Best Point Cloud Processing Software for Mac of 2025

CloudCompare is a free and open-source software designed for processing 3D point clouds and triangular meshes. Initially created to facilitate the comparison of dense 3D point clouds, it has now transformed into a versatile solution for a wide range of 3D data processing activities. The application provides a variety of functionalities, including projection techniques, registration methods such as Iterative Closest Point (ICP), and calculations of distances between both clouds and meshes, along with statistical analysis, segmentation, and the estimation of geometric features. Users are able to manage multiple scalar fields associated with each point cloud, implement algorithms for smoothing and gradient evaluation, and visualize their data using dynamic color rendering options. The interactive tools included in the software make it easy to segment, rotate, translate, and measure 3D objects. CloudCompare is capable of supporting a wide array of input and output formats and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Additionally, the software incorporates a plugin system that allows users to enhance its functionality further, making it a highly adaptable tool for 3D data analysis and visualization. With its growing community, users can benefit from continuous updates and a wealth of shared resources.

Rhino offers a comprehensive suite for creating, modifying, analyzing, documenting, rendering, animating, and converting NURBS curves, surfaces, solids, subdivision geometry (SubD), point clouds, and polygon meshes. The only limitations on complexity, degree, or size are dictated by your hardware capabilities. Its free-form 3D modeling tools rival those found in expensive software, enabling you to craft any shape you envision. With precision required for designing, prototyping, engineering, analyzing, and manufacturing a wide range of items—from aircraft to jewelry—Rhino ensures compatibility with all your design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration applications. It can read and repair intricate meshes and complex IGES files. The software is user-friendly, allowing you to concentrate on design and visualization without the software becoming a distraction. Remarkably efficient, it operates smoothly even on standard laptops without the need for specialized hardware. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational platform for numerous specialized 3D applications, broadening its utility in various fields. This versatility makes Rhino an indispensable tool for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

PointCab Origins serves as an all-in-one solution for assessing point cloud data from various laser scanners and integrates seamlessly with all CAD and BIM platforms. It streamlines the process from point cloud registration to generating vector lines and transferring results into your CAD environment, ensuring an efficient workflow. The software automatically produces front, side, and top views (orthophotos) from the point cloud data, making it user-friendly and accessible for all skill levels. Users can easily create floor plans, sections, and measure areas, distances, and volumes with just a few clicks, even if they are not well-versed in working with point clouds. The intuitive interface is complemented by quick 2-minute tutorials to help you get up and running swiftly. Whether utilizing drones, terrestrial methods, or SLAM laser scanners, PointCab Origins is capable of processing a variety of data types. Merging different point clouds is also a straightforward task, enhancing its versatility. Additionally, PointCab Origins provides advanced features designed to address complex requirements and diverse use cases, making it an ideal choice for professionals in the field.

FARO Sphere XG, a cloud-based digital platform for digital reality, provides users with a centralized collaborative experience across all of the company's 3D modeling and reality capture applications. Sphere XG, when paired with Stream, enables faster 3D data collection, processing, and project management anywhere in the world. Sphere XG is a systematized tool that allows users to organize 3D scans, 360-degree photos and 3D models. It also allows them to manage data from different teams around the globe. Sphere XG allows you to view and share 3D point clouds, 360-degree photo documentation, and floorplans all in one place. You can also track the progress of your project over time. Ideal for 4D progress management, where the ability of comparing elements over time is crucial, project managers and VDC manager can better democratize the data and eliminate the necessity to use two platforms.

Agisoft Metashape is an independent software solution designed for the photogrammetric analysis of digital images, producing 3D spatial data applicable in GIS, documentation of cultural heritage, visual effects, and for measuring objects across different scales. Users of Agisoft Metashape who have created an Agisoft Account can take advantage of the Agisoft Cloud platform, which provides cloud-based processing services. This feature enables users to offload projects to the cloud, effectively reducing the need for significant investment in hardware for photogrammetry tasks. Additional functionalities include the online visualization of processing outcomes, options for sharing results, and tools for generating embedded codes to integrate models into websites seamlessly. The service operates on a subscription basis for storage, while processing time is billed per minute, allowing for flexible usage tailored to individual project needs. This structure supports users in managing costs while maximizing the efficiency of their photogrammetric workflows.

AWS Thinkbox Sequoia is a dedicated software application designed for processing point clouds and creating meshes, and it is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. The application can handle point cloud and mesh data in a variety of widely-used formats, efficiently converting point cloud information into a streamlined and rapid-access intermediate cache format. Sequoia incorporates advanced workflows that prioritize the retention of high-precision data, enabling users to visualize all or selected portions of the point cloud through adaptive, view-dependent techniques. Users have the ability to manipulate, trim, and alter point cloud data, create meshes from the point clouds, and enhance the quality of the generated meshes. Additionally, the software facilitates the projection of images onto points and meshes, as well as the creation of mesh vertex colors, Ptex, or UV-based textures derived from the colors of the point clouds and image projections. Moreover, it allows for the export of the generated meshes to various industry-standard mesh file formats and seamlessly integrates with Thinkbox Deadline, enabling the conversion, meshing, and export of point cloud data across network nodes, thereby improving productivity and efficiency in 3D modeling tasks. In doing so, Sequoia ultimately enhances the overall workflow for professionals working with complex spatial data.