your device around the room. The app will automatically relocate and continue scanning.

6Capture Walls and Ceiling

Scan from floor to ceiling on all walls. This creates complete 3D geometry for accurate measurements.

  • Tilt device up to capture ceiling corners and edges
  • Scan behind furniture where possible
  • Include doors, windows, and architectural features
  • Maintain steady movement throughout the capture

7Complete Room Coverage

Walk around the entire room, ensuring all surfaces are captured. Check for any areas that may need additional coverage.

Multi-Level Scanning

Space Mode supports scanning multiple floors or levels in a single session, perfect for capturing complete buildings and multi-story homes.

Multi-level scanning uses the same scanning logic as regular Space Mode, but extends across vertical spaces. The key is maintaining continuous tracking as you move between levels.

Multi-Level Technique: Start on one level and complete most of that floor before moving to connecting areas like stairs. The system will automatically detect and connect different floor levels as you scan.
  • Start with one complete level: Scan the majority of your starting floor following the normal Space Mode technique
  • Scan stairways thoroughly: Capture stairs from multiple angles - top, middle, and bottom. Include railings, steps, and the surrounding walls
  • Transition between levels: Move slowly when going up or downstairs to maintain tracking
  • Scan connecting ceilings: Pay special attention to ceiling areas above stairs and between levels
  • Complete additional levels: Apply the same scanning approach to each new level until you have completed your desired areas
Critical Areas: Stairs and transitional spaces are crucial for connecting levels. Spend time scanning these areas thoroughly.

8Finish and Process

When the room is fully covered, tap Done to finish scanning.

  • Stay connected: Keep WiFi/cellular active during processing if using Cloud processing.
  • Keep app open: Don't switch to other apps during processing
Your Output: You'll receive a detailed 3D mesh model generated from your scan session.

Processing Options

Non-LiDAR Space Mode offers two processing options to choose from based on your needs.

Processing Options for Non-LiDAR Space Mode

Processing Option Description Best For
On Device Processes your capture locally on your device. Processing happens entirely on your iPhone or iPad without requiring an internet connection. Smaller spaces, quick scans, or when internet connectivity is limited. Good for basic room captures.
Cloud Processes your capture using Polycam servers. Leverages more powerful processing capabilities for higher quality results and larger areas. Larger spaces, multi-level captures, or when you need the highest quality results. Recommended for professional use.
Important During Processing: Once processing starts, do not move away from the screen or close out of the app. If possible, prevent your phone from going to sleep while a capture is processing. Interrupting the process may cause processing to fail.

Data Storage and Syncing

Understanding where your scans are stored and how to back them up is crucial for preserving your work.

Local vs Cloud Storage: On Device processing stores captures locally on your mobile device. Cloud processing stores your capture on Polycam servers. For On Device processing, once processing is complete, you can upload captures to the Polycam server for cloud storage.

Upload Capture.gif

Important Data Warning: If you delete the Polycam app, all locally stored scan data will be permanently removed and cannot be recovered. Always sync your important captures to the cloud before uninstalling the app or switching devices.

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

Solve common issues and optimize your scanning results with these proven techniques.

Scan Quality Checklist: Before finishing, verify all areas are captured and surfaces are complete. A complete scan should have smooth 3D surfaces with good texture coverage.

Common Failures & Fixes:
  • Tracking lost: Too much movement or insufficient lighting
  • Missing coverage: Some areas not fully captured—continue scanning those areas
  • Processing failed: Poor internet connection or device storage full
  • Blurry captures: Avoid rapid rotation of the device. When you need to rotate your phone, do so slowly to prevent motion blur
  • Poor lighting: Ensure adequate lighting throughout the space for best results

Optimal Conditions: Best results occur in evenly lit spaces with good natural or artificial lighting, minimal reflective surfaces, and steady hand movement. Avoid scanning in very dark conditions or with strong directional sunlight creating harsh shadows.

File Management: Space Mode captures will be stored on your local device unless you select Cloud processing. Ensure you have at least 2 GB of free space available on your device.