PointFuse
PointFuse is legacy reality-capture desktop software that turns registered point clouds into classified mesh geometry for BIM and CAD handoff; Autodesk acquired the core intellectual property in March 2024 and carries the capability forward inside ReCap Pro 2026 as Scan to Mesh Local and Mesh Editor.
Survey and VDC teams adopted PointFuse when they needed workable surfaces and classified mesh chunks instead of exporting entire point clouds back into authoring tools on every coordination cycle. Typical outcomes included IFC-bearing meshes with preserved layer semantics, textured FBX bundles where enabled, and Navisworks-friendly NWC exports depending on edition and workflow presets.
Hexagon-published technical notes for PointFuse paired with JetStream enumerate wide point cloud ingestion (formats such as E57, LAS/LAZ, PTS, XYZ, RCS or RCP style containers, alongside several scanner-native containers) plus mesh-forward exports including IFC with classifications, FBX, OBJ, SketchUp, STL, FBX-linked variants, COLLADA-derived DAE textures, HTML or PDF reporting paths for derived BIM summaries, and direct hooks such as BIM 360 upload in that edition's sheet (Hexagon/Leica Geosystems, June 2020).
Autodesk states that it acquired PointFuse intellectual property and commercially available offerings in March 2024 (Autodesk, March 2024 FAQ on the PointFuse domain). The same FAQ outlines customer access windows for legacy binaries, timelines for Autodesk-provided migration aids toward ReCap projects, and that PointFuse capability now surfaces through ReCap Pro 2026 under Scan to Mesh Local and Mesh Editor rather than a discrete PointFuse SKU for greenfield buyers.
Because commercial packaging moved under Autodesk, budgeting now follows ReCap-oriented subscription mechanics in each region rather than obsolete PointFuse storefront pricing. Buyers should compare ongoing support from Autodesk against retaining historical installers only where licensing still permits.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Detailed format matrices exist in OEM-grade documentation for JetStream-era bundles.
- Segmented mesh workflow reduces brute-force point editing inside BIM authoring tools.
- Clear Autodesk-authored migration messaging for organizations finishing standalone contracts.
- IFC and NWC paths support multi-vendor coordination stacks beyond a single CAD brand.
Cons
- New buyers must adopt Autodesk subscription packaging rather than historic PointFuse SKUs.
- Support and activation timelines depend on Autodesk FAQ milestones rather than perpetual seats.
- Hardware demands from OEM sheets assume high-core CPUs and discrete GPUs for comfortable mesh jobs.
Key features
Scan ingestion breadth: Reads common industry containers such as E57, LAS/LAZ, PTS, XYZ, RCS/RCP-class sources, and additional vendor-native formats described in Hexagon technical sheets for JetStream-bundled editions.
Mesh creation controls: Offers preset and advanced mesh controls including planar fitting tolerance, surface angle limits, texture generation, and tiling options tuned for large sites.
Classified BIM mesh: Builds layered meshes with BIM-oriented classification so surfaces stay grouped for downstream coordination instead of one undifferentiated shell.
Exporter set for coordination: Hexagon documentation lists IFC with classifications, textured FBX, OBJ, SKP, STL, NWC, DAE, X3D, plus HTML or PDF reporting outputs for BIM summaries when enabled in the referenced build.
CAD and platform hooks: Included paths in the datasheet cover Navisworks cache export, BIM 360 upload workflows, and HTML or PDF output for reporting handoffs.
Autodesk-era continuation: Autodesk’s FAQ states the technology ships as part of ReCap Pro 2026 after acquisition, aligning active investment with Autodesk’s recap capture roadmap.
Pricing
Autodesk ReCap Pro subscription
Contact sales
PointFuse standalone pricing is deprecated for new buyers per Autodesk FAQ (March 2024 onward). Obtain current ReCap Pro subscription or Enterprise Term offers from autodesk.com; amounts vary by region, term, and contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PointFuse cost today?
Autodesk’s acquisition FAQ directs new purchasers toward ReCap Pro licensing instead of standalone PointFuse storefront pricing. Because Autodesk sells ReCap through regional subscription catalogs, quote the latest ReCap Pro rate card or enterprise agreement rather than obsolete PointFuse list prices; PointFuse-specific tiers no longer anchor new deals.
Does PointFuse run on macOS or only Windows?
Hexagon hardware guidance for JetStream-era PointFuse stacks references desktop-class CPUs and Nvidia GPUs typical of Windows workstations. Assume Windows-focused deployment unless Autodesk publishes a macOS-supported build for the ReCap Pro modules that replaced distribution; verify the matrix for ReCap Pro 2026 before purchasing Apple hardware.
Which scan and mesh formats does PointFuse support?
Hexagon’s June 2020 PointFuse powered by JetStream datasheet lists imports such as E57, LAS/LAZ, PTS, XYZ, RCS/RCP-class sources, LGS, and several vendor-native containers, while mesh exports include IFC with classifications, FBX, OBJ, SKP, STL, NWC, DAE, X3D, plus auxiliary BIM reporting outputs. Always cross-check the build you license because Autodesk may adjust packaging after integration.
How does PointFuse technology fit into Autodesk ReCap Pro 2026?
Autodesk states that PointFuse intellectual property moved under ReCap Pro 2026 as Scan to Mesh Local and Mesh Editor experiences. That means mesh-from-scan automation now ships inside Autodesk’s recap roadmap instead of parallel installers for brand-new sales.
PointFuse versus Cyclone Mesh or Geomagic Wrap for meshing laser scans?
PointFuse emphasized classified BIM meshes with IFC and Navisworks-friendly exports in OEM documentation, whereas Cyclone bundles stay inside Leica workflows and Geomagic focuses on broader industrial mesh editing. Teams standardized on Autodesk recap subscriptions often pick the integrated PointFuse-derived tools; teams avoiding Autodesk typically stay on vendor-native mesh utilities.
Who still maintains PointFuse support tickets?
Autodesk’s FAQ explains how legacy PointFuse customers transition support channels after the acquisition, including references to migration tooling through defined cutoff dates. Open cases through Autodesk if you are on supported ReCap releases; retain historical vendor correspondence if you operate grandfathered installers under written EULA windows.