--- title: "Scanning Methodology: What, How, and Why" description: Scanning methodology --- [Skip to content](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-methodology-what-how-and-why-scan#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![ProtostheticsGalileo Logo](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/hubfs/ProtostheticsGalileo%20Logo.svg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/contact-us) [Contact us](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/contact-us?hsLang=en) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Galileo by Protosthetics](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo?hsLang=en) 2. [Scanning Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en) 3. [Scanning Best Practices](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#scanning-best-practices) April 15, 2026 # Scanning Methodology: What, How, and Why Scanning helps us capture the patient’s true shape quickly and accurately. Whether you use an iPhone, iPad with Structure, or other scanning tools, always pair your scans with accurate measurements to ensure the best outcome for your patient. #### What Can Be Used for Scanning? You have several options when it comes to capturing scans for fabrication: **Recommended Devices:** - **iPhone X or newer** – uses the built-in TrueDepth front-facing camera. - **iPad with a Structure Sensor** ([Structure Sensor website](https://structure.io/)). **Recommended Apps:** - **Galileo Scanner App** (our preferred option) – [Guide here](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/how-to-use-galileo-scanner?hsLang=en). - This scanning app makes .obj files - Third-party scanning apps such as **Structure**, **Comb**, or **TechMed**.  - Our old scanning app produces ,imed files **Other Options:** Some clinics and practitioners use professional scanning systems such as **White Light Scanners** or **EinScan**. Whichever option you are using, you can send us a supported file type, and we'll be able to use your desired scan! Acceptable file types for Orders: .aop , .stl , .obj , .imed Acceptable file types for Galileo CAD: .stl or .obj #### What Can You Scan? Our system can work with scans of: - **Residual limb** - **Liner over limb** - **Plaster positive** - **Inside an existing socket** - scanners cannot scan transparent objects. Add color by sprinkling baby powder or adding a spray. - **Inside a cast** – [How-to guide here](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-the-inside-of-a-cast-scan?hsLang=en).   #### How to Scan ### Scanning with iPhone (TrueDepth Camera) - Use an **iPhone X or newer** with the front-facing camera. - Hold the device **19–34 cm (7–13 inches)** away from the limb. - Slowly move the device around the body part, ensuring complete coverage. - If it’s difficult to use the front-facing camera directly, Galileo can provide a **mirror attachment** to make positioning easier. ### Scanning with iPad + Structure Sensor - Follow the workflow demonstrated in this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKuoL77qGIg). - Move steadily around the limb, keeping consistent distance. - Ensure the scan captures the entire shape without gaps or overlapping distortions. ### General Scanning Tips - Always check lighting conditions (avoid glare or shadows). - Make sure the patient remains still. - Scan slightly beyond the area of interest to capture a complete shape.   #### Why Do We Scan? Scanning provides the **shape data** we need to fabricate BK sockets and other devices. It allows us to create precise 3D models quickly and efficiently. - **Measurements still required:** While scanning provides shape, it does not guarantee exact sizing. Always submit measurements alongside scans for reference. - **For AKs:** If you prefer, you can order by numbers only (no scan required). - **Scan + Merge Option:** For unique distal ends (e.g., fatty or irregular shapes), take a scan of the distal end and provide measurements. Our team will merge the data, preserving both shape and accurate sizing. - [Account & General Information](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account & Permissions](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#account-permissions) - [Policies & Guarantees](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#policies-guarantees) - [Printer Returns](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/account-general-information?hsLang=en#printer-returns) - [Scanning Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#main-content) - [App & Hardware Setup](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#app-hardware-setup) - [Scanning Best Practices](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/scanning-options?hsLang=en#scanning-best-practices) - [Ordering Process & FabOne Portal](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Placing & Managing Orders](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#placing-managing-orders) - [Print Control](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#print-control) - [CFAB Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/ordering-process-fabone-portal?hsLang=en#cfab-options) - [Galileo Product Options](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Prosthetic Products](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#prosthetic-products) - [Orthotic Products](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#orthotic-products) - [Customization & Fitting](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/galileo-product-options?hsLang=en#customization-fitting) - [Filament & Printing FAQs](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Filament Loading & Handling](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#filament-loading-handling) - [Preparing the Printer](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/filament-printing-faqs?hsLang=en#preparing-the-printer) - [Hardware Troubleshooting & Maintenance](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General Tips & Tricks](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#general-tips-tricks) - [Connection Troubleshooting](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#connection-troubleshooting) - [Hardware Troubleshooting - Pro](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-troubleshooting-pro) - [Hardware Maintenance - Pro](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-maintenance-pro) - [Hardware Troubleshooting - Galileo O&P/Pro 2](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-troubleshooting-galileo-op-pro-2) - [Hardware Maintenance - Galileo O&P/Pro 2](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/galileo/hardware-troubleshooting-maintenance?hsLang=en#hardware-maintenance-galileo-op-pro-2) [![ProtostheticsGalileo Logo-1](https://www.help.protosthetics.com/hubfs/ProtostheticsGalileo%20Logo-1.svg "ProtostheticsGalileo Logo-1")](http://protosthetics.com) 510 6th Ave N, Ste D, Fargo, ND 58102 USA [mailto:success@protosthetics.com](mailto:success@protosthetics.com) Copyright © 2026, Protosthetics