Using point clouds in Twinmotion: import and sharing guide

Overlaying laser scan data with 3D models for comparison has become a common need in architectural visualization and as-built surveying work. Based on Epic Games' Twinmotion documentation, this guide explains how to import point cloud files, manage them within a scene, and share the completed project.

What you'll learn in this guide

• Which point cloud file formats Twinmotion supports

• Importing, updating, and deleting point clouds from the Import panel

• Adjusting properties like point size, color source, and shadows within the scene

• Known limitations and sharing via Twinmotion Cloud

Requirements

Before starting, you need a point cloud file produced by a 3D laser scanner or photogrammetry software in one of the following formats:

Twinmotion supports 8-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit LAS/LAZ files. Point cloud files are imported into Twinmotion directly through the Import window, not via Datasmith Exporter plugins.

Step-by-step import and management

1. Click the Import icon at the bottom of the Twinmotion interface to open the Import panel.

2. Select the Point Cloud option among the import methods and specify your file; multiple point cloud files can be added at the same time.

3. Once the file is added to the scene as an object, you can select and move it via the Scene graph and make it interact with other library objects.

4. If you've updated the source file outside Twinmotion, use the refresh icon in the Import panel to load the updated content at the same location; if the file name or location changed, use "Reimport with new file" from the three-dot menu.

5. To completely remove a point cloud, delete it from the Import panel; you also need to separately select the object in the scene and remove it with the Delete key, otherwise the object will remain visible.

6. Adjust Point size, Point shape (square/circle), Cast shadows, and Collision quality (Low/High) settings from the scene properties according to your project.

7. Set the Color source to Data, Elevation, Position, or Solid color; Elevation mode colors based on highest and lowest elevations, while Position mode colors based on proximity/distance to the scanner.

8. You can also use tools like Section cubes, Measure tool, and decals on point clouds; when placing a decal, it's recommended to increase the Offset value since point clouds are imported as a collection of data points rather than geometry.

Known limitations

• Point clouds cannot be edited within Twinmotion; points cannot be deleted, and multiple point clouds cannot be merged.

• Datasmith Exporter plugins don't carry point clouds; even if they're displayed in applications like Revit or ArchiCAD, they need to be uploaded to Twinmotion separately.

• Point cloud files in the scene become invisible while Path Tracer mode is enabled.

• Point cloud objects added to presentations aren't displayed when exported to Twinmotion Cloud; they can be exported as Local Presentations instead.

• Point cloud objects cannot be saved to the Twinmotion library.

What this means for architecture and interior design workflows

In as-built surveying and restoration projects working with laser scan data, comparing the existing building condition with the planned 3D model in the same scene makes design control easier. Since high-density .las/.laz files increase VRAM consumption, it's necessary to adjust the render quality (Low/Medium/High/Ultra) in the Quality tab of the Preferences panel according to the hardware before export. If a team is working with large files, it's important to remember that point clouds remain visible in scenes where Path Tracer won't be used, but disappear once Path Tracer is enabled. Completed scenes can be shared via Twinmotion Cloud as browser-viewable presentations, panorama sets, or configurators; presentations stream at 1080p resolution for up to 90 minutes per session, while panorama sets have no time limit.

Source and license

This guide has been adapted into Turkish and English from Epic Games' official Twinmotion documentation (the Point Cloud Overview, Managing Point Clouds, and Import Process pages on dev.epicgames.com) and the Twinmotion Cloud page on twinmotion.com.