What it does
RealityScan turns photographs and laser scans into 3D models and point clouds for games, visualisation and survey projects. The desktop application was previously called RealityCapture, and a separate mobile app handles phone scanning. Desktop use is free for eligible individuals, small businesses, students and educational institutions.
Desktop access
Install the Epic Games Launcher, sign in with an Epic Games account, then open the RealityScan tab in the Unreal Engine section to install the desktop application. The site also offers image sets and laser-scan samples, so you can follow its learning material without making a new capture first.
The desktop feature set includes reconstruction, cleanup, optimisation and image layers. Its Small Relief sample uses 14 images; the Habitat 67 dataset combines images and laser scans. These provide different starting points for object and environment work.
Who can use it free?
Epic lists free access to all RealityScan features for individuals and small businesses with less than US$1 million in revenue over the previous 12 months, plus students and educational institutions. Larger businesses pay US$1,250 per seat per year, with seats managed through the Developer Portal.
RealityScan Mobile is a separate free phone application. Its capture and processing interface differs from the desktop product, so use the instructions for the edition you choose.
Strengths
- The desktop tool accepts both image sets and laser scans.
- Sample datasets include small objects and large environments.
Watch out for
- Free desktop access is subject to revenue and user eligibility rules.
Best for
- Reconstructing real objects for games
- Creating digital versions of buildings and environments
Sources
- RealityScan Features (Oct 28, 2026)
- RealityScan Licensing Options (Oct 28, 2026)
- RealityScan: Models from Images and Laser Scans (Oct 28, 2026)