Taika3D Capture
3D Scanning
Best Practices

Guidelines and tips for achieving optimal results with Taika3D Capture scanning solutions.

Select your scanning method:

01

General Guidelines

Essential preparation steps before you begin any scan.

Update the App and Use Full Screen

Before scanning, open the app's App Store page and install the latest available version. On iPad, run the scanning app in full-screen mode because windowed mode can interfere with scanning.

Turn off windowed apps:
  • Settings: Open Settings, tap Multitasking & Gestures, then select Full Screen Apps.
  • Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner, tap or touch and hold the Windowed Apps button, then switch to Full Screen Apps.
Apple iPad windowing guide ↗

Charge Your Devices

Ensure both the sensor and the connected device (e.g., iPad) are fully charged before beginning a scan.

Note: Newer sensors draw power from the iPad. Leaving them plugged in will drain the iPad battery.

Calibrate Regularly

Calibrate the sensor regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain scanning accuracy. If using a Mark 2 sensor, please run the Stereo Image Refinement in the calibration app.

Calibration App ↗ Firmware Updates ↗

Keep the Sensor Clean

Oil, fingerprints, dust, and smudges on the sensor's glass plate can cause noisy depth data and tracking loss. Inspect and clean the plate before scanning, especially when tracking suddenly becomes unstable.

Cleaning: Use a clean microfiber cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Wipe gently in small circles rather than side-to-side, and remove any protective plastic film still attached to the sensor.

Get Control of the Foot

For TrueDepth scanning, position the patient supine (lying on their back) with the foot extending beyond the end of the couch and toes pointing up. Kneel beside the patient and hold toes 4 and 5 to control the foot, keeping your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot). See Positioning.

Get a Comfortable Hold

Get a comfortable hold on your iPad or iPhone. For iPads we recommend using a case with a strap or a handle for steady scanning.

Move Steadily

Maintain a steady, controlled movement while scanning. Avoid sudden jerks or rapid movements that can cause loss of tracking. See Scanning Techniques for recommended movement patterns.

Check Depth Frame Quality

Before starting the scan, verify that the depth frame data quality is good. Compare your depth view against the examples below. Depth frame quality is crucial for accurate scanning results. Two major factors that affect the depth frame quality are lighting conditions and sensor calibration.

Good depth frame data showing full, consistent coverage. ✓ Good Depth
Bad depth frame data showing missing or noisy coverage. ✗ Bad Depth
If depth quality is poor, try:
  • Clean the sensor lens to remove smudges or debris.
  • Adjust the distance to ensure it is within the optimal range.
  • Run calibration to ensure accurate depth measurements.
  • If using Mark 2 sensor please run the Stereo Image Refinement in calibration app! Stereo Image Refinement
Improve depth coverage ↗

Check Depth Frame Quality

Before starting the scan, verify that the depth frame data quality is good. Compare your depth view against the examples below. Depth frame quality is crucial for accurate scanning results. Lighting conditions, especially infrared interference, can adversely affect the depth frame quality.

Good depth frame data showing full, consistent coverage. ✓ Good Depth
Bad depth frame data showing missing or noisy coverage. ✗ Bad Depth
If depth quality is poor, try:
  • Clean the lenses to remove smudges or debris.
  • Adjust the distance to ensure it is within the optimal range.

Scanner Prompts Reference

During scanning, the app displays status messages to guide you. Here's what they mean and how to respond:

Tracking Lost! Please Realign or Press Reset.

The scanner lost its position. Hold the device still and return to a previously scanned area, or press reset to start over.

Please put the model back in view.

The subject is not registered as in view. This can occur when there aren't enough tracking pixels on the target. Even if the object appears on screen, the sensor may not detect it. Check and adjust the lighting conditions — switch to LED lights and avoid fluorescent or direct sunlight.

Try the following: Move further away from the target. If this doesn't help, press reset to start over - adjust the bounding box to make sure it is properly set on the target.

Please hold still so we can capture a keyframe...

The scanner needs a still moment to capture a color keyframe. Stop moving briefly until the capture completes.

Please connect / charge Structure Sensor.

The sensor is not detected or has low battery. Check the cable connection or charge the sensor before scanning.

Calibration required / Firmware update required.

Run the Calibration App or Structure App to resolve.

Sensor is not responding. Please unplug and replug.

The sensor has become unresponsive. Disconnect the cable and reconnect it, then try again.

Scanner Prompts Reference

During scanning, the app displays status messages to guide you. Here's what they mean and how to respond:

Tracking Lost! Please Realign or Press Reset.

The scanner lost its position. Hold the device still and return to a previously scanned area, or press reset to start over.

Please put the model back in view.

The subject is not registered as in view. This can occur when there aren't enough tracking pixels on the target. Even if the object appears on screen, the sensor may not detect it. Check and adjust the lighting conditions — switch to LED lights and avoid fluorescent or direct sunlight.

Try the following: Move closer to the target. If this doesn't help, press reset to start over - adjust the bounding box to make sure it is properly set on the target.

Please hold still so we can capture a keyframe...

The scanner needs a still moment to capture a color keyframe. Stop moving briefly until the capture completes.

Maintain Correct Distance

Keep the optimal distance between the sensor and the subject. Distances vary between sensor models.

Note:
Mark 1: 0.40 - 0.95m.
Mark 2: 0.55 - 0.95m.
Mark 2 pro: 0.40 - 0.75m.
Mark 3: 0.35 - 0.65m.

Maintain Correct Distance

Keep the optimal distance between the device and the subject for accurate depth capture.

Note:
TrueDepth: 0.2 - 0.4 meters.

Clear the Area

Remove unnecessary clutter from the scanning area that could interfere with tracking or obstruct the subject being scanned.

Position the Subject Inside the Bounding Box

When placing the bounding box before scanning, ensure the object is centered inside the box with space on all sides. If you experience tracking issues or "model out of view" errors, increase the bounding box size to capture more tracking points around the subject.

Bounding box placement guide — correct placement shows the sole centered inside the box, incorrect placement shows the sole too close to or outside the box edges.
Tips:
  • Keep the foot centered in the bounding box — avoid having it touch or extend past the edges.
  • Leave space on all sides so the scanner can capture tracking points around the subject.
  • Make sure the entire sole is inside the box for complete and accurate measurements.
  • If tracking is lost frequently, enlarge the bounding box to include more surrounding area.
02

Troubleshooting

Quick fixes for common issues encountered during 3D scanning.

Ensure the sensor is properly connected to your device. Check the cable connection, restart the app, and verify the sensor firmware is up to date using the Structure app.

Tracking loss can occur for several reasons. Follow these checks in order to diagnose and resolve the issue. For detailed information, see Structure.io support article ↗.

Check 1: Sensor's Glass Plate
  • Remove the protective plastic film if still attached — it causes distortions and artifacts.
  • Keep the glass plate clean and free of oil and smudges using a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol. Wipe in small circles, not side-to-side.
  • If you have a Wide Vision Lens: use it for room scanning, but remove it for object scanning as it's not optimized for object tracking.
Check 2: Depth Coverage & Calibration
Check 3: Lighting & Environment
  • Avoid direct sunlight — it causes infrared saturation that makes the sensor lose tracking. Close blinds or move your scene.
  • Switch to LED lighting instead of fluorescent lights, which can interfere with depth detection.
  • If scanning with indirect sunlight present, enable "IR Auto Exposure" in the app settings to automatically adjust for extra infrared in the environment. Turn it off in low-light settings as it adds noise.
Check 4: Object Characteristics
  • Black objects absorb IR light and may disappear to the sensor. Reflective objects scatter IR light and cause artifacts. Consider applying temporary paint or powder to help the sensor detect depth.
  • Small objects (smaller than a grapefruit) may not have enough distinction from the environment to act as an effective tracking anchor. Add tracking objects to the scene to assist the sensor.
Check 5: Depth Stream Preset
  • Ensure you're using the correct depth preset for your object size: CloseRange (35-90 cm), Body (36-98 cm), Default (57 cm-10+ m), Outdoor (58 cm-33 m), or RoomScanning (48 cm-621 cm).
  • If you exceed the preset's maximum range, you will lose tracking immediately.
Check 6: Scanning Technique
  • Start with a fully-charged sensor and iPad. Below 10% charge, scans will suffer and you may see error messages.
  • Scan slowly and deliberately. Moving too quickly causes the sensor to lose position in space.
  • Scan each area thoroughly but only once. Scanning the same area multiple times muddles the mesh and texture.
  • Start from a wider plane (top or bottom of object) for the largest possible anchor point.
  • Capture key frames every 10-15 degrees of movement to maintain tracking.
  • Ensure you can move around your subject 360 degrees. Clear furniture and obstacles before scanning.

The subject is not registered as in view. This can occur when there aren't enough tracking pixels on the target. Even if the object appears on screen, the sensor may not detect it. Check and adjust the lighting conditions — switch to LED lights and avoid fluorescent or direct sunlight.

Try the following: Move further away from the target. If this doesn't help, press reset to start over - adjust the bounding box to make sure it is properly set on the target.

Lighting & Environment
  • Lighting conditions, especially infrared interference, can adversely affect depth frame quality. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive infrared sources.
  • Switch to LED lighting instead of fluorescent lights for best results.
  • Ensure even, consistent lighting without harsh shadows.
Scanning Technique
  • Start with sufficient battery on your device before scanning.
  • Scan slowly and deliberately. Moving too quickly causes the sensor to lose position in space.
  • Capture key frames every 10-15 degrees of movement to maintain tracking and accurate color capture.
  • Maintain the correct distance from the subject (0.2 - 0.4 meters for TrueDepth).
  • Position the patient supine with toes up. Kneel beside them and hold toes 4 and 5, keeping your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads.

The subject is not registered as in view. This can occur when there aren't enough tracking pixels on the target. Even if the object appears on screen, the sensor may not detect it. Check and adjust the lighting conditions — switch to LED lights and avoid fluorescent or direct sunlight.

Try the following: Move closer to the target. If this doesn't help, press reset to start over - adjust the bounding box to make sure it is properly set on the target.

When using colored scanning mode, ensure you are stopping and capturing key frames at the end of each movement direction. Check that lighting is even and sufficient — harsh shadows or uneven light will produce inconsistent colors. We recommend using LED lights and avoiding fluorescent or direct sunlight.

Ensure your iPad has sufficient battery and free storage. Close other apps running in the background. If the issue persists, restart the device, check for app updates, and verify the sensor firmware is current.

Ensure your device has sufficient battery and free storage. Close other apps running in the background. If the issue persists, restart the device and check for app updates.

03

Preparation

Set up the ideal scanning environment for best results.

✓ LED Lighting Recommended

Use LED lighting for the best scanning results. LED lights provide consistent, flicker-free illumination that produces best depth detection for 3D scanning.

✗ Avoid Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lights can cause issues in depth detection, leading to inaccurate scan data, poor tracking and bad results.

✗ Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight interferes with the infrared sensors used for depth capture. Always scan indoors and away from windows or other sources of natural light.

04

Patient Positioning

Position the subject correctly for comprehensive, accurate scanning.

Recommended
Recommended lying face-down position with foot hanging and toes pointing down.

Prone (Lying Face Down)

Without an assistant, use the prone position: the patient lies face down with the foot beyond the end of the couch and toes pointing down. This avoids the patient effort needed to hold an unsupported toes-up foot in position. Toes-down positioning also makes the heel easier to access with a Structure Sensor; with toes up, it is harder to get the sensor low enough to capture the heel.

Recommended
Alternative
Foot extending beyond the couch with toes pointing up.

Supine (Lying on the Back)

Position the patient on their back with the foot beyond the end of the couch and toes pointing up. Kneel beside the patient and hold toes 4 and 5, keeping your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot). Hold the scanning device comfortably in your other hand. Supporting and controlling the foot avoids the patient effort needed to hold an unsupported toes-up foot in position. See the toe hold and phone position below.

With an assistant, position the patient on their back with the foot beyond the end of the couch and toes pointing up. The assistant supports and controls the foot, holding toes 4 and 5 while you scan with the Structure Sensor, so the patient does not have to hold an unsupported toes-up foot in position. Keep the assistant's fingers clear of the metatarsal heads. With toes up, it is harder to get the Structure Sensor low enough to capture the heel.

Acceptable Alternative
Patient sitting on a couch with the foot extending beyond the edge and toes pointing up.

Sitting (Toes Up)

Supine remains the recommended position. Sitting with toes up is a potential alternative only if the foot is supported and controlled. An unsupported toes-up foot requires patient effort to stay in position. Keep fingers clear of the metatarsal heads.

Not Preferred
Patient supported by a chair with one knee on the seat and toes pointing down.

Kneeling on a Chair (Toes Down)

Chair-supported, toes-down positioning is not preferred for TrueDepth. Use the recommended supine, toes-up position so the clinician can support and control the foot.

Not Preferred
Patient lying face down with the foot beyond the couch and toes pointing down.

Prone (Lying Face Down, Toes Down)

Prone (face-down) positioning leaves the toes pointing down and is not preferred for TrueDepth. Prefer supine positioning with toes up and the foot beyond the end of the couch.

Alternative
Patient supported by a chair with one knee on the seat and toes pointing down.

Kneeling on a Chair (Toes Down)

As an alternative without an assistant, the patient can place one knee on a stable chair, holding the backrest for support and leaving the foot beyond the seat with toes pointing down.

Toe Hold and Phone Position

Close-up of the approved hold at toes 4 and 5 Close-up clinical illustration showing the clinician's hand reaching from the patient's side to hold toes 4 and 5 together, leaving the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot) and plantar surface completely clear. Metatarsal heads clear 4 5
Close-up of the approved hold at toes 4 and 5. Keep fingers clear of the metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot).
Wider view of TrueDepth toe hold and phone position Wider clinical illustration showing a supine patient with a toes-up foot extending past the couch while the clinician kneels beside them on the same side, holding toes 4 and 5 with one hand and holding the phone in the other hand with its front TrueDepth camera facing the sole from 0.2 to 0.4 meters away so the clinician can view the screen. Illustrative distance is not to scale. Toes up Front TrueDepth camera 0.2-0.4 m
Wider view (distance not to scale): kneel beside the supine patient on the same side so you can see the screen, hold toes 4 and 5 with one hand, and hold the phone in your other hand with its front TrueDepth camera facing the sole, 0.2-0.4 meters away.
05

Scanning Techniques

Follow the correct scanning path for each position to ensure complete, accurate captures.

Medial means the inner, big-toe side of the foot. Lateral means the outer, little-toe side. These are anatomical directions, not your left and right; their screen positions change with the foot and patient orientation.

Recommended

Prone / Kneeling on a Chair (Toes Down)

Without an assistant, use the prone position, or kneeling on a chair as an alternative. With an assistant supporting a supine patient, use the toes-up sequence below instead.

1
Start at the middle

Begin scanning from the middle of the foot and move upwards toward the heel area.

2
Rotate medial

From the heel, move around the medial (inner, big-toe) side of the foot toward the forefoot.

3
Back to heel

Return back up to the heel area to maintain tracking continuity.

4
Rotate lateral

From the heel, move around the lateral (outer, little-toe) side of the foot toward the forefoot.

K
Capture key frames

At every end of movement, stop and capture a key frame (when using colored scanning) to ensure good tracking and accurate color capture.

Recommended
Alternative

Supine (Toes Up)

With the patient lying on their back and the foot beyond the couch, kneel beside them and hold toes 4 and 5. Keep your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads while scanning with your other hand.

Use this alternative sequence with an assistant supporting and controlling the foot by holding toes 4 and 5, keeping fingers clear of the metatarsal heads. The patient lies on their back, with the foot beyond the couch and toes pointing up.

1
Start at the middle

Begin scanning from the middle of the foot and move downwards toward the heel area.

2
Rotate medial

From the heel, move around the medial (inner, big-toe) side of the foot toward the forefoot.

3
Back to heel

Return back down to the heel area to maintain tracking continuity.

4
Rotate lateral

From the heel, move around the lateral (outer, little-toe) side of the foot toward the forefoot.

K
Capture key frames

At every end of movement, stop and capture a key frame (when using colored scanning) to ensure good tracking and accurate color capture.

FO Scanning

Foot Orthosis (FO) Scanning

FO scanning captures the foot area for creating custom foot orthoses (insoles). The scan covers the plantar surface, sides, and top of the foot.

  1. 1
    Position the patient

    Use the supine position with toes up. Kneel beside the patient and hold toes 4 and 5, keeping your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads.

    Use prone positioning with toes down without an assistant, or supine positioning with toes up while an assistant controls the foot. See Patient Positioning.

  2. 2
    Scan the foot only

    Focus the scan on the foot area — from the toes to just past the heel. Ensure complete coverage of the plantar surface, both sides, and the entire heel back area.

  3. 3
    Follow the standard path

    Start at the middle of the foot and move toward the heel. Scan the medial (inner, big-toe) side, return to the heel, then scan the lateral (outer, little-toe) side. Follow the illustrated sequence for the patient's position. Stop for key frames at each direction change when using colored scanning.

AFO Scanning

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) Scanning

AFO scanning captures a larger area including the foot and ankle/lower leg for custom ankle-foot orthoses. The scan extends higher up the leg compared to FO scanning.

  1. 1
    Position the patient

    Use the supine position with toes up. Kneel beside the patient and hold toes 4 and 5, keeping your fingers clear of the metatarsal heads. Leave the ankle and lower leg visible.

    Use prone positioning with toes down without an assistant, or supine positioning with toes up while an assistant controls the foot. Leave the ankle and lower leg visible.

  2. 2
    Extend the scan area

    Scan from the toes through the foot and continue up past the ankle to the lower leg (mid-calf). Cover the full circumference at the ankle.

  3. 3
    Additional passes around the ankle

    Make extra scanning passes around the ankle joint to capture the bony prominences (malleoli) accurately. These are critical landmarks for AFO fitting.

06

Technology Overview

Taika3D Capture uses Structure SDK for 3D scanning and capturing detailed models. It supports multiple Structure Sensor generations and iOS devices with TrueDepth cameras.

Taika3D Capture uses the built-in TrueDepth camera on compatible Apple devices for 3D scanning — no external sensor required.

Supported Sensors

Mark 1

ST01

Mark 2

ST02A

Mark 2 Pro

ST02B

Mark 3

ST03

Compatible Devices

Structure Sensors work with a range of iPad models. Below are the recommended and compatible devices.

TrueDepth scanning uses the built-in depth camera — no external sensor required. Below are the compatible devices.

Recommended — iPads

ModelYearProcessorCableTrueDepth
13" iPad Pro (M5)2025M5USB-C (XL)Yes
11" iPad Pro (M5)2025M5USB-CYes
13" iPad Pro (M4)2024M4USB-C (XL)Yes
11" iPad Pro (M4)2024M4USB-CYes
12.9" iPad Pro (6th Gen)2022M2USB-C (XL)Yes
12.9" iPad Pro (5th Gen)2021M1USB-C (XL)Yes
12.9" iPad Pro (4th Gen)2020A12ZUSB-C (XL)No
11" iPad Pro (4th Gen)2022M2USB-CYes
11" iPad Pro (3rd Gen)2021M1USB-CYes
11" iPad Pro (2nd Gen)2020A12ZUSB-CNo
iPad (11th Gen)2025A16USB-CNo
13" iPad Air (M3)2025M3USB-C (XL)No

Other Compatible iPads

ModelYearProcessorCableTrueDepth
iPad (10th Gen)2022A14USB-CNo
iPad (9th Gen)2021A13LightningNo
11" iPad Air (M3)2025M3USB-CNo
13" iPad Air (M2)2024M2USB-C (XL)No
11" iPad Air (M2)2024M2USB-CNo
iPad Air (5th Gen)2022M1USB-CNo
iPad mini (7th Gen)2024A17USB-CNo
iPad mini (6th Gen)2021A15USB-CNo

TrueDepth Compatible iPads

These iPads can scan using the built-in TrueDepth camera without a Structure Sensor attached.

ModelYearProcessorAlso Sensor Compatible
13" iPad Pro (M5)2025M5Yes
11" iPad Pro (M5)2025M5Yes
13" iPad Pro (M4)2024M4Yes
11" iPad Pro (M4)2024M4Yes
12.9" iPad Pro (6th Gen)2022M2Yes
12.9" iPad Pro (5th Gen)2021M1Yes
11" iPad Pro (4th Gen)2022M2Yes
11" iPad Pro (3rd Gen)2021M1Yes

iPhone Support List

iPhone support depends on device generation and scan quality. Newer devices are supported, while older models may work inconsistently or are not supported.

ModelStatusNotes
iPhone 17eSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone AirSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 17 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 17SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 16eSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 16 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 16SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 15 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 15SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 14 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 14SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 13 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 13SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 12 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 12SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 11 ProSupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone 11SupportedFully supported for TrueDepth scanning.
iPhone XRNot supportedMight work, but there are no guarantees for good results.
iPhone XSNot supportedMight work, but there are no guarantees for good results.
iPhone XS MaxNot supportedMight work, but there are no guarantees for good results.
iPhone XNot supportedMight work, but there are no guarantees for good results.
iPhone SE (1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen)Not supported

Note: Older devices might work but are not recommended due to performance issues and potential compatibility problems. iPads with Lightning connectors cannot charge the Structure Sensor during use. USB-C devices are recommended when available. For the latest compatibility info, visit Structure Support.