Polycam
Polycam is a powerful 3D scanning application that uses LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you create high-quality 3D models, floor plans, and digital twins using your mobile device or web browser.
progeCAD Architecture
progeCAD Architecture is a specialized 3D and 2D BIM CAD software that provides architects with automated building tools and native DWG compatibility to create detailed construction drawings and 3D models.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Polycam | progeCAD Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Website | poly.cam | progesoft.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 7 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2020 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Como, Italy |
Overview
Polycam
Polycam is a versatile 3D scanning tool that turns your smartphone or tablet into a professional-grade modeling suite. By using LiDAR and photogrammetry technology, you can capture physical objects and spaces to create accurate 3D reconstructions. Whether you are an architect measuring a room or a game developer sourcing assets, you can generate high-resolution textures and precise geometry in minutes.
You can easily share your captures via web links or export them into over a dozen professional file formats like OBJ, GLTF, and DXF. The platform also features a collaborative social feed where you can explore thousands of free 3D assets created by the community. It simplifies the transition from the physical world to digital environments, making 3D capture accessible to everyone from hobbyists to enterprise teams.
progeCAD Architecture
progeCAD Architecture gives you a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution that works natively with DWG files. You can design in both 2D and 3D simultaneously using intelligent parametric objects like walls, windows, and stairs. Instead of drawing simple lines, you place actual architectural elements that carry data, allowing the software to generate sections, elevations, and perspective views automatically as you work.
The software is designed specifically for architects and building professionals who need a cost-effective alternative to expensive industry standards. You can easily handle complex roof designs, create photorealistic renderings, and generate automated bills of materials. Because it uses the familiar AutoCAD-like interface, you can start designing immediately without a steep learning curve while maintaining full compatibility with your existing project files.
Overview
Polycam Features
- LiDAR Scanning Capture large spaces and entire rooms in real-time with incredible speed using your device's LiDAR sensor.
- Photo Mode Transform a series of photos into high-quality 3D models with detailed textures using advanced photogrammetry processing.
- RoomPlan Mapping Generate accurate floor plans and architectural 3D models of interior spaces automatically as you walk through them.
- Professional Exports Download your models in formats like .obj, .fbx, .stl, and .dae to use in Blender, Revit, or Unity.
- Web Editing Upload photos from any camera to the web version for cloud processing and manage your library from your desktop.
- Measurement Tools Take precise linear measurements and calculate area or volume directly within your 3D captures for project planning.
- AI Texture Generation Enhance your models with AI-driven tools that help you refine surfaces and create realistic materials for your assets.
- Team Collaboration Share private links with clients or teammates so they can view and interact with your 3D scans in any browser.
progeCAD Architecture Features
- Intelligent BIM Objects. Draw with parametric walls, floors, and roofs that automatically join and update when you make design changes.
- Auto-Generation of Views. Generate 2D sections, elevations, and 3D perspectives instantly from your floor plan to save hours of manual drafting.
- Advanced Roof Builder. Create complex roof structures with a few clicks by defining slopes and shapes on any polygonal outline.
- Native DWG Support. Open, edit, and save your projects in standard DWG format to ensure perfect collaboration with other consultants.
- 3D Photorealistic Rendering. Produce high-quality visualizations of your projects with built-in rendering tools to impress clients and win approvals.
- Automated Bill of Materials. Extract detailed schedules and quantity take-offs directly from your model to streamline your project cost estimates.
Pricing Comparison
Polycam Pricing
- Unlimited LiDAR captures
- Limited Photo Mode captures
- Basic sharing links
- Access to Explore feed
- Web viewer access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited Photo Mode processing
- All professional export formats
- Blueprint and floor plan exports
- Private captures and sharing
- Priority cloud processing
progeCAD Architecture Pricing
- Perpetual license (no subscription)
- Full BIM architectural toolset
- Native DWG 2025 support
- 3D rendering engine included
- Free technical support via email
- iCADLib block manager
- Everything in Single License, plus:
- Floating license for multiple users
- Install on unlimited workstations
- Take-away license functionality
- Centralized license management
- Ideal for larger design offices
Pros & Cons
Polycam
Pros
- Extremely fast processing times for LiDAR scans
- Intuitive mobile interface makes scanning very easy
- High-quality texture resolution for photogrammetry captures
- Seamless export process to major 3D software
- Active community provides endless free 3D assets
Cons
- Requires latest hardware for best LiDAR results
- Subscription is required for most export formats
- Large scans can consume significant device storage
progeCAD Architecture
Pros
- One-time purchase avoids expensive monthly subscription costs
- Familiar interface makes it easy for AutoCAD users
- Strong compatibility with industry-standard DWG file formats
- Automated 2D-to-3D conversion saves significant drafting time
Cons
- Rendering speed can be slower than dedicated plugins
- Library of localized building components could be larger
- Requires a Windows environment for full feature set