Frequently Asked
Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about 3D Baby Viewer.

General

3D Baby Viewer is an iOS app that transforms prenatal 3D/4D ultrasound volumetric data into interactive 3D visualizations you can explore, rotate, and share with family. It is designed for entertainment and emotional bonding — it is not a medical diagnostic tool.

The app runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS 16.0 or later. There is no Android version at this time.

3D Baby Viewer is free to download. Some premium features may require an in-app purchase. All purchases are processed through the Apple App Store.

File Formats

The app accepts two formats: Volumetric DICOM (a single multi-frame .dcm file) and GE Kretz (.vol). Both must contain the full 3D/4D volume data — not just a 2D screenshot.

No. DICOMDIR folders and multi-file DICOM series (separate .dcm files per slice) are not supported. You need a single volumetric DICOM file (multi-frame) or a single GE Kretz .vol file.

A valid volumetric file is typically 5–40 MB. If the file is only a few KB, it is likely a 2D screenshot or screen capture — not usable for 3D rendering.

Ask your sonographer to export the 3D/4D volumetric data (not a picture) to a USB drive. Show them our Guide page — it has step-by-step export instructions for Siemens, GE Healthcare, and other machines.

Privacy & Data

No. All 3D processing happens entirely on your device. Your ultrasound data is never uploaded to external servers. Your data stays on your iPhone or iPad.

For your privacy, ask your clinic to anonymize the file before giving it to you — no patient name, ID, or date of birth should be embedded. See our Guide for anonymization steps.

Sharing

When you tap the Share button, the app takes an internal screenshot of the current 3D view and opens the standard iOS share sheet. You can send the image via Messages, WhatsApp, Email, or save it to your Photo Library.

No. The shared image is a standard picture file (PNG/JPEG). Anyone can view it on any device — no app required on the recipient's end.

Troubleshooting

Common reasons: the file is a 2D screenshot (not volumetric data), it's a DICOMDIR folder with multiple slice files, or it's a format the app doesn't recognize. Make sure you have a single volumetric DICOM or GE Kretz .vol file that is 5–40 MB in size.

Rendering quality depends on the source scan quality. Factors include baby position, amniotic fluid amount, gestational age, and the ultrasound machine settings used during capture. Best results come from high-quality 3D/4D scans taken between 26–32 weeks.

Use AirDrop, the Files app (iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox), email attachment, or a USB drive with a Lightning/USB-C adapter. See our Guide for detailed transfer instructions.

Medical Disclaimer

No. 3D Baby Viewer is not a medical device and is not intended for medical diagnosis, treatment, or clinical decision-making. The 3D visualizations are artistic interpretations of the scan data. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding your pregnancy.