Looking Glass Blocks vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Looking Glass Blocks | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free for basic hologram creation & hosting; premium plans TBD | Free tier (limited exports, watermark); Pro $59.99/mo or $239.99/yr |
| Core Functionality | 2D image to hologram conversion via AI depth estimation | Photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, floor plans, drone mapping, Gaussian splatting |
| Export Formats | Embed code only; no 3D file export | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF (15+) |
| Device Support | Desktop browser; no mobile app | iOS (LiDAR), Android (ARCore), web browser, drone image processing |
| Best For | Artists, photographers, hobbyists creating holographic displays from 2D | AEC, forensics, product design professionals needing accurate 3D scans |
| Latest News | No recent updates captured | HDRI lighting with 5 presets (Feb 2026); floor plan drag overlap fix (Mar 2026) |
Polycam wins for professionals needing precise 3D scanning, floor plans, and multi-format exports. Looking Glass Blocks is a niche tool for quickly turning 2D images into holograms for casual sharing, but lacks 3D scanning, video, or export capabilities. Choose Polycam if you need measurable accuracy and file interoperability; choose Blocks only if your sole goal is creating embeddable holographic art from photos.
Turn any 2D image into a shareable hologram with AI depth conversion.
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AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Architect needing floor plans with accurate measurementsPick: Polycam
Polycam generates automatic floor plans from LiDAR or photos, with editable drag overlap fix and measurements exportable to DXF.
- Artist creating interactive holographic photo galleriesPick: Looking Glass Blocks
Blocks converts any 2D image into a hologram instantly and provides an embed code for websites, perfect for immersive portfolios.
- Forensic investigator documenting a crime scenePick: Polycam
Polycam captures detailed 3D scenes with LiDAR or photogrammetry, exports point clouds (PLY, LAS) and standard formats for analysis.
- Hobbyist wanting to try holography without investingPick: Looking Glass Blocks
Blocks is free, requires no special hardware, and turns any photo into a shareable hologram with zero learning curve.
- Product designer scanning prototypes for digital reviewPick: Polycam
Polycam exports high-quality meshes in OBJ/FBX/GLTF for CAD or rendering software, with HDRI preview for material assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking Glass Blocks vs Polycam: which should you choose?
Polycam wins for professionals needing precise 3D scanning, floor plans, and multi-format exports. Looking Glass Blocks is a niche tool for quickly turning 2D images into holograms for casual sharing, but lacks 3D scanning, video, or export capabilities. Choose Polycam if you need measurable accuracy and file interoperability; choose Blocks only if your sole goal is creating embeddable holographic art from photos.
Can I export a 3D model from Looking Glass Blocks?
No. Blocks only provides an embed HTML code to display holograms in a browser or cast to Looking Glass displays. It does not export OBJ, GLTF, or any 3D file format.
Does Polycam work without an internet connection?
Polycam requires internet for cloud processing (photogrammetry, floor plans) and some features. Captures can be done offline on iOS, but processing needs connectivity.
Which tool is better for creating floor plans?
Polycam. It has automatic floor plan generation with measurements and a floor plan editor (drag overlap fix added March 2026). Blocks has no floor plan capability.
Can I use Looking Glass Blocks for video?
No. Blocks only accepts static 2D images (JPEG, PNG, etc.). It does not support video-to-hologram conversion.
Does Polycam support drone photogrammetry?
Yes. Polycam processes drone-captured images into 3D models and point clouds, supporting PLY and LAS export.
Is Looking Glass Blocks free forever?
Currently yes. Looking Glass has not announced premium tiers. Hologram creation and hosting are free, but future pricing may change.
Which format can Polycam export for CAD software?
Polycam exports to DXF and FBX, compatible with AutoCAD, Revit, and other CAD tools. Also exports STL for 3D printing.
Can I embed a Polycam model into a website?
Polycam does not offer native embed code like Blocks. You can export to GLTF and use third-party viewers (e.g., Sketchfab) for embedding.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026