FAQs

3D modeling software displaying a digital model of a cat on a grid with control interface on a laptop screen

Photogrammetry is part art, part science, and—let’s be honest—a bit of experimentation and serendipity. Whether you're wondering why there's no "Finish" button, why your model isn’t turning out quite right, or or how to connect your Mac and iPhone, we’ve got you covered.

Dive into the FAQs, and if you still have burning questions, feel free to experiment with the sample files and check out our support resources.

PhotoForge 3D Studio

Two smartphone screens showing the PhotoForge 3D Capture app interface. The left screen displays menu options for Guided Capture, Manual Capture, Timed Capture, Library, and Studio Imports. The right screen shows the Guided Capture process with an object resembling a decorative animal figurine on a table, with digital elements overlaying the image.

PhotoForge 3D Capture

  • You need to take at least 10 photos (minimum to create a model) before you can finish your capture.

  • Library stores your completed captures from Guided, Manual, and Timed Capture. It also includes a ‘Sample Capture’ folder to help you get familiar with PhotoForge 3D Capture. You can also access this in the Files app in the filed named PhotoForge 3D Capture.

  • Double tap the folder name and you’ll be prompted to enter a new name.

  • Apple’s Guided Capture requires a iOS/iPadOS with LiDAR. Manual and Timed Captures work with non-LiDAR devices, although model fidelity may be lower than captures containing LIDAR depth data.

  • Yes, USDZ, OBJ and STL formats are supported. You can export one or all 3 formats at one time. On iOS, the detail level is fixed at “Reduced” (a step up from the “Preview” detail level), which is optimal for AR presentations on mobile devices. This is a limitation of the Apple-supplied photogrammetry engine, and can still be sufficient for some 3D modeling and printing applications. Higher resolutions can be obtained by pairing Capture with the desktop version (PhotoForge 3D Studio).

PF3D Capture Technical FAQs (General)

  • In Guided Capture, the app determines the number of images for you—usually around 80. In Manual and Timed Capture, you need at least 10 images, but that’s rarely enough.

    For example, the 3D-printed cat in our promo video was created from 36 LiDAR-enhanced images captured with an iPhone 15 Pro. As a rule of thumb: the more images you capture, the better your model will be.

  • Not all objects are ideal for photogrammetry. While LiDAR-enhanced images can improve results, some objects require extra manipulation to capture accurately. Highly transparent or reflective surfaces can be tricky, as can objects with lots of holes or voids (Swiss cheese is a tough one).

    To reduce reflectivity, some users apply hairspray, tape, or even dabs of nail polish. If you only need the object’s shape, a light coat of spray paint can help. The goal is to create a non-reflective surface that complements the LiDAR depth data.

    Experiment and see what works best!

PF3D Capture & Studio Technical FAQs

  • The Settings menu sets default preferences for new sessions. This allows you to customize your workflow so you don’t have to adjust things like grid spacing or export formats every time you start a project.

    For example, if you primarily work in AR, you can set USDZ and OBJ as your default export formats. If you switch to a 3D printing project and change the export format to STL, that setting will stay in place for the current session. However, the next new session will still start with USDZ and OBJ as the default.

  • The gear icon opens a panel where you can tweak session-specific settings, like whether to append detail levels to export names.

PF3D Studio Technical FAQs

  • In PF3D Capture, tap the Network icon (upper right). You’ll see a list of available Macs running PF3D Studio. Select one, and an invitation will be sent. Once accepted, the connection is established and saved to your Trusted Macs list.

  • No, once a Mac is in your Trusted Macs list, it will connect automatically.

  • While connected, go to Connections, select Disconnect, and that Mac will be removed from your Trusted Macs list. You can always reconnect later.

PF3D Capture Technical FAQs (Connected)