The Matterport Capture app is the first step in creating your own 3D model of a physical space. Once installed, you'll need a compatible camera - which now includes the iPhone camera in your pocket - to capture and create your first 3D digital twin. Check out the video below, or continue reading to learn more!
Matterport for iPhone (currently in Beta) is a new 3D capture method that comes bundled with the latest version of the Matterport Capture App (4.0) for iOS. This guide will walk you through how to successfully create a 3D digital twin using your iPhone's camera.
iPhone scan captured with iPhone 11 Pro
What you'll need
- An active Matterport account - sign up here or sign up inside the app.
- An iPhone 6S or higher.
- An iPad Air 2 or higher.
- The latest version (4.0) of the Matterport Capture app for iOS.
Get started
First, check out the in-app video - this will thoroughly walk you through the process of scanning your first built space.
Here are some tips for success:
Choosing Simple Scan vs. Complete Scan
| Simple Scan method (iPhone X) | Complete Scan method (iPhone X) |
 |
 |
| Notice the blurring in the ceiling area | Notice the clarity in the ceiling area |
Simple Scan
The Simple Scan method uses one, 360° full rotation (1-ring) to capture the space - though this is the faster of the two methods, it also has the smallest vertical field of view. This means you will encounter blurry areas at the tops and bottoms (ceilings and floors) of your scans. This is not an ideal method if you're scanning a property with high ceilings, or wish to capture ceiling details.
The Simple Scan method should be used if you have an iPhone 11 or higher, as these cameras feature ultra-wide field-of-view lenses.
The iPhone 10 and below do not have this feature built in, making the Complete Scan method a superior choice.
Complete Scan
The Complete Scan method uses three, 360° full rotations (3-ring) to capture the space - though this method takes longer to scan, it provides a wider vertical field of view by capturing the middle, upper, and lower sections of the space. This is the superior method if the space you are scanning has high ceilings, or if you wish to capture ceiling details.
Complete Scan taken with iPhone X
The Complete Scan method is a better option if you're using an earlier version of the iPhone (iPhone 10 or lower), and is better suited for rooms and smaller spaces.
Don't be afraid to try both - see what works for you!
Try both Complete and Simple scanning methods - regardless of what device you're using - to see which method provides the best results!
Note: Using a monopod or tripod is not required, but can make scanning with your iPhone significantly easier, especially if you are scanning larger spaces. Using a mono/tripod can improve the quality of the model by reducing the movement of your camera, which ultimately improves alignment.
Capturing for the best possible outcome
The key to a successful 3D capture is to keep your iPhone stable vertically and horizontally, then rotate the camera as if your phone was placed on a tripod. Remember, the idea is for you to rotate yourself around the camera as it remains still (as opposed to rotating the camera around you, like when you take a panoramic shot). Reference the images below:
Matterport for iPhone videos
Check out this short series of instructional videos that will walk you through your first iPhone Capture experience.
Getting Started
Capturing
Editing
Playlist
Help us make Matterport for iPhone better
Feedback? Please email our team at capture-beta@matterport.com.
Need support? Please email iphonesupport@matterport.com