Structure

Overview

Structure brings together 3D scanning hardware, capture software and an SDK for teams building or running specialized measurement workflows. It suits clinical and industrial users who need body-focused scanning or developers building scanning into their own apps. Its appeal is a focused combination of hardware and measurement tools; it is a less natural fit for casual scanning or buyers seeking a free capture workflow.

Key features

Structure Sensor 3 attaches to compatible iPads and provides millimeter depth accuracy for body measurements. That precision supports workflows such as orthotic and prosthetic fitting, wound measurement, surgical planning and patient monitoring. It is a specialized tool for those jobs, not a reason on its own for general-purpose users to buy dedicated hardware.

Structure Capture exports STL, OBJ and PLY files directly from iPhone or iPad, and its Scan Quality Indicator is intended to help reduce rework by flagging scan quality. Capture supports TrueDepth-enabled iPhone X or later on iOS 16 or later, TrueDepth-enabled iPad on iPadOS 16 or later, and Structure Sensor ST01, ST02 and ST03. That gives users more than one supported capture route, but compatibility depends on specific Apple hardware and OS versions or a Structure sensor.

The SDK provides raw depth frames, mesh extraction, foot measurement and offline licensing. It can detect the first and fifth metatarsals, heel point, arch height, coordinate frames and the foot ground plane with each scan. Those capabilities make it relevant to developers working on clinical, industrial inspection, retail fit-tech or augmented-reality apps; commercial distribution requires a contract, so it is not a frictionless choice for a product that must ship commercially.

Structure supports Structure Sensor models ST01, ST02 and ST03, Apple TrueDepth and Apple LiDAR as inputs. Its broader toolset includes point-cloud tools, mesh reconstruction, real-time capture and API access, with OBJ, STL, PLY, GLB, GLTF and 3MF export formats. Uploaded scans are encrypted, retained for no longer than three years and not sold or disclosed for unrelated purposes. Structure says individually identifying health information it receives is handled in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

Pricing

The Structure SDK Developer License is free with a 7 day free trial and all SDK features for experimentation and prototyping. That is a useful way for developers to evaluate the SDK, but the trial is short and does not cover commercial distribution, which requires a separate contract.

Structure Capture Monthly costs $19.99 a month, while Structure Capture Annual costs $199 a year. Both include unlimited scans and exports and can be canceled anytime through Apple Subscriptions. Annual billing costs less than twelve monthly payments, but commits the buyer to a year rather than offering the monthly plan's shorter billing cycle.

Structure Sensor 3 for iPad costs $995, paid once, with the first year of Structure Capture included; bulk orders require a sales quote. This is the hardware route for teams that need the dedicated sensor, but its upfront cost makes it a substantial commitment. The Structure SDK Commercial License has custom pricing, billed by quote, and commercial distribution requires a contract. There is no free plan; the SDK trial is the only free entry point.

Platforms

Structure supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux, with web also listed as a platform. Capture has narrower device requirements than that platform range suggests: it is tied to compatible TrueDepth Apple devices or Structure Sensor models. Buyers should distinguish the broader SDK and product platform support from the specific hardware needed for Capture.

Who it's for

Structure is best suited to healthcare providers and developers whose work depends on body measurements, foot landmarks or controlled 3D capture. Industrial inspection, retail fit-tech and augmented-reality developers may also find the SDK's depth and mesh capabilities relevant. It is less compelling for occasional object scanning, especially if a buyer does not need its specialized measurement workflows or wants to avoid both subscription costs and dedicated hardware.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Millimeter depth accuracy from Structure Sensor 3 and foot-specific landmark detection support measurement tasks that generic object capture does not target.
• Pros: Capture offers unlimited scans and exports on either subscription plan, while the SDK trial exposes all SDK features for experimentation and prototyping.
• Pros: Multiple supported inputs and export formats give teams options across capture devices and downstream 3D workflows.
• Cons: Capture requires a paid subscription after the included first year with Sensor 3, and the sensor itself costs $995, paid once.
• Cons: The 7 day SDK trial is for experimentation and prototyping; commercial distribution needs a contract with custom pricing.
• Cons: Capture compatibility hinges on particular TrueDepth Apple devices and OS versions or Structure Sensor hardware, limiting its convenience for teams without compatible equipment.

Alternatives

Browse 3D Scanning Software for more options across the category.

MeshInspector is a better fit for users who want a freemium mesh and point-cloud tool on Linux, macOS, web or Windows; its Community plan includes viewing, basic editing and basic mesh repair.

JMStudio is the simpler free choice for owners of 3DMakerpro scanners, with STL, OBJ, PLY, ASC and RSCAN exports.

Revo Scan 6 suits Revopoint scanner owners who want free scanning and post-processing software across Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.

MeshLab is a free, open-source mesh processing and editing system for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Polycam is worth considering for users who want a free tier and Android, iOS or web access; its free plan limits space, object and AI captures and includes GLTF exports and public link sharing.

RealityScan is a freemium alternative for Android, iOS, Linux and Windows users who qualify for its free plan, including individuals and small businesses under $1 million USD in revenue in the past 12 months, educational institutions and students.

Qlone offers a free download for object scanning on iOS and macOS, though premium export, animated AR view and 4K scanning require an upgrade.

Open3D is another free option.

Verdict

Choose Structure if your clinical or industrial workflow needs specialized body measurement, or if you are developing a scanning application and can work within its licensing terms. Its combination of measurement-oriented hardware, Capture and SDK tools is the reason to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need free general-purpose scanning, lack compatible capture devices or cannot justify dedicated hardware and recurring Capture costs.