Heges 3D Scanner Reviews

by Zorzal

Before you spend the $9, ask yourself what you are trying to do:
1. Convince yourself that LIDAR actually works. Yeah, it does that, but you can learn that without spending $9. Just read an article
2. Use your scan for 3D modeling or printing. Forget it. The scans are low resolution (yes, even after spending the $9), and the output is a miserable high-face-count noisy cloud, which you can’t use whit anything
3. Obtain a “kind-of-VR” model that you can send your friends: the novelty will last about 2 seconds. And you are still out of $9
You will feel that you were ripped off.
Even worse, you probably will buy it when you use the other app “LIDAR Scanner”, by the same developer, which shows you an abhorrently low rez model, and then teases you “Do y-u want more resolution?” ... and you buy Heges3DScanner. You can see the same technique used in Porn sites and bite-and-switch web adds that promise whatever just to get you to click. Except this thing scams you out of your $9.
Heges3DScanner should be banned.

by Whycantiusedanteasmyname

For almost $10, I’m disappointed with the quality of scans taken through Heges3DScanner. I didn’t expect the same quality of scans that are achieved by $500+ pieces of dedicated hardware but I did expect, at the very least, to scan multiple sides of an object without the scan automatically quitting. Although moving the device slower and modifying the scan settings, per the recommendations listed in the FAQ, does help slightly, the scans continue to fail regardless of how careful I am. The only way to scan all sides of an object, in the current state of Heges3DScanner, would be to take individual scans of each face and then stitch them together on a third party application. I understand the limitations that the developer faces and I am aware of the amount of work that has gone into Heges3DScanner but I cannot recommend it for it’s current price. I do not intend on seeking a refund for this purchase but I kindly request that the developer consider returning the application to its original price, until the 3D scanning functionality is improved.

by 2paintgirl

Heges3DScanner seems too good to be true, and that’s because it is. Scanning anything is almost impossible, as you have to use the rear camera (so you can’t see the screen while scanning). Also, while scanning at almost any precision and speed, the object will randomly be thrown off as if Heges3DScanner believes the phone is being pulled in a random direction very fast, completely destroying the scan. I’ve tried on small objects that are not reflective on an open wooden floor. I really do wish an app like this would work, as it could be so much better than scanning from photos!

by Bad Bullet

I can’t seem to update my other review, so I’ll add to it here as Heges is my go to scanning app after trying nearly all of them in the store except those that charge insane amount to own Heges3DScanner or subscription fees. While it does have some issues tracking of objects if you try going around all sides, Heges is by far Heges3DScanner to capture the most amount of detail from the depth sensor. The others are either a fixed resolution, or give you the option for high definition, and even that doesn’t come close to the 0.5mm option Heges lets you scan at. This extra resolution is worth taking separate scans and stitching them together. For those that work with 3D, this has been a normal workflow for scanning for some time. But if Heges gets better tracking and repositioning of the scan, I’ll up it to 5 stars.

by JumpManGo

App scans better when I also slowly move the phone in a ~4” circle perpendicular to the object being scanned. I expect the IR pattern is inconsistent and this manner cleans up the scan. The sensor also seems to have a regular error pattern, which indicates that an initial calibration against a flat surface could be added to Heges3DScanner (apple should do that as part of manufacturing and lock the calibration matrix into each phone). Many times Heges3DScanner will mess up if you get too close. Likely better registration using the color camera and the phone gyros could prevent that error.

When using mirror option, the text also reverses. Please keep the text “normal”.

The academic papers on RGB-D scanning for deformable objects have some great new algorithms to register in post processing. Heges3DScanner would be amazing if it could perform those algorithms, or send the data stream to the cloud for post processing.

Ideally I’d like to be able to walk around my house, moving closer to some objects and further away from less interesting areas, and have the entire house rendered. It would be even cooler if I could do the scanning over multiple sessions and they would all be merged together.

Does the output to STL maintain accurate measurements? Is 1mm in a scan going to be reflected as 1mm in the STL?

by Mykel3D

I’m kind of blown away at how well this scanner works. It’s not perfect however compared to what’s been available this is incredible.

The biggest issue is not the 3D scanning, its the “WiFi file sharing” feature. While I suppose this could be useful I really don’t understand why the developer doesn’t let you just share using the expected avenues such as email, iMessage, save to phone or air drop. I don’t even know what it means to wifi share a file is to be honest... I’m still not sure how to access the scanned data.

I’m guessing file size concerns have something to do with the choice to WiFi share/export your 3D scans, maybe Heges3DScanner isn’t very strong with managing the captured scan data? I think it would be nice to at least have other export options. At very least make it more clear on how you send/receive captured files over WiFi. Also, adding .fbx and .obj as file format options would be fantastic. Right now the .stl files are strictly catering to 3D printing apps. .obj and .fbx would be easier to share with industry standard 3D modeling applications, like C4D, Zbrush, Unity.

Still giving it 4 solid stars (assuming I figure out how to accept a shared WiFi file). The quality is really impressive and again, compared to what’s available, this is amazing.

Please polish and continue working out the bugs, this is a really promising app. Finally getting some use out if this iPhone X depth sensor!

by Kilomanjaro4

I’ve tested about 10 apps for front camera 3D scanning and so far and this one comes very close to the top.
The only way I found to get view a clear view of what you scanned is export to stl or ply and then view on phone or mesh mixer.

The scans were great but there were lots of artifacts in the air (easily deletable in mesh mixer). I also found Heges3DScanner was easier to scan with and appreciated the vibration letting me know I was going to fast or jerking too much. I was attempting to use this to scan a large object then 3D print it (similar to statue size on the hehe website) and found that I just wasn’t able to get close enough to what I needed it to do for the large objects.

For small objects it worked great. Headshots came out lovely and were 3D printable without issues. I plan to make 3D printed headshots for my blind grandparents so I may still use Heges3DScanner for those because I like how detailed the scanner can get.

by VerySmallPants

I’m so thrilled to be using Heges and 3D scanning anywhere I go. I haven’t gone through my entire workflow yet, but so far this scans at better resolution than my existing scanner and looks spectacular. It’s only a little awkward because the screen faces away from you unless you’re scanning your own face, but that’s not so much a limitation of the software but rather the phone itself. I may need to update once I go through my whole process from scan to software to actual model, but so far I’m thrilled with the options and functionality this software offers.

by Mirage420

I don’t generally review things, but I literally tried and bought every scan app on Heges3DScanner Store, and this one is by far the best. The biggest complaint I had about the other apps is that you had to go super slow and be extra steady when scanning or you would instantly lose tracking. This apps tracking is good enough that you can move at a pretty brisk pace (within reason for 3D scanning of course) and it doesn’t skip a beat. Also most other apps lose tracking if you have your phone stationary and are moving the object in place, such as on a turn table. Never had an issue with that using Hedges. And for the small one time fee, it makes it even better since not only does it scan faster and more accurate, you don’t have to pay a subscription to save your scans, like most other apps. Definitely worth the small fee in my opinion.

by Juniorkirk

I bought this half sceptic that it wouldn’t work like I was hoping. I was wrong, this thing is awesome. I have the XR and 3D printed an adapter that holds a mirror over the front camera so I can scan things pointing away from the phone. I am working on scanning people and 3D printing busts. My sisters birthday is coming up shortly and I am going to surprise her with a bust of her daughter (6 years old). Thank you for making this awesome app. There are a few little things here and there when scanning that mess up, but I’m more than sure updates will fix them in the future.

by Screengrab

This is my favorite 3d scanner so far, the point cloud results end up being very versatile. It's not like most other scanners which deliver a very low-poly look.

The price is also wildly worth it, compared to the professional 3d scanners that can get this type of detail. Crazy that iPhones can do this w/ the right developers...

Also, extremely responsive support. I've never been helped as quickly and thoroughly after emailing app support.

by Alex Dudley

I have been using photogrammetry techniques recently to try to get some rough models of real world objects. Heges3DScanner has given me better results with only seconds of use than I’ve gotten from hours of processing with photogrammetry. This tech being this accessible is incredibly exciting for me as a 3D artist. Also, it works in the dark, which is invaluable. :)

I certainly had some crashing, but that’s expected when some of these scans are breaking 15 million triangles on mobile.

For $9, this is an absolute steal.

by K. James

Heges3DScanner is terrific for those who take the time to read the description.

Mr / Ms Developer, I was so taken by the number of ignorant folks trashing your work that I couldn’t help but read every critical review just to see your delightfully sarcastic responses. :-)

I appreciate your work and offer my five-star review as both an honest rating for excellent software AND a middle finger to those who don’t read what you so clearly spell out.

by JustinNKel

This wasn’t a well known app when I initially downloaded it, but I basically was trying all of the free ones and once I saw what it could do and read the reviews I paid for it. It’s really good, to be honest. There is only one other app that has come close to matching it and it was a lot more difficult to use. It’s not miraculous or anything, but it’s solid, you don’t lose every 2nd scan for moving too quickly, had a good range and picks up detail well. Haven’t found another app yet that’s as good.

by Jndfnt

Been using this with my X since it came out, and the LiDAR scanning feature was the reason I bought a 12 Pro. It’s seriously impressive, and other developers are charging a ton more for their apps with fewer features. It’s my favorite app to show off the capabilities of TrueDepth and LiDAR and is always met with “Wow!!”. One of the coolest things about Heges3DScanner is the screen sharing feature, so you can use the TrueDepth scanner more easily by viewing your display on another iOS device. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Heges3DScanner!

by Roshantia

I’ve only used this on an iPad Pro (2020) and it’s been very useful to me (and my art student colleagues) for numerous projects.

I spent some time trying to find a good totally free app to unlock the LIDAR functionality of the iPad before settling and deciding that $8 is completely worth it, especially as it’s a once time purchase and unlocks a Ton Of Functionality.

The Wi-Fi sharing is super useful, and while the 3d viewer for the models is very barebones, it’s useful for the overview (which is all it says it is for, which is reasonable)

My only minor complaint would be the color saving, as I can’t get the ply into an obj with a mtl file on the side (which hinders the use in some applications), and how the files Heges3DScanner makes are sometimes crash-many-apps-on-my-computer-big, but that’s easily fixed.

I don’t understand why this is so not fantastically rated on the appstore.

yes, i would recommend

by Wbarnhill

First off, Heges3DScanner looks to work quite well and is a bargain at $2.99. I’m excited to build a platform for my phone to scan objects for 3D printing.

I see some folks are confused as to why Heges3DScanner has an in app purchase for 3D scanning. Developers can only limit app compatibility by iOS version in Heges3DScanner Store. By using an in app purchase, the dev can check the model of the phone prior to allowing someone to buy the upgrade. This ensures no one accidentally buys it without having the hardware to use it (and leading to refund demands/poor reviews). Don’t bash the dev for this limitation by Apple!

by Taitsistihkc

I was always trying to look for a 3D scanning app that actually works. Then I got an iPhone X and then I found Heges3DScanner. I am amazed at how Heges3DScanner uses the TrueDepth sensor to sense the structures of objects, even in the dark! (Which is also interesting for using it as a night vison camera). I haven’t actually tried to scan an object for practical purposes but from playing with it a bit, sometimes it can get nice scans, but sometimes it gets confused and the whole scan suddenly turns out weird or it may not scan much at all. When it does work, it works pretty well. I am amazed!

by Arbitrage8

I’ve used it with my CNC machine to carve some wood selfies. I’ve also used it to capture wood carvings and fixtures from antiques. With a little practice and a steady hand, I can capture the fine detail, load the .stl into Blender and clean it up. I save the clean .stl and import it into my cnc software for cutting the wood. This would be a great tool and process for anyone with a 3d printer, also. I wish there. Was a way to see my screen while I’m scanning though. Someone mentioned a selfie stick with a 3d gyro as a way to steady the camera.

Great app when I’m on the go and see something that catches my eye for a model. Keep up the good work and thanks for app.

Update: I have since printed an attachment with my 3D printer. Amazing what you can image with a mirror. My favorite app on my phone.

by Zodzilla

Just got a new iPhone with a faceID camera
and have compared this 3D scanner with competitors like Capture and Bellus3D.

While the scans are not as “clean” as those in bellus3D, the functionality in Heges3DScanner is impressive and, more importantly, the output options are unrestricted and friendly. File transfer itself from Heges3DScanner is easy through iTunes.

The only major complaint I have is that the image on screen is from the perspective of the camera itself. This is fine if you’re behind the camera and mirroring to an additional screen, but there should be an option to also “flop” the image output displayed on screen in order to operate like a mirror for 3D selfies. Would make self scans much easier.

Thanks!

Update: as pointed out by the developer, the mirror option was indeed tucked away in the options menu under the settings app.

I found out about this a while ago, but forgot to update the review! Up to 5 stars!

by Bran321

I think the problem people are having is that it doesnt include a sort if confidence threshold so that previously scanned surfaces are reinforced and improved in attributes rather than destroyed and malformed by a new layer. Maybe its positioning related. Please add mirror mode. This is the best HD lidar scanner that uses the truedepth camera AKA the better lidar sensor This appears to offer higher resolution results than most options. It DOES value your privacy and WONT sell your data, which I can’t speak for other apps. I’ve noticed that the tracking of objects; especially when scanning a face — is waaaay more accurate than most LiDar scanner available currently.