How To Use ItSeez3D
1. What Is ItSeez3D?
ItSeez3D is a mobile 3D scanning app for iPad, designed to work with the Occipital Structure Sensor or Intel RealSense cameras. You use it to capture color‑enhanced 3D models of people, objects, or environments directly on your iPad, then process them in the cloud for high-resolution export :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
2. Why Use ItSeez3D?
- High‑quality output: Cloud processing delivers detailed meshes and textures—far better than on‑device previews :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Multiple scan modes: Supports objects, bust, full‑body, and small environment scans :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Easy workflow: AR‑guided scanning, local preview, export to .PLY/.OBJ/.WRL, or upload to Sketchfab :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Cloud library: Your scans are saved and manageable online, with options to scale, hollow and pedestal your models—for effortless 3D printing prep :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
3. When Not To Use ItSeez3D?
Here’s what to consider before investing:
- Hardware requirement: You must own a compatible iPad and a Structure Sensor (or Intel RealSense on Windows). Without it, the app is just a viewer :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Export costs: Free Individual plan scans cost ~$7 each to export. Pro/Business subscriptions discount or waive that fee, but for casual non‑commercial users it can add up :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Hardware limitations: Older iPads (e.g. iPad Mini 2 with 1 GB RAM) can struggle or crash mid‑scan. Scanning environments and full‑body takes RAM and can be unstable on low‑spec devices :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Material issues: Glossy or reflective surfaces don’t scan accurately. It works much better with matte or textured objects :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
4. Setup & Requirements
- Install the official Structure Sensor Calibrator, the Scanner sample app, and itSeez3D app on your compatible iPad :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Mount and calibrate your Structure Sensor following on‑screen instructions. Make sure the iPad is charged and not running many background apps.
- Create an itSeez3D account to enable cloud rendering and export.
5. Scanning Modes & Workflow
a. Object Mode
Use this for items ~10–50 cm in size on a flat, contrasty surface. The floor plane is auto‑detected and suppressed in the preview. AR overlays show scanning progress (~10 steps) and help avoid missing angles :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
b. Bust & Full‑Body Mode
Portrait (bust) or landscape (full‑body) orientation triggers different modes. Bust works automatically; full‑body scanning requires moving closer, tilting, and walking around to capture limbs and torso. A turntable can help, but free movement gives better coverage :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Heads up: Face detection is automatic but can be bypassed (e.g. scanning with VR headsets or helmets) in newer versions :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
c. Environment Mode (Experimental)
Scan small room areas by scaling a cube boundary and walking around. The tool captures the environment texture and geometry reasonably well, especially in stable lighting environments :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
6. Processing & Preview
After scanning, your raw data joins your local library on the iPad. Choose:
- Local preview: Fast, low‑res mesh to check coverage, lighting, and alignment before saving.
- Cloud rendering: High‑res mesh and texture rendered remotely. Takes minutes; usable even while you continue scanning (depends on upload speed) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
7. Export & Share
Final 3D models can be exported in common formats (.OBJ, .PLY, .WRL) via email or downloaded from the web portal. Share your work on Sketchfab or via direct export. Some export features like hollowing, scaling, pedestal generation cost extra but ease 3D printing workflows :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
8. Real‑World Use Cases
ItSeez3D shines in:
- Creating figurines or avatars for 3D printing (e.g. personalized models for gifts or commerce).
- Capturing people or objects at events, product showcases, or design mockups.
- Quick facial/bust captures for character design, Mixamo rigging, VR avatars or references for blog content.
One user scanned a friend’s head using Mixamo and got great results for animation, which shows how easy and powerful the workflow can be :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
9. Pros & Cons Comparison
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cloud‑processed, high‑quality models | Export fees for individual users (~$7 per model) |
Multiple scan modes (object, bust, full‑body, environment) | Requires compatible hardware (iPad + sensor) |
AR feedback and guided scanning | Poor at scanning reflective surfaces or small jewelry |
Built‑in features for 3D print preparation (hollow, pedestal) | Older iPads can crash mid‑scan due to RAM limits |
10. Tips & Best Practices
- Use even lighting and avoid direct harsh shadows.
- Close background apps to free up RAM, especially on older iPads :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- Use high‑resolution texture mode only if upload bandwidth is fast and iPad is capable.
- To capture small or low‑contrast subjects, place them on richly textured surfaces.
- When scanning full body, use painter’s tape or markers to help the sensor track clothing folds or flat surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
11. Pricing & Plans
The Individual plan is free but each export costs around $7. Pro or Business subscriptions lower per-model export cost, and provide more tools like hollowing, scaling, and batch export. If you're scanning for profit (e.g. custom 3D‑printed figurines), these features pay for themselves :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
12. Related Tools & Further Reading
If you’re interested in AI tools to enhance your 3D prints or scan‑driven marketing content, check out:
- AI video tools – produce video content from your 3D models
- AI marketing tools – streamline promotion of your 3D print services
- AI automation tools – automate workflows like model sharing or emailing
- AI voice/speech tools – narrate your scan workflows or tutorials
Reflective
Here’s the thing: ItSeez3D gives you the power to generate realistic, print‑ready 3D models using just an iPad and a sensor. For small businesses, designers, or creators focused on people or mid‑sized objects, it’s a smooth, affordable workflow. But if you’re just experimenting or working with very small or reflective objects, be sure you tally the cost of exports and hardware before diving in.
Want help integrating your itSeez3D output into AI‑powered video or marketing tools? I’d be happy to walk you through that next.