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Put another way, for the amateur 3D modeler 123D Catch is exciting. Autodesk suggests shooting in shade or on an overcast day, if using an iPhone or iPad. That means no moving your item to capture all the sides or shooting with a flash. The object must be completely still and the light source consistent.

123d design web app software#

(My second attempt with a jar came out beautifully.)įinally, because the software stitches the photos together by identifying shared features between them, there are a number of limitations to what it can model.Īutodesk advises against shooting glossy or reflective surfaces, featureless surfaces, or surfaces with repetitive patterns.

123d design web app full#

I tried a bouquet of flowers for my first project and got a distorted model full of data holes. (It’s a tradeoff between labor and cost and ultimately a limitation of the hardware-the iPhone can’t circle the subject without your hand and eye.)įurther, the app works great with simple objects, but less so with complicated ones. You either place the item on a pad and let the scanner get to work, or sweep it across your object, in the case of a handheld scanner. Other 3D scanners require less from the user. You pay for what you get, and so far, 123D Catch isn’t nearly as robust as a full 3D scanner.įor one, the app requires a laborious process of photo taking. But one wonders how much of their target audience just got gobbled up?Ĭheap is good. A new startup, Matterport, is working on a handheld 3D scanner at a fraction of the cost of the competition. But most scanners are unaffordable for the average user.

Competitors include Z Corp (though Z Corp’s site no longer lists their futuristic handheld scanner) and Next Engine. Similarly, there are other handheld and desktop scanners. But none come coupled with the 3D scanning and 3D printing capabilities of 123D Catch.

123d design web app free#

There are plenty of free open source 3D modeling programs out there. In fact, the whole app suite is free of charge. Perhaps the most amazing part of 123D Catch is its cost-or lack thereof. Users can perfect their models and then 3D print them either at home or through a third party, like Sculpteo or Shapeways. 123D Catch models made from the iPad or iPhone are compatible with Autodesk’s 123D Catch web app. When satisfied, upload the images to Autodesk’s cloud service.Īutodesk’s proprietary software will find common points between photos, extrapolate the angle each photo was taken from, and stitch them into a 3D model. Review your photos and replace any errant shots. Now, take 20 to 40 photos of the object from as many different angles as you can. How does it work? Grab something you want to digitize-a statue or household item. Added to 123D, 123D Catch (web), 123D Sculpt (iPad), and 123D Make, Autodesk has made 3D scanning, modeling, and printing as easy as 1-2-3. The 123D Catch app was first released on the iPad in May 2012 and more recently adapted for the iPhone in early September. But not so much at home.Īutodesk hopes to change all that with its user-friendly, free suite of 3D modeling software.

123d design web app professional#

Their 3D modeling software AutoCad-first released way back in 1982-is near ubiquitous in the professional world. If you’re an architect or manufacturer or computer animator, chances are you already know Autodesk. Coupled with 3D modeling software and 3D printing services, Autodesk aims to bring 3D fabrication to the masses. Simply, 123D Catch is a free handheld 3D scanner as mobile as you are. Users can take up to 40 pictures, upload them to the cloud, and receive a digital 3D model. In three years 3D scanners have gone from $30,000 to $3,000 to-$0.00?! AutoDesk’s free 123D Catch app is now available for the iPhone and iPad.