New Autodesk iPad App Converts Your Photos Into 3D Models
Autodesk, the makers of the popular iOS app, Sketchbook Pro, have just announced the launch of their new 3D image capturer for the iPad, 123D Catch. Take pictures with your iPad and send them to the Autodesk website to create three-dimensional images that can also be turned into physical sculptures. Haven’t you always wanted a three-inch action figure of yourself?
The app allows users to take up to 40 pictures and upload them to the Autodesk cloud service, where they can then be rendered in 3D.
This program does not have to be relegated to toy sculpting either. You could take pictures of your family vacation and show everyone a 3D view of the Eifel Tower, or get a full view of your new haircut to share with friends across the country.
123D Catch is free. Users can instantly start taking pictures of their 3D model, including a full-body scan of little Jr. Once you’ve taken as many photos as needed to get the entire object (limited to 40) you can then process the images to create the 3D product. You don’t have to know how to stitch images either. The application will process them for you.
You have to register with Autodesk in order to process your images, but it only takes a few minutes and your email address. Once your image has been processed, you can share it as a movie, .obj or .dwg file. The final image will be added to Autodesk’s 3D image gallery, so you probably don’t want to take naked pictures.
The Autodesk family of 123D products breaks down barriers between the physical and digital, empowering users to customize the world around them,” said Samir Hanna, vice president, Consumer Products, Autodesk. “The launch of 123D Catch for iPad allows anyone to capture, explore, experiment and experience the 3D design and personal fabrication process.”
123D Catch is free and available today in the App Store. Watch the video below for a demonstration of what it can do for you. If you can’t see the video, click here to see the clip directly from YouTube.
