Shader App vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Shader App | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium (paid tiers unknown) | Freemium (free tier limited, annual plans available) |
| Primary Use | Mobile AR filters & social media effects | Professional 3D scanning, floor plans, photogrammetry |
| Key Feature | Real-time AR effects, AI style transfer, 50+ presets | LiDAR & photogrammetry, floor plan generation, drone scanning |
| Output Formats | HD video, social media direct share | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, DXF, point clouds |
| Target Audience | Social creators, marketers, event organizers | Architects, engineers, forensics, AEC professionals |
| Device Support | Mobile (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.

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 turns phone LiDAR, photos, and drone footage into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds.
Visit WebsiteWhat 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 filtersPick: 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 scansPick: 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 attendeesPick: Shader App
Real-time AR effects with drag-and-drop layering and sharing to social platforms suit event engagement.
- Forensics investigator documenting a scenePick: Polycam
Polycam's photogrammetry and LiDAR create accurate, measurable 3D models; exports to point cloud formats for analysis.
- Product designer digitizing prototypesPick: 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.
More Shader App or Polycam comparisons
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026