Orbit Measure · 3D Scanning

How to Use Orbit Measure and Floor Plan Scan

Manifold has two distinct scanning features. Orbit Measure captures a measurable 3D model from any iOS or Android phone using video — no LiDAR or special hardware needed. Floor Plan Scan uses Apple’s RoomPlan API to generate a structured floor plan with labeled dimensions — requires iPhone 12 Pro or newer (LiDAR). This guide covers both.

Before you start — know which feature you need

Orbit Measure (3D model): works on any iOS or Android phone. Records a short video, uploads to our servers, outputs a measurable 3D walkthrough. Use this for as-built documentation, remote measurements, and client sharing.
Floor Plan Scan (structured floor plan): requires iPhone 12 Pro or newer with LiDAR. Powered by Apple’s RoomPlan API. Outputs a clean 2D floor plan with labeled walls and dimensions. Not available on standard iPhones or Android.
Both features require the Photo+Scan plan ($24/user/month). Download the Manifold app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and log in.
You can scan offline — the scan captures on-device. You’ll need internet to upload and process.

Using Orbit Measure (any phone)

Open your project in Manifold

Navigate to the project you want to add the scan to. Tap the “+” button and select Orbit Measure from the menu.

Walk the room slowly

Hold your phone at chest height and slowly walk around the space, pointing the camera at walls, floor, ceiling, and openings. Record for 10–60 seconds — Orbit Measure uses video, not LiDAR.

Tap “Done” when coverage is complete

Standard rooms take 10–60 seconds. Larger spaces may take 2–3 minutes. Tap Done when coverage is complete — the video saves to your device.

Upload when you have internet

Connect to WiFi or cellular — the upload starts automatically. Our servers process the video into a 3D model. Processing typically takes 2–5 minutes.

View, measure, and share

Tap the scan to open the 3D viewer. Take measurements, share via link, or export a PDF. For Floor Plan Scan, look for the separate Floor Plan Scan option in the “+” menu — only appears on supported iPhone Pro models.

💡 Pro tip

For best results, turn on all lights in the room before recording. Good lighting improves the visual texture of the 3D model. Avoid pointing the camera through glass or mirrors — these can confuse the depth processing.

“We had 10 rooftop units to survey for replacements. It started to rain and my clipboard was bleeding. So I used Manifold, walked around every unit and got everything I needed. I had measured the first one by hand — it was exactly correct. I am at the point of trusting the accuracy of it.”

Jake Stone

HVAC Contractor, NYC