CR-Scan Otter: 3D scanning is easy (with a little practice)
30.6.2026
Translation: machine translated
Creality offers the Otter, an entry-level 3D scanner. The device takes some practice, but quickly creates good 3D models of real objects.
Ever since I started 3D printing, I've dreamed of a scanner that effortlessly transforms my objects into digital models. During the lockdown, I built a scanner – with moderate success. At that time, portable 3D scanners were still expensive. That's different today. As a newcomer to the field, I'm looking at the Otter from Creality. It impresses with its ease of use and intuitive software.
For shaky hands and reflective surfaces
Two long-focal-length and two short-focal-length lenses ensure that I can scan both small objects like coins and people. A dedicated color camera records the real textures and colors.
Anti-shake technology is supposed to compensate for unsteady hands. Another strength of the device is its handling of reflective surfaces. The accuracy is stated to be up to 0.02 millimeters. For scanning speed, Creality claims up to 20 frames per second.
Unboxing: The case is impressive
When I open the included carrying case, I am pleasantly surprised. The scanner, cables, and a practice model are neatly padded and organized in their compartments. That's how I like it. The scanner fits well in my hands, looks futuristic, and weighs little at around 400 grams. This is a positive aspect when I hold it for longer periods. A rubber cap on the underside conceals a tripod thread, so I can keep my hands free while scanning. The connection cable to the computer can be screwed on, which prevents accidental disconnection.
The case also contains a carrying strap and a shoulder strap, a calibration board, a black mat that visually separates objects from the background, a set of sticker markers for featureless surfaces, two USB-C to A adapters, a microfiber cloth, and the instructions.
The app: Scanning without prior knowledge
Creality's app – Creality Scan – is refreshingly self-explanatory. When starting a new project, I specify parameters such as approximate object size and desired accuracy. While I'm scanning, the app shows me whether I'm maintaining the optimal distance to the object and what my scan looks like.
After recording, the app guides me from the raw data set to the finished mesh, and I can manually intervene at each stage. For example, I can delete accidentally scanned elements. In the end, I export it as an OBJ or STL file, for example, for 3D printing.
Test 1 Creality Owl: works without problems
For the first attempt, I choose the included test owl. The figure, with its small curves and many details, is a good test object. I place the part on the black mat and begin scanning. It stands out well there, and the mat disappears for the scanner. Generally: light, matte surfaces are easier to capture, while dark, shiny, or transparent objects cause more problems. In such cases, special spray can help.
I scan freehand, without a tripod, with a shaky hand. Nevertheless, the software compensates well for the wobbling. The anti-shake technology fulfills its purpose. The finished mesh reproduces even fine details. I am impressed by the result.
The only thing I find tedious is having to move the scanner around the object. To capture all sides of the owl, I need suitable space.
Test 2 Beyblade: small object, big pitfalls
Next, I take on the top part of my son's Beyblade – the blade. The mixed geometry with edges and rounded areas is a challenge. The device scans the curved areas without problems. Flat, featureless surfaces, however, cause more difficulty with tracking. Fine details like hollow spaces are captured reasonably reliably by the scanner, but not precisely enough. Still: it captures the reflective part in the middle top well.
Overall, the Blade challenges not only the scanner but also me. Instead of moving around the object this time, I mount the scanner on a tripod. I place the Blade on the rotary knob of my screen bar. This way, I can capture all sides at my leisure and always maintain the same distance. Scanning is easier for me this way, but the result is still not perfect.
Missing edges or similar geometric errors can be corrected in 3D software like Blender – the capabilities of the Creality Scan app are not sufficient for this. However, Blender requires knowledge that newcomers are unlikely to have. Still: when I print the model, the real size fits exactly without me having to rescale.
Test 3 Super-Michelle: the glasses as a tough nut to crack
Finally, I dare to experiment with scanning a person. Colleague Michelle models and puts on her superhero costume. With a person, different problems arise than with small objects. For example: How do I move around Michelle? The scanner's cable is too short for that. Therefore, I have to hold the Macbook in my hands, which is cumbersome.
Michelle's glasses pose the biggest challenge for the scanner – for whatever reason a superhero wears glasses. In the studio light, they reflect on the one hand, and on the other hand, the glass offers no reference point for the lenses. Therefore, the scanner doesn't do a good job with her face. However, the 3D print of Michelle is quite respectable for my first scan of a human.
You can see what other challenges I encountered during the scan in the video above.
In a nutshell
A cool gadget that can be more than just a bit of fun
The Otter impressed me in three different tests. Despite my shaky hands, it captured my first test subject – an owl – with precision. The second test with the Beyblade didn’t go quite as well, but the scanner got the scaling right. And in the final test, it immortalised my colleague Michelle as a superhero.
It impresses with its ease of use and intuitive software. This makes the Otter suitable for both beginners and experienced users. I’ll definitely continue to use the device for future projects – and not just for fun and games, but for practical purposes too, such as spare parts should anything ever break.
Pro
- fits comfortably in the hand
- Well-made, with plenty of accessories in the case
- intuitive app
- Anti-shake technology
- high accuracy
- Tripod socket for hands-free scanning
Contra
- Transparent and highly reflective surfaces are problematic
- Difficulties with featureless, flat surfaces
- Cable too short for scanning people
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
Computing
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Office
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
These articles might also interest you
9 comments
later