KIRI Engine

KIRI Engine is a 3D scanning application for creating models and visualizations from photos and scans. Photo Scan uses photogrammetry to build detailed models from photos. On LiDAR-equipped iOS devices, LiDAR Scan can produce model scans, floor plans, and quick scene visualizations. Featureless Object Scan is intended for shiny, reflective, transparent, or low-texture subjects. Pro adds tools including PBR materials, quad mesh, automatic rig generation, and mesh-inclusive 3D Gaussian Splatting scans. The API offers Photo Scan, Featureless Scan, and 3DGS Scan; each call costs one credit. Other listed integrations include a model embedder for websites, a UE5 plug-in, and STL export for 3D printing. The free Basic plan supports up to 150 photos and 2 GB per scan, with unlimited scans and free exports. Pro supports up to 500 photos and 5 GB per scan, faster queue processing, and advanced scanning and modeling features, for $17.99 a month or $79.99 a year. Uploaded photos and videos are processed on cloud servers. The company says local PC scanning is not currently on its roadmap.

KIRI Engine combines photo, LiDAR, and featureless-object scanning with model tools and API access. The free plan has defined per-scan limits, while Pro raises those limits and adds advanced features; uploaded media is processed in the cloud.

KIRI Engine may suit 3D printing enthusiasts, 3D artists, and scientific researchers who need to create 3D models or visualizations. Its API and listed website and UE5 integrations may also fit developers working with scans.

KIRI Engine is a 3D scanning app for turning photos and supported LiDAR captures into models and visualizations. It is best suited to 3D printing enthusiasts, artists, and researchers who want several capture methods plus model-making tools. Its free plan is generous on scan count, but cloud processing and per-scan caps are meaningful constraints.

Overview

KIRI brings photogrammetry, Neural Surface Reconstruction, and 3D Gaussian Splatting into one scanning workflow. That range gives users options for different subjects and outputs, rather than relying on a single capture method. The trade-off is that uploaded photos and videos are processed on cloud servers, so KIRI is not a fit for users who need scanning to stay local. Running the scanning algorithm locally on a PC is not on the company’s roadmap at the moment.

The privacy policy says transmitted user data is encrypted and used only for notification purposes. That does not change the practical requirement to upload capture media for reconstruction, so users should weigh cloud processing against their project’s privacy needs.

Key features

Three ways to capture

Photo Scan uses photogrammetry to make detailed 3D models from photos, making it the broadest route for users able to photograph a subject from multiple angles. LiDAR Scan adds model scans, floor plans, and quick scene visualizations on LiDAR-equipped iOS devices; that makes it useful for spatial capture, but limits this method to compatible Apple hardware. Featureless Object Scan is specifically designed for shiny, reflective, transparent, and low-texture objects, giving users a dedicated option for subjects that are difficult to capture with standard photo scanning.

Model finishing and exports

Pro adds PBR materials, quad mesh, auto rig generation, and mesh-inclusive 3D Gaussian Splatting scans. These tools make the paid plan more relevant to users who need to refine or prepare models beyond basic capture. The pricing page also describes a website 3D model embedder, a UE5 plug-in for 3DGS, and STL export for 3D printing, which give the service routes into web presentation, game-engine work, and physical output. Point cloud export is supported, and free exports are unlimited on both Basic and Pro.

API access

The API supports Photo Scan, Featureless Scan, and 3DGS Scan. Each call costs one credit regardless of method, so costs are predictable per request, though production use requires a minimum recharge of 500 credits. Sign-up includes 10 free test credits, enough to assess the API before committing to a larger balance.

Pricing

Basic is free and includes unlimited scans and free exports, with a ceiling of 150 photos and 2 GB per scan. That is a useful starting point for modest projects, but the per-scan caps can become restrictive for larger subjects or high-volume imagery.

Monthly Pro costs $17.99 a month. Yearly Pro costs $79.99 a year, billed yearly at USD 79.99/year and equal to USD 6.66/Month. Both Pro plans raise the limits to 500 photos and 5 GB per scan, add faster queue processing and advanced scanning and modeling features, and retain unlimited free exports. The yearly plan is substantially cheaper on its stated monthly equivalent, while the monthly option avoids an annual billing commitment.

API credits cost $1, paid once, billed at 1 credit = $1 USD, with a minimum recharge of 500 credits; each API call uses one credit. The 10 free test credits offer a small evaluation allowance, not a substitute for the minimum paid recharge for ongoing use.

Platforms

KIRI Engine is available on Android, iOS, and web, with API access also offered. LiDAR Scan is specifically for LiDAR-equipped iOS devices, so its floor-plan and quick-scene capabilities are not available across every platform.

Who it's for

KIRI is a strong fit for 3D printing enthusiasts, artists, and scientific researchers who need photo-based scanning, a specialized mode for difficult surfaces, or cloud-based model creation with export options. Pro is the better match for people who regularly work with larger captures or need its modeling tools and faster queue processing. It is a poor match for users who require local PC reconstruction or cannot upload capture media.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Photo, LiDAR, and featureless-object scans cover distinct capture needs, including reflective and low-texture subjects.
• Pros: Basic allows unlimited scans and free exports, making it possible to use the service without a subscription if the 150-photo and 2 GB caps suffice.
• Pros: Pro raises both capture limits and adds PBR materials, quad mesh, auto rig generation, faster processing, and mesh-inclusive 3DGS scans.
• Cons: Capture uploads are processed in the cloud, and local PC scanning is not on the roadmap, excluding local-only workflows.
• Cons: LiDAR scanning requires a LiDAR-equipped iOS device, so Android and non-LiDAR users cannot use that capture method.
• Cons: API users must recharge at least 500 credits, even though sign-up includes 10 free test credits.

Alternatives

For LiDAR capture with GPS georeferencing, point measurement, and GCP creation, PIX4Dcatch is worth considering; its free Discovery license includes LiDAR 3D capture, while Pro is 132.50 US. MagiScan is another freemium option for users who want a broader platform range, including Linux, macOS, and Windows; its free tier offers a few scans for new users.

Polycam may suit users who want free GLTF exports and public link sharing, though its free plan has limited space, object, and AI captures. Qlone is an alternative for iOS and macOS users who want to scan objects, with premium export, animated AR view, and 4K scanning requiring an upgrade. RealityScan is another freemium option for Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows users.

XenCapture is a paid alternative for iOS and Android. MetaScan is a freemium option for web, iOS, and Android. For browser-based scanning with a free tier of one Quartz scan per month and watermarked output, Krynth is an alternative, though its free plan also limits hosting to 14 days and excludes commercial rights.

Readers comparing categories can browse AI 3D Scanning Software and Photogrammetry Software.

Verdict

KIRI Engine is the right choice for makers and 3D practitioners who want several scanning methods, including a dedicated option for difficult surfaces, and can work with cloud reconstruction. Its unlimited free scans and exports make it easy to start, while Pro’s higher caps and modeling tools serve more demanding projects. Look elsewhere if local processing is essential or if LiDAR scanning must work beyond compatible iOS devices.