# 3D Scan & Subtract in Shapr

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599>\
**Category:** Feature requests\
**Created:** [January 15, 2023, 12:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599 "2023-01-15T12:07:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MCSDesign](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/mcsdesign/32/18695_2.png) [@MCSDesign](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/MCSDesign)\
**Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 12:07pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/1 "2023-01-15T12:07:32Z")

</div>

Hi there, been actively using shapr the last 2-3 years from my iPad Pro and love it.

I focus on designing upgrade parts for scale model cars to be 3D printed - either more detailed & realistic than what’s available in kits, or specialty parts to help recreate real cars in scale.

My biggest challenge is bodywork - I want to be able to design an item in shapr, which fits directly onto a contoured surface.

At the moment, I import a photo of the cross section and try to mimic, however the contour changes across the plane.

Option 1:  
Upgrade the iPad to be Lidar compatible and scan.

Option 2:  
Buy a 3D scanner and import.

For both options I believe they mostly export OBJ or STL formats. So not sure how to “subtract” the imported plane from the .shapr plane, to leave me with a piece that fits the imported plane.

Any other ideas or has someone conquered this?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![udokr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/udokr/32/14506_2.png) [@udokr](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/udokr)\
**Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 2:18pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/2 "2023-01-15T14:18:35Z")

</div>

Hi! I would go with the scanner option. The lidar does not have the precision you need in such a small size (at least my 2020 ipad pro doesn’t).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MCSDesign](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/mcsdesign/32/18695_2.png) [@MCSDesign](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/MCSDesign)\
**Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 3:33pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/3 "2023-01-16T15:33:02Z")

</div>

Any recommendations of which scanner to aim for? And could I get it into a format to edit against in shapr?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![adamw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e9a140/32.png) [@adamw](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/adamw)\
**Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 6:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/4 "2023-01-16T18:52:21Z")

</div>

I have a revo pop 2. It is actually a good unit if you learn how to use it. They have a mini for smaller things as well. [www.revopoint3d.com](http://www.revopoint3d.com) To be very honest though, it is a budget scanner, (“good” scanners start around $15,000, so I hear). But it does well for what I use it for. (creating 3d models of people, scanning statues, etc.) Einstar is another one people talk about and seem to like.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![liwang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liwang](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/liwang)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 12:09pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/5 "2023-11-17T12:09:25Z")

</div>

I also have the same confusion. STL files or scanned files can be displayed in Shapr3D, but trimming these files may require some challenges. I have tried converting the formats before.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dennis\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@Dennis\_L](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Dennis_L)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/3d-scan-subtract-in-shapr/23599/6 "2023-11-17T14:42:47Z")

</div>

Would be helpful for me too, to adapt nosepads on glasses without to create a 4th dimensional construction 😂