Autodesk ReCap Team
Autodesk ReCap Pro 2026.1 is here, bringing a variety of exciting enhancements aimed at improving user experience and optimizing your workflows. This release focuses on refining existing features and introducing enhancements that streamline the reality capture process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. From advanced mesh loading options to improved origin tools to new mapping integrations, let’s dive into how ReCap Pro 2026.1 can transform your projects and help you save valuable time.
Mesh vs Point Cloud Loading
ReCap Pro 2026 introduced the powerful Scan to Mesh feature, enabling users to create lightweight segmented meshes locally. Building on that, ReCap Pro 2026.1 offers the ability to load either meshes or point clouds directly from the Homepage if mesh models exist from Scan to Mesh local processing.
This enhancement significantly addresses the challenge of handling large point cloud datasets by allowing users to work with more manageable, lightweight meshes. Previously, users had to first load the entire point cloud to access the Mesh Editor. Now, you can directly load meshes into the Mesh Editor, saving substantial time and disk space—especially useful for projects shared via Desktop Connector, where downloading entire point clouds can be cumbersome.
Enhanced Update Origin Tool
Another notable improvement in ReCap Pro 2026.1 is the evolution of the Update Origin Tool. This tool now includes new methods like Axis Rotation and Guide Line for setting the orientation of the point cloud origin. Additionally, it introduces the capability to lock axes of rotation and translation, providing much-needed flexibility and precision.
Users will find new opportunities to simplify tasks with these updates, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in setting origin orientation. The new 2-point selection method for axis orientation simplifies the process, bringing in the precision required to align point clouds accurately. This update also includes options for inverting XYZ coordinates and a zoom-to-view feature, making it even more user-friendly.
ESRI Basemaps Integration
As part of Autodesk’s strategy to provide reliable and up-to-date mapping services, ReCap Pro 2026.1 integrates ESRI Basemaps, replacing Bing Maps in the Ground Control Point Editor Map View tab as part of the Photo Processing workflow. This change helps users continue to have access to high-quality maps without disruptions, aligning with Autodesk’s long-term support policies.
Mesh Editor Enhancements
Enhancements to the Mesh Editor in ReCap Pro 2026.1, based on feedback received from the ReCap 2026 release of segmented mesh, focus on usability and efficiency:
- Syncing Mesh Origin with Point Cloud Origin: Helps that mesh and point cloud origins remain aligned, addressing previous misalignment issues.
- “Select All Geometries” Option for Layers: Simplifies the handling of large datasets by allowing users to move or merge entire layers with ease.
- Quick Export Feature: Introduces a new, user-friendly interface for quick and straightforward mesh exports.
- Default Layer Checking on Export: Automatically selects currently visible layers for export, reducing errors and ensuring accuracy.
These improvements are designed to streamline the mesh editing process, making it more intuitive and less prone to user error.
General Enhancements
The ReCap Pro 2026.1 release includes a series of valuable enhancements that stem from user feedback and aim to improve overall functionality:
- E57 Import Improvements and Support for Riegl E57 Files: Users can now import and index E57 files with panoramic images more efficiently, eliminating previous import issues.
- Classifications Export: You can now export specific classifications individually, simplifying data management.
- Multi-Scan and Annotation Removal: Streamline data management by removing multiple scans or annotations at once, saving significant time and effort.
- Automatic Region Removal Post-Conversion: Regions can now be automatically removed after conversion to classifications, simplifying workflows.
- Multiple ReCap Pro Instances: Run multiple instances of ReCap Pro to handle various tasks simultaneously, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
These enhancements tackle key user pain points by optimizing various workflows and making the reality capture process quicker and more intuitive.
ReCap Viewer: View States for Point Cloud View
ReCap Viewer now allows users to sync view states created in ReCap Pro on the desktop, and switch between multiple view states within the point cloud view — a significant enhancement for managing large and complex datasets. This feature not only helps save time by eliminating the need for repetitive manual adjustments but also enhances collaboration, as team members can view and utilize pre-defined view states.
Navigating large point cloud datasets can be challenging, and view states provide a practical solution by allowing users to save specific perspectives for quick access. This functionality helps better focus on specific areas and improves overall data management.
Transforming Your Projects with ReCap Pro 2026.1
Autodesk ReCap Pro 2026.1 is all about making your reality capture workflows more efficient and accurate. With advanced options for handling mesh and point cloud data, enhanced origin tools, new mapping integrations, and various general enhancements, this latest version is designed to drive better project outcomes with reduced effort and cost.
Experience the future of Reality Capture and see how these latest updates can transform your workflow. Try the new features today and witness the difference they can make in your projects.
Get started with the Autodesk Access application on your desktop. If you’re not yet a subscriber, check out a free trial of ReCap Pro 2026.1.
