How to 3D Photoscan Easy and Free!
CG Geek
34 min, 50 sec
A comprehensive guide on how to perform 3D photo scanning using free, open-source software.
Summary
- The video demonstrates how to start photo scanning for free using a camera (a smartphone camera works well) and a computer.
- The software used in this process is Meshroom, an open-source photogrammetry software that allows for 3D reconstruction at no cost.
- The tutorial covers the process from taking photos of an object in nature to processing them on the computer and uploading the final 3D model to Sketchfab.
- Several tips are provided for taking effective photos, setting up camera settings manually, and choosing objects that photo scan well.
- The guide also offers post-processing advice in Blender to enhance the 3D model and explains how to upload and present the model on Sketchfab.
Chapter 1
![Introduction to the concept of free photo scanning using a camera and a computer.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgxOTgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--bde809e0088caed42fb09abd2fca093197d95298/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_8.jpg)
Introduction to the concept of free photo scanning using a camera and a computer.
- The video opens with an introduction to the topic of free photo scanning using open source software.
- The necessary tools for the process are a camera (phone camera is sufficient) and a computer.
![Introduction to the concept of free photo scanning using a camera and a computer.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgxOTgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--bde809e0088caed42fb09abd2fca093197d95298/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_8.jpg)
Chapter 2
![Acknowledgment of the video's sponsor, Sketchfab.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--26cf846e93f048a4dd5ccda9fac66dadcd29d7e6/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_62.jpg)
Acknowledgment of the video's sponsor, Sketchfab.
- The video acknowledges Sketchfab as the sponsor, highlighting its features as an online platform for sharing and buying 3D models.
- Sketchfab's built-in render engine allows for real-time model rendering and previewing in web browsers.
![Acknowledgment of the video's sponsor, Sketchfab.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--26cf846e93f048a4dd5ccda9fac66dadcd29d7e6/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_62.jpg)
Chapter 3
![Introduction to Meshroom, the open-source photogrammetry software used for 3D scanning.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e6424d74441fabd68acd077b6f2ab89b3bff6ba5/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_99.jpg)
Introduction to Meshroom, the open-source photogrammetry software used for 3D scanning.
- Meshroom is introduced as a user-friendly open-source photogrammetry software for 3D reconstruction.
- The tutorial will use only free software, Meshroom and Blender, to create 3D scans.
![Introduction to Meshroom, the open-source photogrammetry software used for 3D scanning.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e6424d74441fabd68acd077b6f2ab89b3bff6ba5/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_99.jpg)
Chapter 4
![Guidance on choosing suitable objects for scanning and setting up camera settings.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--7ce7f734923f185aa00237265fbdb0be3d3de6a9/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_188.jpg)
Guidance on choosing suitable objects for scanning and setting up camera settings.
- The process begins with selecting a suitable object in nature for scanning.
- The video suggests picking objects that photo scan well, like rocks, and avoiding complex items, like ferns.
- It is advised to shoot on overcast days to avoid harsh shadows and bright spots.
- Manual camera settings are recommended to keep exposure and white balance consistent.
![Guidance on choosing suitable objects for scanning and setting up camera settings.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--7ce7f734923f185aa00237265fbdb0be3d3de6a9/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_188.jpg)
Chapter 5
![Instructions for taking photos of the selected object for 3D scanning.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--13e18ec2381d65b6138f14fc936f78135d32aa5b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_301.jpg)
Instructions for taking photos of the selected object for 3D scanning.
- The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for taking photos of the object from various angles.
- Emphasis is placed on taking enough photos to cover the entire object with detail.
![Instructions for taking photos of the selected object for 3D scanning.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--13e18ec2381d65b6138f14fc936f78135d32aa5b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_301.jpg)
Chapter 6
![A detailed walkthrough of processing the photos with Meshroom to create a 3D scan.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e57b4bb409e32ae51ebd1496ddaed5549f1eef2a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_504.jpg)
A detailed walkthrough of processing the photos with Meshroom to create a 3D scan.
- After taking photos, the next step is to import them into Meshroom for processing.
- Meshroom's node-based workflow is explained, and the process of creating a 3D scan is initiated with a single click.
- The video demonstrates the progress of the scan as Meshroom processes the images.
![A detailed walkthrough of processing the photos with Meshroom to create a 3D scan.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMDgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--e57b4bb409e32ae51ebd1496ddaed5549f1eef2a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_504.jpg)
Chapter 7
![Post-processing the 3D scan in Blender to enhance its quality and realism.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0c5f8d26b7b42c276e740bafe703bf8281cf69aa/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_1134.jpg)
Post-processing the 3D scan in Blender to enhance its quality and realism.
- The 3D scan is imported into Blender for further refinement.
- The tutorial covers the use of decimate and smooth modifiers, setting up materials, and rendering settings.
- Additional nature assets are added to the scene to improve realism.
![Post-processing the 3D scan in Blender to enhance its quality and realism.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--0c5f8d26b7b42c276e740bafe703bf8281cf69aa/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_1134.jpg)
Chapter 8
![Uploading the final 3D model to Sketchfab and setting up online rendering options.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMTIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--91f8a30df11a3c7cca2c13bb2caf4c5570e8223a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_1842.jpg)
Uploading the final 3D model to Sketchfab and setting up online rendering options.
- The final part of the tutorial shows how to upload the 3D model to Sketchfab.
- The video explains how to use Sketchfab's 3D settings to apply materials, lighting, and post-processing filters.
- The process concludes with saving the settings and viewing the rendered model on Sketchfab.
![Uploading the final 3D model to Sketchfab and setting up online rendering options.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzgyMTIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--91f8a30df11a3c7cca2c13bb2caf4c5570e8223a/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/2393_1842.jpg)