5 Common Mistakes to Avoid Before a Matterport 3D Scan
Insights, Matterport

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid Before a Matterport 3D Scan
Investing in Matterport 3D scanning services is a smart move for showcasing your space in a fully immersive and interactive way. But for the best results, preparing properly is crucial. Our team has delivered many Matterport virtual tours, and we’ve seen a few avoidable mistakes along the way. Whilst we action these points on the day of your scan, it’s always a good idea to prepare beforehand as much as possible to ensure the very best results, and a speedy scan. Here’s how to ensure your property looks its best when captured.
1. Not Preparing the Space Thoroughly
Matterport cameras capture everything in high detail. Unlike traditional photography, there’s no cropping or selective editing. Clutter, cables, bins, and personal items will all be visible. Before your Matterport virtual tour is captured, take time to clean, declutter, and stage the space exactly as you’d want it seen online.
2. Ignoring Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors and glass can reflect the camera or the operator, disrupting the immersive feel of the virtual tour. As part of our Matterport 3D scanning service, we take care to avoid this, but large mirrors can be tricky. Where possible, angle or remove mirrors, and ensure all reflective surfaces are spotless.
3. Leaving Doors Closed
Continuity is essential for a smooth 3D virtual tour experience. If a door is closed during scanning, it can break the flow or even exclude parts of the space from the final tour. Make sure all doors that lead to rooms you want scanned are open and accessible. We carry plenty of door wedges and will perform a walk-through of the scanning route prior to beginning, but if any doors have large gaps between the frame and the floor, or a particularly heavy, let us know prior to the shoot so we can talk through some options. If any doors are on automatic sensors, please disable these prior to the scan.
4. Poor Lighting Conditions
Lighting makes a huge difference to the final quality of your Matterport virtual tour. Since the system uses ambient light (not flash), rooms should be well-lit and consistent. Open blinds, switch on all lights, and replace any blown bulbs to ensure an evenly lit, professional-looking scan.
5. Having People in the Space
Although our Matterport scanning team can work around movement, it’s best if the space is empty. People or pets walking through during the scan can cause blurred imagery or ghosting in the 3D model. Try to keep the area clear for a cleaner, more professional end result. If keeping an area closed off won’t be possible, we can arrange to shoot these areas during low traffic times.
Why Preparation Matters for Matterport Virtual Tours
When used correctly, Matterport 3D scanning services deliver exceptional results, helping you market your property, engage visitors, or showcase facilities. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll ensure your Matterport tour is accurate, seamless, and ready to make a strong impression.