Gaussian splatting is an exciting method for displaying 3D scenes - and is no longer a niche topic. Numerous tools and platforms now enable even beginners to achieve impressive 3D results, often even directly with a smartphone.
In this article, we present the most important tools that you can use to create, visualize and edit Gaussian splatting files. Whether via app, web portal or professional hardware - you'll find the right way to get started here.
Gaussian splatting is a rendering technique in which a scene consists of many millions of colored "splats" - small 3D dots with transparency and shape. These points, mathematically defined as Gaussian distributions, combine to create a photorealistic 3D image.
In contrast to classic meshes with textures, splats do not require triangular meshes. This makes the display particularly fast and rich in detail - ideal for immersive web 3D, VR, AR and virtual tours.
With the Scaniverse app from Niantic, you can easily create 3D scans on iPhones with a LiDAR sensor - without any cloud processing. Particularly interesting: the app offers its own "splat mode", in which a Gaussian splat model is created directly on the device.
In addition to real-time rendering, the app allows export to various formats and even publication in a community gallery. If you want to view the results in VR, you can use the associated Quest app "Into the Scaniverse".
The Polycam app is one of the best-known mobile 3D scanning apps. You can use it to take photos or videos, which are then processed into 3D models in the cloud. Polycam now also explicitly supports Gaussian splatting.
Simply take pictures in "Photo Mode", have them processed as a "Gaussian Splat" and view the finished model directly in the app or online. With the paid Pro account, you can also export the generated splats as PLY files.
KIRI Engine is an app that works primarily with videos: You film an object or an environment and the app creates a 3D scene from it - including splat export.
Particularly useful: You can clean up unwanted areas directly in the app. Both point clouds (PLY) and classic OBJ meshes are exported. A free contingent is available to get started; a subscription model is available for more functions.
Luma AI was one of the first services to create high-quality 3D scenes from smartphone videos or photos using AI - including many using splat technology. The results are impressive in terms of quality and can be viewed in the browser or via an app.
However, LumaAI is increasingly shifting its focus to 2D image generation using AI. As a result, the existing portal for Gaussian splatting will probably not be developed any further. If you want to work in the long term, you should consider alternatives such as Polycam or PostShot.
Polycam's web platform offers the same functions as the app: upload photos, generate splats, view in 3D and export files. Practical: everything works directly in the browser - ideal for larger amounts of data from the computer.
KIRI also offers a web dashboard: DSLR photos or drone images can be uploaded here and processed directly - perfect for ambitious projects.
The experimental tool vid2scene converts simple smartphone videos into 3D splat scenes. The service is free and does not require an account - ideal for first attempts with your own clips.
The SuperSplat Editor is a free open source tool for editing splat files in the browser. You can drag in PLY files directly, remove distracting points, cut out areas or even animate camera movements.
After editing, you can export your model as a new PLY or splat file - or share it online. SuperSplat is the ideal tool for manual post-processing of scans.
The Lixel K1 is a professional handheld scanner with integrated LiDAR and RGB camera. It creates high-precision color point clouds and also uses splat technology internally for display.
The device is aimed at professional users and is particularly suitable for large interior spaces, architecture or monument preservation. The scans can be imported into game engines such as Unreal.
You can create high-quality splats even without special equipment - with a camera and well-planned photos. The important thing here is: high overlap, even light and stable perspectives. You can then process these images in tools such as Polycam, KIRI or PostShot.
For drones, the "orbit mode" is suitable for recording an object in a circle from different heights.
As described above, SuperSplat is the most versatile editor for PLY splat files. You can use the web interface to clean, crop and compress splats and export them as HTML viewers.
PostShot is a desktop tool for Windows that runs completely locally. You can load photos there and use them to train a splat model - without using the cloud. Particularly interesting: PostShot offers a live preview and advanced settings for training time, resolution and camera calibration.
Ideal for anyone who takes data protection seriously or wants to work with larger data sets.
CloudCompare is a free desktop software for displaying and filtering point clouds. You can use it to analyze PLY files, remove artefacts or perform rough smoothing.
MeshLab is another tool for post-processing and conversion - for example from point clouds to meshes (if required for 3D printing).
Most tools export point clouds in PLY format - a common but not entirely uniform standard. Some programs such as Blender or After Effects have problems with certain PLY versions.
Tip: If you cannot open a file, simply save it again with SuperSplat or PostShot - this increases compatibility in many cases.
Gaussian splatting is no longer a dream of the future - it's a practical technique that you can use today to create impressive 3D experiences.
Whether with an iPhone, a camera or a high-end scanner, getting started has never been easier. With tools such as Polycam, KIRI, SuperSplat or PostShot, you have everything you need at your fingertips - and most of it is even free.
If you want to get started, simply try out one of the tools presented. You'll be surprised how realistic your first splat can look.
Are you interested in developing a virtual reality or 360° application? You may still have questions about budget and implementation. Feel free to contact me.
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Clarence Dadson CEO Design4real
