Why does my scan show the subject leaning or standing on one leg?

Scans that show a subject leaning or standing on one leg are almost always caused by environmental interference, inconsistent subject positioning, or a software processing issue. The scanner hardware itself (tower and turntable) does not need to be replaced or moved to resolve this. Work through the checklist below to identify and fix the cause.

1. Control Ambient and Reflected Light

The camera tower uses an infrared depth sensor. Daylight and bright artificial light can interfere with how the sensor reads the subject's body, which can cause the 3D model to appear tilted.

Block all natural light from windows. Blackout curtains or blinds are strongly recommended.
Check for light reflections bouncing off the turntable surface or nearby walls during rotation.
Avoid shifting shadows from overhead lights while the platform is turning.
Keep room lighting consistent between scans.

2. Verify the Turntable and Floor Surface

Even if the platform looks level, the floor surface underneath matters.

Place the turntable on a firm, flat, non-carpeted surface. Carpet or uneven flooring can introduce a subtle tilt.
Confirm the turntable is not wobbling during rotation. Press gently on the edges before scanning to check for rocking.
Use a spirit level on top of the turntable surface — not just the floor — to confirm it is level.
Make sure the turntable is not vibrating from nearby equipment (e.g., HVAC units, treadmills).

3. Check Subject Positioning at the Start of the Scan

The scanner determines the subject's posture from the very first frames of the capture. If the subject shifts their weight or adjusts their stance at the moment the scan begins, the system can lock in a tilted baseline for the entire scan. This is the most common cause of intermittent lean that is not present on every scan.

Coach your subjects to:

Step onto the turntable and stand still before initiating the scan.
Place feet heels together, weight evenly distributed on both feet.
Hold arms slightly away from the body in the "A" pose — not pressed against the sides.
Look straight ahead and remain completely still until the scan is complete.
Avoid shifting weight, adjusting posture, or looking down once the turntable begins to rotate.

Note: The scan takes approximately 35 seconds while the platform rotates. Subjects should hold the "A" pose and breathe normally for the full duration.

4. Eliminate Clothing and Accessory Interference

Loose or bulky clothing, shoes, and accessories can confuse the depth sensor and cause landmark misdetection, which contributes to both lean and measurement errors.

Subjects should scan barefoot whenever possible.
Wear form-fitting or shape-revealing clothing. For women, this could be a sports bra and leggings; for men, bike shorts or boxer-briefs and no shirt. The wrinkles and folds of a loose shirt or baggy shorts can mask the body's true shape and contribute to inaccurate landmark detection.
Remove bulky jewelry, hats, or hair accessories. If the subject has long hair, it should be tied up securely off the neck before scanning.

5. Check for a Recent Software Update

If the leaning issue started shortly after a Styku Studio software update, the update may have introduced a processing change that is affecting your scans. Note the version number currently installed and contact support so the team can investigate whether other locations are seeing the same behavior.

To find your software version:

Open Styku Studio on the laptop.
Click the menu icon or navigate to Settings.
Note the version number displayed.

6. Run a Back-to-Back Test Scan

This helps you isolate whether the problem is environmental or positioning-related.

Have the same person scan twice in a row without leaving the turntable between scans.
Use the same foot placement and posture for both scans.
Compare the two results. If measurements differ significantly (more than a fraction of an inch), the issue is likely environmental or positioning-related rather than a one-time processing error.
If results are consistently far apart even with careful positioning, contact support — significant back-to-back variation is not expected behavior.

If this resolves your issue, no further action is needed.

If the problem persists, contact support and include: your Styku Studio software version number, photos or screenshots of the leaning scan results, a description of your room setup (lighting, floor surface, distance from walls), whether the issue started after a software update, and the results of a back-to-back test scan comparison.

Applies to: Styku Studio V5, all current Styku scanner models (X2L, X2, X2 Pro)

Related Resources

"Does the clothing I wear affect how Styku takes measurements?"
"How to Scan and Create an Account Without the Mobile App"