Fringe projection techniques have become a significant area of research in optical metrology for generating three-dimensional (3D) surface information. These techniques are used in various applications, including biomedical, industrial, and scientific fields. They enable high-resolution, non-contact 3D reconstruction of objects at video frame rates, making them suitable for new applications like security systems, gaming, and virtual reality. The process involves projecting a structured pattern onto an object, capturing the phase-modulated image, analyzing it to extract phase information, and using phase unwrapping to obtain continuous phase distribution. This distribution is then calibrated to map to real-world 3D coordinates. Fringe projection techniques have evolved significantly over the past three decades, with advancements in pattern design, projection methods, error correction, and phase analysis. Various methods such as Fourier transform profilometry, wavelet transforms, and neural networks are used for phase analysis. Phase unwrapping is crucial for converting wrapped phase maps into continuous phase distributions, and several advanced algorithms have been developed to handle challenges like noise and discontinuities. Calibration is essential for converting image coordinates to real-world coordinates and mapping unwrapped phase distributions to height data. Techniques like linear and nonlinear calibration are used to estimate calibration coefficients. Texture mapping is an optional step that enhances the realism of 3D reconstructions, particularly in applications like face recognition. The use of multiple projectors has improved the accuracy of 3D measurements in complex environments. However, challenges remain in micro-scale and large-scale measurements due to calibration and carrier-phase removal issues. Non-sinusoidal waveforms in fringe patterns can cause phase measurement errors, necessitating error compensation techniques. Recent developments include multichannel approaches and color-coded pattern projections for real-time 3D measurements. This review highlights the advancements and challenges in fringe projection techniques, emphasizing their versatility and potential for future applications. The special issue provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in fringe projection techniques.Fringe projection techniques have become a significant area of research in optical metrology for generating three-dimensional (3D) surface information. These techniques are used in various applications, including biomedical, industrial, and scientific fields. They enable high-resolution, non-contact 3D reconstruction of objects at video frame rates, making them suitable for new applications like security systems, gaming, and virtual reality. The process involves projecting a structured pattern onto an object, capturing the phase-modulated image, analyzing it to extract phase information, and using phase unwrapping to obtain continuous phase distribution. This distribution is then calibrated to map to real-world 3D coordinates. Fringe projection techniques have evolved significantly over the past three decades, with advancements in pattern design, projection methods, error correction, and phase analysis. Various methods such as Fourier transform profilometry, wavelet transforms, and neural networks are used for phase analysis. Phase unwrapping is crucial for converting wrapped phase maps into continuous phase distributions, and several advanced algorithms have been developed to handle challenges like noise and discontinuities. Calibration is essential for converting image coordinates to real-world coordinates and mapping unwrapped phase distributions to height data. Techniques like linear and nonlinear calibration are used to estimate calibration coefficients. Texture mapping is an optional step that enhances the realism of 3D reconstructions, particularly in applications like face recognition. The use of multiple projectors has improved the accuracy of 3D measurements in complex environments. However, challenges remain in micro-scale and large-scale measurements due to calibration and carrier-phase removal issues. Non-sinusoidal waveforms in fringe patterns can cause phase measurement errors, necessitating error compensation techniques. Recent developments include multichannel approaches and color-coded pattern projections for real-time 3D measurements. This review highlights the advancements and challenges in fringe projection techniques, emphasizing their versatility and potential for future applications. The special issue provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in fringe projection techniques.