How to export PIX4Dcatch data from a mobile device (iOS)

What can be exported from PIX4Dcatch

All data generated from a PIX4Dcatch project can be exported from the mobile device for further use. Exporting a project requires a valid PIX4D desktop or cloud license with valid Support and Upgrades (S&U). The exported data is packaged in a ZIP file, and users can choose from the following options:

• Export All Data – PIX4Dmatic (OPF): Uses the Open Photogrammetry Format (OPF), a standardized file format that ensures seamless data transfer between PIX4Dcatch and PIX4Dmatic. For more information, see Using OPF from PIX4Dcatch to PIX4Dmatic.
• Export Point Cloud (PLY): This function exports a point cloud generated on the mobile device, which can be opened in third-party applications.
• Export Captured Mesh (OBJ)
• Export Logs: Exports project logs used for troubleshooting, typically requested by Pix4D Technical Support. 

How to export project data from PIX4Dcatch

1. Launch the PIX4Dcatch app.
2. From the bottom of the Capture screen.
3. From the Projects screen, either:
   
   A.  Long-press on the selected project to open the export dialog.
   
   
   
   B.  Open the project and tap the export menu located at the top of the screen to view different export options.
4. Then, select the desired data to export (OPF, PLY, OBJ, or Logs).
5. A new window with sharing options will appear. Select the destination.
   
   

Where to save exported data

Export using an external flash drive

1. To connect an external USB flash drive to your iPhone or iPad, use a compatible Apple adapter based on your device’s port:
         Lightning to USB Adapter -  for devices with a Lightning connector.
         USB-C to USB Adapter - for devices with a USB-C connector.
2. Connect the flash drive to the adapter (if need be), and then plug the adapter into the device.
3. Export the data as described above.
4. In the window with sharing options, select Save to Files .

             

       5.   Select FLASHDEVICE and click Save.

            

Export using a cloud file-sharing platform

A cloud file-sharing platform, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or Box, can be used to transfer exported files from PIX4Dcatch.

1. In the Export dialog, select the desired file-sharing platform.  
   
   
2. (Optional) After selecting the file-sharing platform, select the destination folder within the file-sharing platform. 
3. Tap Upload.

Apple's Airdrop

Apple's AirDrop allows users to wirelessly transfer files from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac computer. This feature is exclusive to Apple devices and is not available on Windows computers. 

1. In the Export dialog, tap AirDrop.
   
   
2. Select the appropriate destination device.

Email

Smaller files, such as logs, can be sent directly by email from the device. However, larger files such as OPF, OBJ, or PLY are typically too large to email.

1. In the Export dialog, select the desired email client.
   

Export using an SMB share

For iPhone/iPad users running iOS 13 and higher, it is possible to connect to an existing personal or workplace SMB share directly from the Files app.

How to connect to an SMB share on your device

Before exporting to an SMB share, the connection must first be set up on the device. Follow the steps below to configure the SMB share for the first time:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Select the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap the   More icon.
4. Select Connect to Server.
5. Enter the network IP address of the SMB share that you want to connect to. Tap Connect when complete.

Once connected, the SMB share will appear under the Shared section in the Browse menu. Tap the share to access its files and folders.

Export to an SMB share

With an SMB share linked to the device, it is possible to export files to any folder within the SMB share and create new folders as needed.

1. Tap Projects ,  and select the project to export.
2. Tap the export icon, and select the file to export.
3. Select Save to Files ,  and select the linked SMB share.
4. Select or create the destination folder, and tap Save.

Bulk transfer of projects

PIX4Dcatch allows for the export, upload, and deletion of multiple projects in a single operation.  

1. On the Home screen, tap Projects.

2. On the Projects page, tap Select to enable bulk selection.

3. Tap and highlight the desired projects to bulk export, upload, or delete.
   
4. Choose one of the following actions:
   Export projects: Tap Export at the bottom-left of the screen to export multiple projects at once.
    
   Upload projects: Tap Upload   in the bottom center to upload multiple projects at once.
   
   Delete projects: Tap the Trashcan icon at the bottom right to delete multiple projects at once.