Luma AI for Gaussian Splatting: A Capture Guide
Tutorial · 2026-06-09 · 8 min read · by SplatMart Team
Luma AI is one of the easiest ways to make a Gaussian splat from your phone. This guide covers capturing, exporting a .splat / .ply file, and getting the cleanest result.
Luma AI is one of the easiest ways to create a Gaussian splat: you record a short video with your phone, upload it, and Luma's cloud processes it into a 3D scene you can view, share, and export. It is a great starting point if you want a splat without setting up a GPU or training pipeline. This guide walks through getting a clean result and exporting a usable file.
What you need
- A smartphone (iPhone or Android) or any video camera.
- The Luma AI app, or the web uploader.
- A subject and decent, even lighting.
Step 1: Capture the scene
Good input is 90% of a good splat. Move slowly and steadily around your subject, keeping it in frame, and try to cover it from many heights and angles — low, eye-level, and high. Aim for full coverage, as if you were wrapping the object in a sphere of camera positions.
Capture tips for a clean result
- Shoot in soft, even light — overcast outdoors or diffuse indoor light is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sun and deep shadows.
- Keep the scene still. Moving people, leaves, or cars create floating artefacts ("floaters").
- Move slowly to avoid motion blur; orbit the subject rather than just panning from one spot.
- Don't change zoom mid-capture, and try to keep exposure locked if your app allows it.
- Capture a bit more than you think you need, especially around edges and the top.
Step 2: Process in Luma
Upload the capture and let Luma process it in the cloud. After a short wait you get an interactive 3D scene you can orbit and inspect. Check it for floaters, holes, or blurry areas — if a region looks bad, it usually means it needed more or steadier coverage, and a quick re-shoot of that area fixes it.
Step 3: Export your splat
Luma lets you export the Gaussian splat so you can use it elsewhere. Export it as a .ply or .splat file, which is the standard format accepted by most splat viewers and game engines. From there you can load it into a web viewer, Unreal, Unity, Blender (with a splat add-on), or list and sell it.
Luma AI vs other capture tools
Luma AI is known for being beginner-friendly and handling reflective and outdoor scenes well. Polycam is another popular option that many users find sharper on hard architectural edges, and Postshot is a fast-growing desktop tool for those who want more control. There is no single "best" — it depends on your subject. See our Polycam vs Luma AI comparison for a side-by-side.
Don't want to capture at all?
Capturing and cleaning up a great splat takes time and practice. If you just need a high-quality asset for a project, you can buy professionally captured splats instead. SplatMart offers ready-to-use .splat files across many categories — browse the marketplace and drop one straight into your scene.
Frequently asked questions
Is Luma AI free?
Luma AI offers free usage with paid tiers for higher volume and extra features. Check their current pricing, as it changes over time.
What file format does Luma AI export for Gaussian splats?
You can export Gaussian splats as .ply or .splat files, which work in most splat viewers and game engines.
Why does my Luma splat have floating blobs?
Floaters usually come from things that moved during capture, reflections, or thin areas that lacked coverage. Re-shoot with steadier, fuller coverage in even light, and crop the scene bounds tightly.
Can I use a Luma AI splat in Unreal or Unity?
Yes. Export as .ply or .splat and import it using a Gaussian splatting plugin for your engine. Keep an eye on the Gaussian count for real-time performance.
Do I need a powerful phone for Luma AI?
No. Because the heavy processing runs in Luma's cloud, a normal modern smartphone is enough to capture and view; you mainly need a steady hand and good lighting.