Design.MD vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Design.MD | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (75+ DESIGN.md files) / Private analysis $10 each | Free (limited exports/resolution) / Pro $23.99/mo (annual) / Pro+ $31.99/mo |
| Primary Use | AI brand styling via DESIGN.md files | 3D scanning & photogrammetry |
| Target User | Developers, founders using AI coding agents | Architects, engineers, forensics, designers |
| Integrations | Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, v0, Bolt | Export to 15+ CAD/3D formats |
| Latest Feature | No recent news | HDRI lighting (5 presets) on iOS/Web (2026-02) |
| Best For | Branded UIs without a designer | On-site 3D capture & floor plans |
If you need to capture real-world spaces or objects in 3D, Polycam is the clear choice with its versatile scanning modes and 15+ export formats. If you're a developer using AI coding agents to build branded UIs, Design.MD saves time with ready-made design specs from top brands. They solve completely different problems — pick based on whether your need is physical capture or digital styling.
Browse 300+ DESIGN.md files to give your AI coding agent real design references.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: Design.MD vs Polycam
Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.
Design.MD
50 mentions across 3 sources · 82% positive
Hacker News, Product Hunt, Lemmy
What users praise
- • Free and open-source with no paywall for the public catalog.
- • Markdown format is simple, universal, and easy to edit.
- • Works with multiple AI coding agents (Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, v0, Bolt).
- • 60+ ready-made DESIGN.md files from popular brands like Stripe and Linear.
What frustrates them
- • Catalog is relatively small; limited coverage for less common brands.
- • No built-in community feedback or rating system for files.
- • Dependent on AI agent's ability to accurately follow the spec.
- • May require manual tweaking for complex or unique designs.
Researched Jul 3, 2026
Polycam
61 mentions across 4 sources · 55% positive — mixed
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fast, easy LiDAR scans with minimal learning curve.
- • Generates mesh, floor plan, and idealized model from one scan.
- • Cross-platform with iOS, Android, and web support.
- • Free tier includes valuable tools like AI generator and Gaussian splat.
What frustrates them
- • Scan reliability is spotty: failed uploads, lost tracking, backdrop capture.
- • Dimensions and full floor plans locked behind $400 paywall.
- • Curved walls and stairs render angular, forcing Matterport for pros.
- • Confusing free/paid feature split, feels like dark patterns.
Researched Aug 18, 2026
Who should pick which
- Architect needing floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR scanning.
- Developer using AI coding agentPick: Design.MD
Design.MD provides a DESIGN.md file that makes AI agents output branded UIs.
- Forensics team documenting scenePick: Polycam
Polycam's fast, accurate 3D capture and export to point clouds suit forensics.
- Solo founder building MVPPick: Design.MD
Free DESIGN.md files help create a professional-looking UI without a designer.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam can scan physical objects for digital review and export to CAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design.MD vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If you need to capture real-world spaces or objects in 3D, Polycam is the clear choice with its versatile scanning modes and 15+ export formats. If you're a developer using AI coding agents to build branded UIs, Design.MD saves time with ready-made design specs from top brands. They solve completely different problems — pick based on whether your need is physical capture or digital styling.
Can Polycam export to STEP or IGES?
No, Polycam exports to GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF — not STEP/IGES.
Does Design.MD require coding?
Yes, it's designed for developers using AI coding agents; you drop the DESIGN.md into your project.
Is Polycam free to use?
Yes, but the free tier has limited exports and resolution. Pro subscriptions are $23.99/mo+.
Can I request a custom brand on Design.MD?
Yes, you can request a private DESIGN.md analysis for $10 per website.
Which AI agents does Design.MD work with?
Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, v0, and Bolt.
Does Polycam work offline?
Capture can be offline, but processing requires cloud upload. No fully offline mode.
Can I use Polycam on Android?
Yes, it uses ARCore on supported devices for 3D scanning.
Does Design.MD provide CSS or component code?
No, it provides structured markdown (DESIGN.md) with visual language specs for AI agents.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026