Which File Format Do You Need From a 3D Scan? A Simple Guide
Point cloud, BIM model, CAD drawings or a browser 3D viewer — understand every 3D scan deliverable, which software opens each format, and exactly what to ask for.
A simple guide for architects, engineers and developers who want to work with the data themselves.
When you receive the results of a 3D laser scan, you'll often see a list of file formats in the delivery. What do they mean, which software opens them, and which one do you actually need? This guide answers those questions without assuming you have a technical background.
What you get from a 3D scan — three file groups plus a viewer
A laser scan captures millions of measured points in space. From that raw data we produce three fundamentally different file types — a point cloud, a BIM model and CAD/PDF drawings — plus a browser-based 3D viewer to share it all, depending on what you plan to do with the building.
1. Point cloud — the raw geometry
A point cloud is like a dense digital photograph of the space, except every "pixel" has a real X, Y, Z coordinate.
This is the closest thing to the raw scan. It looks like a coloured dust cloud that precisely describes every surface in the building. You open it in your CAD or BIM software, and then you can model on top of it — trace walls, pull dimensions, snap reference lines.
Common formats:
| Format | Opens in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.e57 |
AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, CloudCompare | Universal standard — works everywhere |
.rcp / .rcs |
Autodesk products (ReCap, Revit, AutoCAD) | Native Autodesk format — best performance in Revit |
.las / .pts |
ArchiCAD, CloudCompare, specialist tools | Also widely supported |
When do you need it? If you have an in-house BIM or CAD team and they want to do their own modelling — give them the .e57. It's the most universally compatible.
2. BIM model — ready to design with
A BIM model turns the point cloud into real architectural objects: walls, slabs, columns, MEP pipes — each with dimensions and properties.
This is the processed result: someone (us) has already sat at the computer and traced all the geometry from the point cloud. The result is a proper model you can open directly in Revit or ArchiCAD, pull any dimension from, and use as the basis for a renovation or extension project.
Common formats:
| Format | Opens in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.rvt |
Autodesk Revit only | Native Revit project file |
.pln |
Graphisoft ArchiCAD only | Native ArchiCAD project file |
.ifc |
Any BIM software | Open standard — use when you need to share across different programs |
When do you need it? When you're doing renovation, extension or coordination work and you need a model, not just a cloud. The .ifc file is the safe choice if your team uses a different BIM platform from ours.
3. CAD drawings and PDF — flat documentation
The traditional as-built drawing, just generated from millimetre-accurate scan data rather than a tape measure.
Floor plans, sections, elevations — exported as flat 2D drawings. No modelling required on your end. You open the .dwg in AutoCAD (or any compatible software) and you're looking at a dimensioned drawing ready for permit applications, renovation quotes, or contractor coordination.
Common formats:
| Format | Opens in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.dwg |
AutoCAD, BricsCAD, many others | Editable CAD drawing |
.dxf |
Any CAD software | More universal than .dwg if you use non-Autodesk tools |
.pdf |
Any device | For review, printing, sharing with builders |
When do you need it? For permits, tender packages, contractor quotes, or any situation where the recipient just needs to see the drawings — not edit a model.
4. Browser 3D viewer — no software required
A digital twin of the building that anyone can open in a web browser — on a phone, tablet or laptop.
We upload the scan to a browser-based viewer and send you a link. Your client can walk through the space, take measurements and review as-built conditions without installing any software. Useful for remote teams, client presentations and site supervision when you can't be on location.
When do you need it? Whenever you need to share the scan with someone who doesn't have CAD or BIM software — clients, remote team members, or stakeholders.
Quick decision guide
Not sure what to ask for? Use this:
- "We want to model ourselves" → ask for
.e57(point cloud) - "We use Revit" → ask for
.rvt+.e57 - "We use ArchiCAD" → ask for
.pln+.e57 - "We need drawings for a permit or contractor" → ask for
.dwg+.pdf - "We need to share with a client who has no software" → ask for the browser viewer link
- "Our team uses different software" → ask for
.ifc(works everywhere)
Can I get more than one format?
Yes — we typically deliver several formats together. For example, a standard scan-to-BIM delivery might include the .rvt model, the source .e57 point cloud, exported .dwg drawings, a .pdf set, and a browser viewer link. You get everything at once; you use what you need.
Still not sure which format you need?
Get in touch and describe your project — what software your team uses, what stage of the project you're at, and what you're trying to do with the data. We'll tell you exactly what to ask for.
BLUEBEAM is the first 3D laser scanning service in Cyprus, delivering scan-to-BIM, point cloud processing and as-built drawings for architects, developers and engineers across Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Larnaca.