Refero Design vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Refero Design | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | UI/UX design inspiration from real shipped products | 3D scanning for objects, interiors, floor plans, and drones |
| Key Feature | Curated library of real-world UI screens, ad-free browsing | LiDAR scanning, AI photogrammetry, automatic floor plans, Gaussian splatting |
| Export Formats | Not applicable (no downloads or source files) | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF |
| Latest News | Added 1500+ new screens (Jun 2026) | HDRI lighting with 5 presets (Feb 2026); improved floor plan editor (Mar 2026) |
| Collaboration | No team features, no login required | Shared team library, cloud sync |
If you need free, ad-free UI/UX design inspiration from real shipped products, Refero Design is unbeatable. If you require 3D scanning, floor plans, or photogrammetry for professional use, Polycam’s freemium model and advanced features (including Gaussian splatting and HDRI lighting) make it the clear choice. Pick based on your domain: design inspiration vs. reality capture.

A curated library of real product screens, flows, and UI patterns for design research, now with research mode and MCP access.
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Polycam turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- UI/UX Designer seeking inspirationPick: Refero Design
Refero provides free, curated screens from real shipped products like Mailchimp and Klarna, with 1500+ new screens added recently—ideal for quick, ad-free design reference.
- Architect needing on-site floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam generates floor plans with measurements from LiDAR scans, and its floor plan editor now supports drag to fix overlapping objects. It exports to formats like DXF and STL.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam's AI-assisted photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning create detailed 3D models from photos or video, exportable to OBJ, GLTF, and USDZ for digital review.
- Design student learning patternsPick: Refero Design
Refero is free, requires no login, and showcases proven interaction patterns from real products—perfect for studying design decisions without cost.
- Media creator scanning props for VFXPick: Polycam
Polycam offers Gaussian splatting and HDRI lighting (5 presets) for realistic captures, with export to FBX and OBJ for integration into 3D workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refero Design vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If you need free, ad-free UI/UX design inspiration from real shipped products, Refero Design is unbeatable. If you require 3D scanning, floor plans, or photogrammetry for professional use, Polycam’s freemium model and advanced features (including Gaussian splatting and HDRI lighting) make it the clear choice. Pick based on your domain: design inspiration vs. reality capture.
Which tool is free?
Refero Design is completely free with no ads or login. Polycam has a free tier but limits exports; Pro costs $59.99/year or $7.99/month.
Can I download source files from Refero?
No, Refero does not provide downloadable assets or source files—it's purely for browsing inspiration.
Does Polycam require special hardware?
Polycam works with iPhone/iPad LiDAR, Android ARCore, or any device's photos/video. No special hardware is mandatory, but LiDAR improves quality.
Can I export floor plans from Polycam?
Yes, Polycam can generate automatic floor plans with measurements and export them. The recent update improved the floor plan editor with drag to fix overlaps.
Does Refero have team collaboration features?
No, Refero is a personal browsing tool with no login, teams, or collaboration features.
What recent updates did Polycam release?
In Feb 2026, Polycam added HDRI lighting with 5 presets (Default, Daylight, Overcast, Sunset, Colorful). In Mar 2026, the library UI became more compact and the floor plan editor got drag functionality.
How often does Refero update its library?
Refero regularly adds new screens; it recently added 1500+ screens (Jun 2026) and posts weekly design inspiration curated from companies like IFTTT and Promova.
Which is better for 3D scanning: Polycam or Refero?
Polycam is purpose-built for 3D scanning and reality capture; Refero has no 3D features. For scanning, Polycam is the only choice.
More Refero Design or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026