Creaform.OS vs Polycam

Creaform.OS is integrated operating software supplied with Creaform 3D measuring and scanning devices. It supports Creaform scanners, optical CMMs, and probe or photogrammetry workflows, with real-time capture, mesh reconstruction, and exports to IGES, STEP, and DXF on Windows 11. Its interface, embedded content, tools, and tutorials are intended to help users learn scanners and optical CMMs. The Metrology Suite adds Scan-to-CAD, Inspection, Automation, and Dynamic Tracking modules. Scan-to-CAD extracts features and supports CAD modeling from scan data for product development, reverse engineering, and additive manufacturing. Inspection handles dimensional quality checks. Automation provides a digital-twin environment for automated measurement and quality control. Dynamic Tracking measures multiple objects’ positions and orientations over time for assembly monitoring and robot calibration. Creaform.OS Viewer is a free download for viewing meshes, inspection programs, and results. The main software is paid with pricing on request.

Polycam is AI reality capture software for professionals who document, measure and design. It uses AI-assisted photogrammetry and LiDAR to capture spaces, construction sites, facilities, products and materials in 3D, and it can create shareable 3D object models. Users can generate customizable 2D floor plans; paid plans also list instant 3D and editable 2D floor plans. Drone footage can be processed into expansive 3D models. Polycam is available on Android, iOS and web browsers, though Space Mode scanning is limited to compatible iOS devices. Listed exports include GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, point cloud formats and DXF; named workflows include Blender, Unity, SketchUp and Xactimate. Free access has limited space, object and AI captures, with GLTF exports and public link sharing. Basic costs $150 a year, equivalent to $12.50 per month when billed yearly. Seven-day trials are offered with annual Basic and Business plans, but not monthly plans or Enterprise. Business is listed at $400 a year and Enterprise at $1,200 a year.