Vector to 3D vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
Vector to 3D or Polycam: which should you choose?
| Dimension | Vector to 3D | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Core Capability | Convert SVG/AI/EPS vector graphics into 3D models via AI extrusion and depth | Real-world 3D scanning via LiDAR, photogrammetry, drone maps; floor plans; Gaussian splatting |
| Export Formats | OBJ, GLB, STL | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF (15+) |
| Best For | Graphic designers, illustrators, e-commerce, 3D printing hobbyists | Architects, engineers, forensics, media, AEC drone surveys |
| Latest News | No recent news captured. | 2026-06-25: Tutorials for Cleaning/Georeferencing/Blender optimization. 2026-03-13: Library UI compact, floor plan editor drag overlap. 2026-02-23: HDRI lighting (5 presets) live. |
| Not For | Professional 3D modelers; animated/rigged content; complex organic shapes | Casual users wanting free unlimited scans; beginners needing one-click automation; offline-only capture |
If you need to capture real-world spaces or objects with measurable floor plans, LiDAR, or drone photogrammetry, Polycam is the obvious choice. If your work is purely 2D vector graphics that you want to instantly extrude into 3D mockups or STL files, Vector to 3D is simpler and cheaper. Choose based on whether your source is physical reality (Polycam) or flat artwork (Vector to 3D).
Render SVG, AI, and EPS vectors as 3D models right in your browser with Extrude, Inflate, and Revolve effects.
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Polycam turns a phone or drone into a 3D scanner for rooms, objects, floor plans and point clouds.
Visit WebsiteWhat do real users say about Vector to 3D 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.
Vector to 3D
No verifiable community signal. We scanned public discussion on Sep 15, 2026 and found posts matching the name “Vector to 3D”, 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
55 mentions across 4 sources · 53% positive — mixed (weighted across 4 sources)
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fast capture: users report whole-room and building scans completed in minutes
- • Very easy to pick up, even with zero prior 3D scanning experience
- • LiDAR and photo modes both work, with fallback when LiDAR is absent
- • Export coverage is broad: mesh formats plus point clouds and Xactimate routing
What frustrates them
- • Aggressive annual billing complaints dominate 1-star App Store reviews
- • Free tier's low scan cap kills casual and hobby use
- • Floor plans, measuring and point-cloud exports locked behind Business tier
- • Unclear what's free versus paid frustrates would-be buyers
Researched Oct 30, 2026
Who should pick Vector to 3D, and who should pick Polycam?
- Architect needing on-site floor plans and drone surveysPick: Polycam
Polycam’s LiDAR scanning, automatic floor plan generation with measurements, and drone photogrammetry directly serve architectural field work. HDRI lighting and virtual walkthroughs help present designs.
- Graphic designer creating product mockups from logosPick: Vector to 3D
Vector to 3D instantly converts SVG logos into 3D mockups with depth and materials. No 3D modeling experience needed, and commercial license covers client work.
- Forensics team documenting crime scenesPick: Polycam
Polycam captures precise 3D scenes with LiDAR and exports point clouds (LAS/PLY) for analysis. The March 2026 floor plan editor fixes overlapping objects, improving documentation accuracy.
- Hobbyist 3D printing enthusiast with vector filesPick: Vector to 3D
Vector to 3D exports to STL directly, with bevel and thickness controls. Batch processing (paid) can automate multiple files. Polycam’s STL export exists but is overkill for simple 2D shapes.
- Media creator scanning props for game assetsPick: Polycam
Polycam’s photogrammetry and LiDAR capture fine detail; Gaussian splatting adds visual appeal. Exports to GLTF/FBX/USDZ for game engines. Recent HDRI presets improve lighting previews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vector to 3D vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If you need to capture real-world spaces or objects with measurable floor plans, LiDAR, or drone photogrammetry, Polycam is the obvious choice. If your work is purely 2D vector graphics that you want to instantly extrude into 3D mockups or STL files, Vector to 3D is simpler and cheaper. Choose based on whether your source is physical reality (Polycam) or flat artwork (Vector to 3D).
Can Polycam convert SVG files to 3D?
No, Polycam does not have vector-to-3D conversion. It uses photos, video, LiDAR, or drone images to create 3D models from real-world objects or spaces.
Can Vector to 3D process real-world scans?
No, Vector to 3D only accepts vector files (SVG, AI, EPS). It cannot process photos or LiDAR data.
Which tool exports to STL for 3D printing?
Both export STL. Polycam creates STL from scans; Vector to 3D creates STL from vectors. Choose based on source: real object vs. 2D artwork.
Does Polycam require an internet connection?
Capture can be done offline, but processing and export typically require cloud upload. Recent news mentions sync improvements for capture images.
Is Vector to 3D’s free tier usable for commercial projects?
No, the free tier has no commercial license. You need the Pro tier to use generated models commercially.
Can Polycam generate floor plans with measurements?
Yes, Polycam automatically generates floor plans from LiDAR scans or photos and includes measurement annotation. The March 2026 update added drag-to-fix overlapping objects in the floor plan editor.
Which tool offers batch processing?
Only Vector to 3D offers batch processing (in the paid tier). Polycam processes one capture at a time.
Does Polycam support drone photogrammetry?
Yes, Polycam can process drone-captured photos into 3D models, making it suitable for large-scale site surveys.
What else are Vector to 3D and Polycam compared with?
Don't cross-shop these. Polycam is a capture tool that turns the physical world — rooms, prototypes, job sites — into 3D models, floor plans, and point clouds you export to SketchUp, Blender, or Unity
These are not competitors and you should never be choosing between them — Polycam is a capture tool that turns a phone, drone, or LiDAR scan into a 3D model, floor plan, or point cloud, and Notion is
These two don't compete — a buyer almost never chooses between them. Polycam is a capture tool: you point a phone, drone or LiDAR at a physical space and get floor plans, meshes and point clouds you c
These two products never meet in a buying decision, and treating them as rivals would mislead you. If your problem is documenting a physical site — rooms, buildings, props, a claims scene — Polycam is
These tools don't compete — they solve unrelated problems, and no buyer shortlists both. If your problem is running open models locally (GLM, Kimi, DeepSeek, Qwen3.8) for private agentic work, LM Stud
You are not choosing between these. Polycam and Sketch solve different problems for different people, and no buyer with one budget and one job shortlists both. Pick Polycam if you need to digitise a p
Where can you read more about Vector to 3D and Polycam?
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Analysis generated by our model pipeline from live data: