How to Use Object Mode

Object Mode gives you two ways to turn photos into 3D. Photogrammetry for mesh models, and Gaussian Splats for photorealistic results. In this guide, you will learn the best practices on using Object Mode.

Plan Availability

Object Mode availability varies by platform and subscription plan.

Platform Availability

Features and Limits

What Object Mode Creates

Understand the two different reconstruction methods available in Object Mode and when to use each one for optimal results.

Photogrammetry Mesh

Creates traditional 3D models with polygonal meshes and texture maps.

Best for: 3D printing, engineering, architecture, and insurance documentation.

Gaussian Splats

Creates photorealistic neural radiance fields using 3D Gaussian distributions. Captures complex lighting, reflections, and material properties.

Best for: Photorealistic visualization, complex materials, transparent objects, and artistic applications.

Choosing Your Subject

The success of your capture depends on selecting the right subject and reconstruction method. Different techniques work better for different types of objects.

Pre-Capture Preparation

Before you start capturing, it's worth taking a moment to make sure your device is ready for a longer session.

• Make sure your phone is fully charged before starting
• Close out any apps running in the background
• Turn off notifications to avoid interruptions during capture
• Ensure you have enough storage space for your photos

1Capture Planning

Assess your object and workspace to ensure you can capture complete coverage from all necessary angles.

2Lighting Setup

Even, diffuse lighting makes all the difference for successful captures. Harsh shadows and bright reflections will interfere with the reconstruction process.

3Object Positioning

Position your object in a space where you can easily walk around it and capture from all angles, including from above and below when possible.

• Clear workspace: Check that you have at least 3-4 feet of clearance around your object
• Stable surface: Place objects on a table or surface that won't move
• Contrasting background: Use a background that contrasts with your object
• Object masking consideration: If you plan to move the object during capture, enable Object Masking before processing

Object Mode User Interface

Here's a quick look at the Object Mode interface so you know exactly what you're working with before you start capturing.

Free Mode

The default scanning mode. Gives you full control over your capture with access to all three shutter settings and zoom controls, depending on your device.

Shutter Settings

Zoom Options

Available zoom options vary depending on your device.

Guided Mode

Guided mode doesn't use shutter modes. Instead, it gives you a live point cloud preview as you capture, so you can see in real time what the reconstruction is building. This makes it easier to spot gaps in coverage before you finish your session.

Capture Technique

Think of scanning like building a map. You start by covering the full area first, then go back and fill in the details. The more thorough your coverage, the better your final result.

4Create Your Base Outline

You will want to create a base outline of your capture first. To do that, you want to get a simple loop around the object where the whole object fits in the image. This outline will be used for alignment and depth calculation for your detailed shots later.

5Create Your Mid Ring

Now that you have your base outline, move a little bit closer to your object. The mid ring will be about a foot away from the object, taking another set of scans by doing a loop around that object. As you work through this ring, make sure you're also varying your elevation. Take shots from a higher angle, looking down, and from a lower angle looking up. Getting enough high and low coverage at this stage makes a big difference to the final reconstruction.

6Capture Inner Details

Finally, you will get closer to the object to get better images of the final details. Use this time to take specific shots that don't show the full object. Get close enough to capture the details, but also prevent taking blurry photos.

7Capturing the Underside

The underside of an object is one of the most commonly missed areas in a capture session, and one of the hardest to get right. Because it faces away from the camera during normal loops, it's easy to forget until you're already in processing. Keep in mind that the underside also needs to have enough surface texture for a successful capture. Smooth or featureless bases (plain plastic, bare metal, flat wood) won't reconstruct well regardless of the method you use. Use one of these approaches depending on your object:

Texture Tip: If the bottom of your object is featureless (plain plastic, flat wood, bare metal) place a textured mat or patterned paper underneath it before flipping. This gives the reconstruction more reference points to work with, and significantly improves alignment accuracy for the underside.

8Maintain Photo Overlap

Aim for at least 70-75% overlap between consecutive photos. The reconstruction finds matching points between images to calculate depth and position, so if two photos don't share enough common ground, it can't stitch them together reliably. This leads to gaps, misalignments, or failed processing. More overlap gives it more to work with.

Processing Settings

Object Mode gives you two processing methods. Photogrammetry provides multiple quality levels to balance detail against processing time, while Gaussian Splats automatically optimize for photorealistic quality.

Photogrammetry Processing

Creates traditional 3D meshes with polygonal geometry and texture maps. Choose the quality level that best matches your project requirements.

Optimized

Quality: BalancedSpeed: Fast

Best for quick results

Medium

Quality: GoodSpeed: Moderate

Best for most general objects and everyday captures

Full

Quality: HighSpeed: Slow

Best for detailed objects and final deliverables

Raw

Quality: RawSpeed:Slow

Best for work requiring maximum detail

Gaussian Splat Processing

Gaussian Splat processing works differently from Photogrammetry. Instead of choosing a quality level, the processing handles everything automatically and focuses on producing the most photorealistic result possible.

Managing Your Photos Before Processing

Before you hit process, it's worth taking a moment to review your photos. Poor quality images (blurry shots, bad lighting, accidental captures) can confuse the software and lead to a worse result. Removing them first gives your model or splat the best possible foundation.

To review your photos, tap on the images to open the photo viewer. From here you can scroll through every image taken during your session, and remove any that don't meet the mark.

Processing Time Expectations

Processing time depends largely on how many photos you took during your session. A 20-image capture can take just a few minutes, while a session with a thousand photos or more can take upwards of an hour. On top of photo count, your chosen quality setting, and object complexity will also affect how long things take. Optimized and Medium modes process quickly, while Full and Raw can take significantly longer. Gaussian Splats may take longer than traditional photogrammetry.

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

Solve common issues and optimize your results with these proven techniques and solutions for both reconstruction methods.

Commonly Forgotten Areas

Many scans fail because users forget to capture certain areas of their objects. Use this checklist to make sure you have complete coverage before finishing your capture session.