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🛍️ Before You Scan: Prepping Products & Your Setup
Getting a top-quality 3D model of your product starts before you hit record. A little prep work on your product and shooting space can make a huge difference, making your items look fantastic online!
✅ Choosing Products for 3D Scanning
Most products can look amazing in 3D, but some are easier to scan than others.
✨ Ideal for Scanning
| Characteristic | Examples |
|---|---|
| Textured & Detailed | Footwear with stitching, handbags with patterns, electronics with clear markings |
| Matte or Low-Sheen | Non-reflective surfaces that capture true colors and details |
| Clear Shapes | Products with defined forms that translate well into 3D |
| Non-transparent | Products that don't have transparent surfaces |
⚠️ Needs Extra Care (or Avoid for First Scans)
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Very Shiny/Reflective | Avoid chrome, mirrors, high-gloss items |
| Transparent | Clear glass or plastic is tricky |
| Very Dark/Black | Can absorb too much light, losing detail |
| Featureless/Smooth | Add temporary, non-damaging texture, usually as the base |
| Things That Move/Deform | Product must stay perfectly still and not change shape |
E-commerce Tip
Start with items roughly shoebox-sized up to a small suitcase. They're generally easier to light and manage.
🧼 Prepping Your Product for its 3D Close-Up
Basic Preparation
- Sparkling Clean: Dust, fingerprints, or smudges can appear as blemishes
- Give your product a thorough wipe-down
- Remove any labels or markings
📸 Setting Up Your "Photo Studio" Space
💡 Lighting is Key for Product Appeal
Goal: Even, soft (diffuse) light that eliminates harsh shadows and bright hotspots
Natural Light Options
- Overcast day near a large window
- Avoid direct, harsh sun
Artificial Light (Recommended for Consistency)
- Use 2-3 lights with softboxes or diffusers
- LED panels for product photography
- Product photography lightbox for turntable scans for even lighting
🖼️ Background Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Plain white or neutral gray, non-reflective |
| Textured Base | Use a textured base to help guide the algorithm especially for challenging objects |
| Avoid Movement | Any movement in the background like people or objects moving in the backgroudn can interfere with the scan |
| Turntable | Plain white or neutral gray, non-reflective, ideally a lighbox |
🚫 Stability Requirements
- Place product on a very stable surface
- If using a turntable:
- Ensure it's level
- Verify smooth rotation
- Product must not move (except controlled rotation)
- Any unexpected movement can ruin the scan
With these e-commerce focused preps, you're ready for amazing 3D product models! Next up: camera settings.