Reverse engineering encompasses a variety of approaches to reproducing a physical object with the aid of drawings, documentation, or computer model data. In the broadest sense, reverse engineering is whatever it takes—manual or under computer control—to reproduce an object.

3D scanning systems are used for the reverse engineering of mechanical parts and organic shapes. Manufacturing professionals apply them to the creation of new patterns for prototype tooling, metal casting, and CNC machining. Medical specialists use 3D scanning to digitize bones and other anatomy for the development of prosthetics and implants. Video production experts use them to capture difficult-to-create shapes for TV commercials and special effects in Hollywood films.