> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.argenie.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.argenie.ai/ar-genie-3d-scanner/welcome-to-ar-genie-3d-scanner-app/3d-scanner-app-3d-object-scanning-guide.md).

# 3D Scanner App – 3D Object Scanning Guide

## Introduction – What Is the AR Scanner App and Why Do We Use It?

The AR Genie Scanner app is a tool that helps you create a **3D scan of a real physical device** using just your iPad’s camera.\
This scan is saved as a **“.arobject” file**, which is a special 3D model format created by Apple for AR (Augmented Reality) apps.

#### What is a 3D Object?

A **3D object** is a digital version of something from the real world.\
It is not a photo—it’s a **shape**, **size**, and **surface feature** representation of the actual device.\
Think of it like creating a digital twin of the object.

#### What is 3D Scanning?

3D scanning means capturing the **full shape** of a real device by moving the iPad around it.\
The app detects edges, surfaces, and details and creates a **scan file (.arobject)** that represents the object digitally.

#### Why Do We Need This Scan?

Once the 3D scan is created:

* The AR app can **recognize the real object** when you point the camera at it.
* It can check that the physical device **matches** the 3D scan.
* It allows the app to **place AR anchors** (digital markers, instructions, or steps) **exactly on the real device**.
* This ensures all AR content aligns perfectly with the actual equipment.

In simple words:\
**The scan helps the AR system understand what your real device looks like so it can place digital instructions on it accurately.**

#### How Does It Work?

Everything behind the scenes is powered by **Apple’s ARKit technology**.\
ARKit automatically:

* Tracks the features of the object
* Builds the 3D point cloud
* Creates the `.arobject` file
* Allows the device to detect the object later with high accuracy

We only provide the simple interface to make scanning easier—\
**the actual scanning, detection, and matching is completely handled by Apple’s ARKit system.**

***

## AR Genie Scanner App – Object Scanning Guide (iPad)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Log In

* Open the AR Genie Scanner App.
* Enter your username and password (same login used across all AR Genie apps).
* Tap Sign In.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/FLyuJfhhe6rdlJwZYdZM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fetch Asset Models

* On the home screen, tap Fetch Asset Models.
* The app will load all asset models assigned to your account.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/OjT6pMYPgty6U4s4gqfd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select an Asset

* From the list, tap Select next to the asset you want to scan an object for.
* This asset will be linked to your new .arobject file.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/vNAPiI4iSqDR4Z2oEeyF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose Scan Method

After selecting an asset, choose one of the two options:

* Option A: Start Object Scan — Use this to scan a new object using the iPad camera.
* Option B: Pick from Local — Use this to upload an existing `.arobject` file stored on your device.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/jP21T8vnjJJLfFtyMfFi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you choose Pick from Local, select the file → you will be taken directly to the Share Screen.\
If you choose Start Object Scan, continue to the next steps.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Scanning the Object

Apple recommends scanning objects with clear edges, stable lighting, and without shadows. Follow these simplified steps:

* Point the camera at the object.
* A yellow dot cloud will appear (ARKit feature tracking).
* Adjust the bounding box using gestures to tightly fit around the object.
* Tap Scan to begin scanning.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/LOe9ZB4YJXSIDHK3W84Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/A8fOSOOBPJ29gJr3Tr9T" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

During Scanning:

* Slowly walk around the object.
* Capture all sides: front, back, left, right, and top.
* Avoid moving the object during scanning.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/XpVyfge4tuxPxALWkgU3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Tap Finish when scanning reaches all required angles.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Adjust Origin (Optional but Recommended)

* After finishing the scan, the app shows the coordinate origin (red, green, blue axis).
* Adjust it so the model aligns correctly with the real-world orientation.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/o5oOCamsAxRTeISAfYV3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Tap Test to continue.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Test the Scanned Object

* Move the iPad away and point toward the object again.
* If the app shows the yellow bounding box around the real object: Detection is successful.
* If not, you may need to retake the scan.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Upload or Save the Scan

After testing, proceed to the Share Screen:

* Enter a file name and description (optional).
* Tap Confirm Upload to send it to the AR Genie backend.
* Or tap Save to Local to store the file on your iPad.

Screenshot:

<figure><img src="/files/EScVTuaRRpps9KNf8att" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the upload completes, you will see Upload Complete.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Best Practices for High-Quality Scans:

* Keep lighting uniform; avoid strong shadows.
* Ensure the object does not move.
* Scan slowly and cover all angles.
* Keep a stable distance from the object.
* Use objects with clear textures/edges for better feature tracking.
  {% endhint %}