3Shape Unite

3Shape Unite is the software platform that 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanners run on. 3Shape calls it the operating platform of the TRIOS system. It is where a clinic creates patients and orders, starts TRIOS scanning, sends cases to labs, and opens 3Shape and partner apps, including the ones that turn scans into 3D-printable models. People searching for “3Shape Unite download” are usually setting up a new PC for an existing TRIOS scanner.

Unite is shareware (conditionally free). 3Shape states that Unite is free and comes with the purchase of a TRIOS intraoral scanner. You cannot use it as a stand-alone free program without a 3Shape Company Account and TRIOS licences. Many apps in the Unite Store, and extra services, are paid.

3Shape Unite at a glance

What it does

• An order form and workflow engine for TRIOS: create the patient, choose the indication, scan, and send. Version 26.1 adds an all-on-X option in the order form and a guided Straumann Exact full-arch scanning workflow.
• Lab collaboration with a simplified lab order form and built-in chat. 3Shape says more than 8,000 labs are registered on the system.
• A patient media library with scans, images, PDFs and videos. Version 25.1 added screenshot and annotation tools.
• The Unite Store has apps from more than 100 partners for clear aligners, 3D printing and milling, patient management, imaging systems, design services and more.
• Unite Cloud (web and mobile app) for managing cases across devices and sharing with patients and labs.
• 3Shape Model Maker converts TRIOS scans into printable models automatically, with hollowing, drain holes and bevels for easy removal from the build platform.
• 3Shape Produce sends designs straight to integrated mills and 3D printers from Asiga, DGShape, Formlabs, Ivoclar, Rapid Shape, SprintRay and vhf, or exports them as STL.

How dental teams use it

Print a model from a TRIOS scan

1. Complete the scan in Unite.
2. Start 3Shape Model Maker, either as a new action in the TRIOS workflow or by picking the scan in the patient media library.
3. Let Model Maker build the model, with optional hollowing and drain holes, and export the STL.
4. Send it to an integrated printer, or open the STL in the printer’s software, for example Formlabs PreForm (through the 3Shape Produce integration) or Asiga Composer.

3Shape states a fair-use limit of 100 models per month for Model Maker.

Send a case to a lab

1. Create the order form, pick the connected lab, scan and send.
2. Follow up in the built-in chat or in Unite Cloud. Since 26.1, Unite Cloud warns you if an indication has no shade before you submit.

Start an all-on-X case (26.1)

In the order form, choose all-on-X in the left menu. Select the jaw, teeth, implants, material and shade, save, and then pick the full-arch implant workflow, such as Straumann Exact, and continue scanning.

Install and first run

1. Get the installer by signing in with your 3Shape Account at unite.3shape.com/download, or ask your reseller. Systems shipped before 2024 came with the installer on a USB drive.
2. Right-click the installer and choose “Run as administrator”. Keep the default folder (C:Program Files3ShapeDental Desktop) unless you need another location, then click Install and Finish.
3. Sign in to your 3Shape Company Account as an administrator and create a PIN. Unite then checks your licences and installs your licensed apps.

Requirements and gotchas: the installation drive must be an SSD with at least 1 GB free, you need administrator rights, and the PC must meet 3Shape’s minimum system requirements (check the PC catalogue in the 3Shape Partner Portal). Open the network ports 3Shape specifies in your firewall. 3Shape has announced that a coming 26.2 release adds a “Use Unite on other devices” option, which saves the installer so you can set up a second PC.

Limitations

• It is only useful with TRIOS and a 3Shape account. It is not a free download for general use.
• The desktop app runs on Windows only. There is no macOS version. Unite Cloud gives browser and mobile access.
• Many Unite Store apps, design tools and extra services are paid.
• Clinics and labs on older software (Unite up to 23.1, and Dental System labs) still use 3Shape Communicate, so partners may work in two portals during the transition.

3Shape Unite vs alternatives

Medit Link is the equivalent platform for Medit scanners. It is free to use with 2 GB of cloud storage, and Medit Model Builder creates printable models. Unite’s advantages are its large lab network, the Unite Store and direct links to printers through 3Shape Produce. To view an STL a clinic sends you, without any 3Shape software, use exocad webview.

FAQ

Is 3Shape Unite free?

3Shape says Unite is free and comes with the purchase of a TRIOS scanner. Many apps and services in the Unite Store are paid.

Where do I get the 3Shape Unite download?

Sign in with your 3Shape Account at unite.3shape.com/download, or ask your 3Shape reseller for the installer.

Is there 3Shape Unite for Mac?

No. The Unite desktop application runs on Windows. On a Mac you can use Unite Cloud in the browser.

How do I log in to Unite Cloud?

Use Unite Cloud in a web browser or the Unite Cloud app for iOS and Android, and sign in with your 3Shape Account.

What are the 3Shape Unite system requirements?

You need a Windows PC that meets 3Shape’s minimum requirements (see the PC catalogue in the Partner Portal), an SSD with free space, administrator rights and the required network ports open.

How do I update 3Shape Unite?

Unite notifies you when an update is available for your system. Updates roll out gradually; 26.1, for example, rolled out from April to May 2026.

Last checked against official sources: 28 September 2026 (developer website: 3shape.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in a clinic.