Kinect & Skanect

This is a step by step manual how to scan your preferred object using a XBOX Kinect and the Skanect software. Special thanks for the amazing instructables community for sharing their knowledge.

Step 1 – Download & set up

Download the latest version of Skanect. Please make sure, that no other versions of Skanect are running on your computer.

Additional, you will need:

- Computer
preferably a desktop as files are large

- Microsoft Kinect
This device reads color with its camera and reads depth with the infrared sensor.

- Lights
Lighting is very important in order to get an even colored scan

Step 2 – Setup

  • Open Skanect
  • Go to NEW
  • Make sure your settings match those in the picture. Of course, the settings depend on the object you want to scan. For a child f.e. you may want to make the bounding box a bit smaller.
  • Press START

    Picture of Software Settings

Step 3 – Workspace

  • A screen will come up showing the bounding box in the middle.  The infrared and video images are on the right.

    Picture of Workspace


Step 4 – Record

  • Hold your Kinect up level with the subject's waist a few steps feet back from the platform.  Press RECORD.  The Kinect will begin recorded the depth (red) and the color (green).
  • Try to avoid changing the distance from the Kinect to the scan object.

Step 5 – Lining it up