3D Scanning

Creating a 3D model of a dish is one of the core actions in Replate. With the Manager app, you can scan your dish using your iPhone and generate a faithful digital representation to display on your interactive menu.

This page explains how to prepare for a scan, follow the guided process, and get the best result possible.

Preparing for a Scan

Before starting, ensure you’ve prepared the following:

• The Manager app is installed on your iPhone and you’re logged into the right store

• The dish is already created inside the app or has been imported to your menu

• You’re in a suitable environment for scanning (see below)

Scanning Best Practices

Here are the step-by-step scanning guidelines, based on the built-in tutorial:

1. Choose a well-lit place

Proper lighting is essential. Make sure the dish is illuminated clearly without creating harsh reflections or shadows.

Tip: Avoid scanning near windows during daylight, as direct sunlight can cause distortion.

2. Avoid too strong direct lights

Strong overhead lights or focused spotlights can wash out textures or create glare. Use diffused or ambient light when possible.

3. Use surface contrast

Place your dish on a surface that contrasts with the plate. For example, if the plate is white, use a darker or patterned background.

Why? Contrast helps the app recognize the edges of the object and separate it from the environment during reconstruction.

4. Do not move the product

Once positioned, do not touch or rotate the plate. Any movement can compromise the quality and cause reconstruction failures.

5. Clean the camera

Before you begin scanning, clean your iPhone’s lenses to avoid blur or smudges. Even small dust spots can affect the detail level.

6. Maintain necessary space

You’ll need space to move around the dish freely. Step back a little and check that your movements won’t be obstructed during the scan.

7. Follow the indicated positions

During the scan, Replate will guide you using virtual spheres that appear in space. Slowly move your phone to align with each sphere. This path ensures a complete and consistent capture of the dish from all angles.

Tip: Move smoothly. Sudden or jerky movements may cause areas to miss data and reduce model quality.

Important: Each scan consumes credits. Make sure you're happy with the lighting and setup before you start to avoid unnecessary credit usage.

Finishing the Scan

Once all scan points are completed:

• The app will automatically start processing the model

• You’ll be notified when the scan is complete and can preview it inside the item page

• You can scan again at any time if you're not satisfied with the result

Common Scan Issues & Fixes

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
Model appears flat or incomplete	Not enough movement or missed angles	Follow the entire scan path, don’t skip points
Texture is blurry	Dirty lens or poor lighting	Clean camera, scan in bright and diffused light
Model fails to process	Object was moved	Make sure dish stays completely still

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