Forma3D · 3D scanning

iPhone LiDAR to 3D print — scan, edit, and prepare on iOS

Turn a real object into a 3D-printable model using iPhone LiDAR and photogrammetry on iOS. Forma3D combines Apple Object Capture with an on-device mesh editor, so you can scan, repair, and prepare a model for 3D printing without a desktop computer.

Current public App Store release: 2.0.4 · Requires iOS 17 or later

View Forma3D on the App Store

How the scan workflow works

1. Capture

Start an Apple Object Capture session and move around the real object while the device records the images and depth information required for reconstruction.

2. Reconstruct

Forma3D runs a PhotogrammetrySession and creates a USDZ model. High, medium, and low detail options control the reconstruction import path.

3. Inspect and repair

Import the generated mesh into the editor, inspect it with wireframe or X-Ray display, select vertices, edges, or faces, and apply mesh operations.

4. Prepare and export

Measure, scale, cut, separate, paint, or simplify the mesh, then export STL, 3MF, or USDZ for the next step in your workflow.

Device and workflow notes

Scanning is available only when Apple reports that Object Capture is supported on the device.
The current app uses Apple Object Capture and PhotogrammetrySession; it does not advertise a custom TSDF or marching-cubes scanner.
Reconstruction detail is selected in the scan flow; the result is imported into the same scene editor used for STL and 3MF files.
Core reconstruction and mesh processing happen on the device. Forma3D does not upload the model to a cloud reconstruction service.

LiDAR requirement: a compatible device is required. If Object Capture is not supported, the app shows a scanning-unavailable state rather than pretending that every iPhone or iPad can scan.

Scan, fix, and print

A scan is a starting mesh, not a guaranteed print-ready object. Forma3D gives you the mesh-editing tools to inspect and modify it before exporting it to a slicer.

Photogrammetry on iOS — how it works

Photogrammetry is the process of reconstructing a 3D model from a set of photographs. Apple's Object Capture framework, available on iOS 17 and later, brings photogrammetry to iPhone and iPad. Forma3D uses this framework to let you scan a real object and get a USDZ mesh on the same device.

For Forma3D's guided Object Capture workflow, use a supported LiDAR-equipped iPhone Pro or iPad Pro. Photogrammetry as a general technique can reconstruct ordinary photographs, but that does not mean this app's capture and reconstruction workflow is available on every iPhone or iPad.

From iPhone LiDAR scan to 3D print — step by step

Scan: Open the scan mode in Forma3D and walk around the object. The app captures images and depth data using Apple Object Capture.
Reconstruct: Forma3D runs a PhotogrammetrySession on device and produces a USDZ mesh. Choose high, medium, or low detail.
Inspect: Import the USDZ into the editor. Use wireframe or X-Ray mode to check for holes, non-manifold edges, or thin walls.
Repair: Select and fix problem areas. Use mesh operations to close holes, smooth surfaces, or remove unwanted geometry.
Prepare: Scale to real-world dimensions. Cut, split, or add Boolean features as needed. Paint faces for multi-filament printing if desired.
Export: Export STL or 3MF. Upload to MakerWorld from Safari or open in your slicer. See our print without Bambu Studio guide.

Which devices support this scanning workflow?

LiDAR-equipped iPhone Pro models starting with iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, subject to Apple's runtime support check.
Supported iPad Pro models from 2021 onward, including the 12.9-inch 5th generation and 11-inch 3rd generation.
iOS or iPadOS 17 or later, with sufficient storage and a supported Object Capture configuration.

A LiDAR sensor alone does not guarantee support: the 2020 iPad Pro has LiDAR but is not included in Apple's stated starting models for this Object Capture workflow. Forma3D checks support on the device and shows an unavailable state when necessary. See Apple's Object Capture for iOS presentation.

Common questions about iPhone LiDAR and photogrammetry

Can I scan an object with iPhone LiDAR and 3D print it?

Yes. Scan the object in Forma3D using Apple Object Capture, import the resulting USDZ mesh, edit and repair it, and export STL or 3MF for printing. The entire workflow happens on the iPhone.

Can I use Forma3D's scanning workflow without LiDAR?

Do not assume so. This guide describes the supported LiDAR-equipped devices used by the app's guided Object Capture workflow. Capturing ordinary photographs for another photogrammetry tool is a different workflow. Check the scanning availability message in Forma3D before planning a scan.

Do I need a desktop to process the scan?

No. Reconstruction, editing, and export all happen on the device. See our guide to 3D modeling without a desktop.

What file format does the scan produce?

The scan produces a USDZ file, which is imported into Forma3D's mesh editor. You can then export STL, 3MF, or USDZ for the next step in your workflow.