Vector to 3D vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Vector to 3D | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium (free tier limited; Pro ~$9/mo or $49/yr) | Freemium (free tier limited; Pro ~$7.99/mo or $79.99/yr) |
| 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).
AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: 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
41 mentions across 2 sources · 50% positive — mixed
YouTube, Lemmy
What users praise
- • Fast conversion from SVG/AI/EPS to 3D models with minimal effort.
- • No learning curve compared to Blender or C4D.
- • Browser-based and no installation required, accessible anywhere.
- • Multiple export formats (OBJ, GLB, STL) support common workflows.
What frustrates them
- • No community testimonials to confirm claims or quality.
- • Not suitable for complex or organic 3D modeling.
- • AI inferencing may misinterpret complex vectors or shapes.
- • Limited to vector inputs; no support for raster images.
Researched Aug 15, 2026
Polycam
61 mentions across 4 sources · 55% positive — mixed
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Fast, easy LiDAR scans with minimal learning curve.
- • Generates mesh, floor plan, and idealized model from one scan.
- • Cross-platform with iOS, Android, and web support.
- • Free tier includes valuable tools like AI generator and Gaussian splat.
What frustrates them
- • Scan reliability is spotty: failed uploads, lost tracking, backdrop capture.
- • Dimensions and full floor plans locked behind $400 paywall.
- • Curved walls and stairs render angular, forcing Matterport for pros.
- • Confusing free/paid feature split, feels like dark patterns.
Researched Aug 18, 2026
Who should pick which
- 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.
More Vector to 3D or Polycam comparisons
Polycam and Airtable serve completely different needs: Polycam is a dedicated 3D scanning and reality capture tool for AEC and media professionals, while Airtable is a collaborative database platform
Polycam and Notion serve completely different purposes. Polycam is a specialized 3D scanning tool for professionals needing photogrammetry, floor plans, and drone mapping, while Notion is a general-pu
Polycam and Miro serve entirely different needs: Polycam is a specialized tool for capturing real-world 3D data (scanning, floor plans, drone mapping) while Miro is a broad collaboration platform for
Choosing between LM Studio and Polycam is straightforward: they solve completely different problems. LM Studio is ideal for developers who need private, offline LLM inference on their own hardware, wh
If you need reality capture and 3D scanning for architecture, construction, or forensics, Polycam is the clear choice. For product development teams seeking AI-native issue tracking, triage, and agent
Choose Polycam if you need reality capture—3D scanning objects, interiors, or floor plans for AEC, forensics, or game dev. Choose Sketch if you’re a macOS UI/UX designer who values native performance,
Explore each tool further
Browse these categories
One email a week — new tools, honest comparisons, no spam.
Last reviewed: July 3, 2026