A three-dimensional (3D) measuring device and a method of operating is provided. The 3D measuring device includes a housing and a processor system including at least one of a 3D scanner controller. A 3D scanner is disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the processor system, the scanner having a light source, a beam steering unit, a first angle measuring device, a second angle measuring device, and a light receiver. The scanner cooperates with the processor system to determine 3D coordinates of an object point. A laser projector includes a second light source and a movable mirror system, the second light source positioned to emit light onto the movable mirror system. The processor system causes the light source to emit light and the mirror to move to generate a pattern on a surface in the environment based at least in part on the 3D coordinates.