VIDEO TUTORIAL: How to make a 3D Model optimized for Augmented Reality with AR Code?

Tutorials | 15/07/2023 |

Augmented Reality is a way to bring digital content into the real world. But, making 3D models ready for AR can be a bit tricky. This post will help you get your 3D model ready for AR. We'll be using Blender, a free tool for 3D modeling.

Center Your 3D Model in the 3D scene

First, make sure your 3D model is in the center of your scene. If it's not, it might show up too far away in the AR view. Here's how to center it:

Import your model in Blender.
Select your model.
Set the origin of your model to the geometry. This makes sure the center of your model is really the center.
Use the position parameters to put your model at the coordinates (0,0,0).
Save Your 3D Model

Reduce your 3D model file size: textures

To make your 3D model load faster, you can make it's textures image files lighter. Here's how:

Import your 3D model in Blender.
Export your model in .gltf + .bin + textures format.
Open the texture files in GIMP (a free image editor).
Make the images smaller (1024x1024 or less).
Save the textures as .jpg files with a resolution of 90 or less.
Replace the textures in Blender, or edit your .gltf file and change the texture formats (like ".png" to ".jpg").
Save the file.

Reduce your 3D model file size: vertices

Another way to make your model load faster is to make it less complex. This means reducing the number of vertices in the model. Here's how:

Import your 3d model in Blender.
Select a mesh to decimate.
Decimate the mesh, aiming for less than 50,000 faces. Check the 3D rendering to make sure it still looks good.
If your model doesn't move, you can decimate multiple meshes at once by joining them first.
Export your model in .glb format. Choose "Apply modifiers" but not "Compress".
Upload Your Model to AR Code

Export your 3D model in the right 3D file format

When utilizing Augmented Reality services, it is crucial to export your 3D model in the appropriate file format.

When uploading your 3D files on AR Code, you can automatically upload formats such as .GLB, .USDZ, .PLY, .STL, .FBX, .OBJ, .X3D, .GLTF, or .ZIP with 3D file and texture paths. For other formats like * .DAE, * .ABC, * .USDZ, it is recommended to seek assistance through dedicated support.

To provide an optimal user experience, it is advised to keep the total size of your uploaded 3D files below 15MB, as larger files can lead to loading delays for end users.

Scale Your 3D Model

Once you've compressed the textures and reduced the complexity of your 3D model, you can upload it to AR Code. We recommend using a model that is no more than 15MB in size to ensure a smooth AR display. A larger model may have higher definition, but it could also cause slowdowns during the AR display.

Next, make sure your model is at the right scale. You can check the model scale when you upload your model to AR Code. If you need to make your model bigger or smaller, you can do it in Blender:

Select your model.
Press and hold S (for "scale").
Move your cursor away from the object to make it bigger, or towards the object to make it smaller.
Click to confirm the new size.
Export your model in .glb format.

Conclusion

Adapting a 3D model for AR display involves careful optimization to ensure the model loads quickly and performs well on various devices. By compressing the model's textures and reducing its complexity, you can create engaging AR experiences that users can enjoy without any performance issues. Remember, the key to a successful AR experience is a balance between visual quality and performance.

For a more detailed guide and step-by-step instructions to reduce the size of a 3D model, you can read the a tutorial here: Reduce the size of a 3D model with Blender and Gimp. For more advanced users working with industrial CAD models, you might find this tutorial helpful: How to compress / reduce the size of an industrial 3D CAD model with MeshLab and Blender?

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to center my 3D model in the scene?

Centering your 3D model in the scene is crucial for an optimal AR view. If the model isn't centered, it might appear too far away in the AR display. This can be done using Blender by setting the model's origin to its geometry and adjusting its position parameters to the coordinates (0,0,0).

How can I reduce the file size of my 3D model?

The file size of a 3D model can be reduced by lightening the texture image files and by decreasing the complexity of the model. Lightening the texture image files involves exporting the model in .gltf + .bin + textures format, resizing the images, and saving the textures as .jpg files. To reduce the complexity, you can decimate the model's mesh aiming for less than 50,000 faces.

What is the recommended file format to upload a 3D model on AR Code?

When uploading your 3D files on AR Code, you can automatically upload formats such as .GLB, .USDZ, .PLY, .STL, .FBX, .OBJ, .X3D, .GLTF, or .ZIP with 3D file and texture paths. However, if your file formats are * .DAE, * .ABC, * .USDZ, it is recommended to seek assistance through dedicated support.

What is the recommended size of a 3D model for AR display?

To provide an optimal user experience, it is advised to keep the total size of your uploaded 3D files below 15MB. This is because larger files can lead to loading delays for end users, potentially disrupting the AR experience. Even though larger models may have higher definition, they could cause slowdowns during the AR display.

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