Shader App vs Polycam

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-10-09
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At a glance

DimensionShader AppPolycam
PricingFreemium (paid tiers unknown)Freemium (free tier limited, annual plans available)
Primary UseMobile AR filters & social media effectsProfessional 3D scanning, floor plans, photogrammetry
Key FeatureReal-time AR effects, AI style transfer, 50+ presetsLiDAR & photogrammetry, floor plan generation, drone scanning
Output FormatsHD video, social media direct shareGLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, DXF, point clouds
Target AudienceSocial creators, marketers, event organizersArchitects, engineers, forensics, AEC professionals
Device SupportMobile (iOS/Android)iOS (LiDAR), Android (ARCore), Web, Drones

Choose Shader App if you need quick, no-code AR effects for social media or events. Choose Polycam for professional 3D scanning, floor plans, and photogrammetry in AEC and product design. They serve entirely different needs; the decision depends on whether you're creating eye candy or capturing reality.

Shader App
Shader App

Create and share custom AR looks on mobile with no coding — Shader App makes real-time shader effects a camera away.

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Polycam
Polycam

Polycam turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.

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Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Plans
$0
$9.99/mo
$79.99/year
$0
$150/year ($12.50/month billed yearly; $30/month billed
$400/year per user ($33/month per user billed yearly)
$1200/year per user (3 users minimum, billed yearly)
Popularity
7 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
MobileWeb
WebMobile
Categories
😄 Fun Photo & Video Apps
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Real-time AR camera effects on iOS and Android
AI-powered style transfer for photos and camera feed
Drag-and-drop shader effect layering
Preset library with 50+ AR templates
Custom shader parameter controls and intensity adjustment
One-click sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat
In-app community feed for discovering trending AR looks
Remix and clone public looks from other creators
Save and organize personal presets
HD video export on Pro
Mobile apps for iOS and Android
Web-based preview tool (beta)
Commercial usage rights with Pro
LiDAR and non-LiDAR space capture of rooms, buildings, and interiors
360 photosphere capture with an in-app 360 image viewer
Object capture turning phone photos into instantly shareable 3D models
AI Capture mode generating 3D models from low photo counts
Instant 3D and editable 2D floor plans with auto fixture and furniture detection
Advanced measure tools: interior measure, pen measure, and auto measure
Automated measurements, floor area, blueprints, room labels, and compass
Drone and aerial photogrammetry processed into expansive site models
Photogrammetry up to 2000 images and 30-minute videos on Business and Enterprise
Gaussian splatting with unlimited splats on Basic and up
AI 3D model generator and AI texture generator (free web tools)
AI generated reports and custom branding on Business and Enterprise
Virtual walkthroughs and shared team library on Business and up
Mesh exports: GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, ESX
Point cloud exports: PLY, LAS, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, DXF
Integrations
Instagram
TikTok
Snapchat
SketchUp
Xactimate
Unity
Blender
Unreal Engine
Maya
3ds Max
Rhino
Three.js
Apple Vision Pro

What real users say: Shader App 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.

Shader App

No verifiable community signal. We scanned public discussion on Jul 3, 2026 and found posts matching the name “Shader App”, but could not establish that they are about this product rather than something else sharing its name. Rather than publish a score built on the wrong subject, we publish none.

Polycam

68 mentions across 5 sources · 42% positive — mixed (weighted across 5 sources)

Reddit, Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store

What users praise

  • • Produces usable point clouds and meshes from a plain iPhone in a single site visit
  • • Genuinely fast — users report scan-to-model turnaround in minutes, not days
  • • Broad export coverage: seven mesh formats plus six point cloud formats
  • • Fire investigators use it for measurements, 3D models, and Meta Quest walkthrough training

What frustrates them

  • • Aggressive trial auto-billing: multiple users report $400/yr charges after 7-day trials
  • • Long-standing Pro users report older scans reverting to unprocessable Draft status
  • • Measurements and dimensions sit behind an expensive tier above the monthly plan
  • • Floor plans described as poor and measurements 'very inaccurate' by paying users

Researched Oct 7, 2026

Who should pick which

  • Social media manager creating branded AR filters
    Pick: Shader App

    Shader App offers one-click sharing to Instagram and TikTok, AI style transfer, and 50+ presets for quick, engaging content.

  • Architect needing accurate floor plans and 3D scans
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam provides automatic floor plan generation with measurements, LiDAR scanning, and over 15 export formats for BIM integration.

  • Event marketer wanting custom AR effects for attendees
    Pick: Shader App

    Real-time AR effects with drag-and-drop layering and sharing to social platforms suit event engagement.

  • Forensics investigator documenting a scene
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam's photogrammetry and LiDAR create accurate, measurable 3D models; exports to point cloud formats for analysis.

  • Product designer digitizing prototypes
    Pick: Polycam

    AI-assisted photogrammetry and texture generation produce detailed 3D models for digital review and CAD workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shader App vs Polycam: which should you choose?

Choose Shader App if you need quick, no-code AR effects for social media or events. Choose Polycam for professional 3D scanning, floor plans, and photogrammetry in AEC and product design. They serve entirely different needs; the decision depends on whether you're creating eye candy or capturing reality.

Can Shader App export 3D models?

No, Shader App primarily exports HD video and shares directly to social media; it does not export 3D file formats.

Does Polycam support drone scanning?

Yes, Polycam processes drone photogrammetry from images and video, including point cloud and mesh exports.

Which tool is better for beginners?

Shader App is easier for beginners with drag-and-drop effects and one-click sharing. Polycam has a steeper learning curve but offers tutorials.

Can I use Shader App on desktop?

Shader App is mobile-first; no desktop version is mentioned. Polycam works on iOS, Android, and Web.

Does Polycam have a free tier?

Yes, Polycam offers a free tier with limited captures per month; paid plans unlock unlimited use and advanced features.

What are the latest updates for Polycam?

Recent updates include HDRI lighting with 5 presets (Feb 2026), library UI improvements, and floor plan editor drag overlap fix (Mar 2026).

Can I remix other users' AR effects in Shader App?

Yes, Shader App has a community feed where you can remix and clone public looks.

Which tool is used by Fortune 500 companies?

Polycam is trusted by half the Fortune 500 for professional 3D capture.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026