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

Tutorials | 12/06/2024 | Twitter Facebook Linkedin Email Reddit

Augmented Reality is a way to bring digital content into the real world. However, preparing 3D models for AR can be challenging. This post will guide you in getting your 3D model ready for AR using Blender, a free 3D modeling tool.

Center Your 3D Model in the 3D Scene

First, ensure that your 3D model is located at the center of your scene. If it's not, it may appear too far away in the AR view. Here's how to center it:

• Import your model into Blender.
• Select your model.
• Set the origin of your model to its geometry. This ensures that the center of your model is truly the center.
• Use the position parameters to place your model at the coordinates (0,0,0).
• Save your 3D model.

Reduce Your 3D Model File Size: Textures

To improve the loading speed of your 3D model, you can decrease the size of its texture image files. Here's how:

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

Reduce Your 3D Model File Size: Vertices

Another way to improve the loading speed of your model is by reducing its complexity. This involves reducing the number of vertices in the model. Here's how:

• Import your 3D model into Blender.
• Select a mesh to decimate.
• Decimate the mesh, aiming for less than 50,000 faces. Check the 3D rendering to ensure that it still looks good.
• If your model doesn't have any moving parts, you can decimate multiple meshes at once by joining them first.
• Export your model in .glb format, choosing "Apply modifiers" but not "Compress".
• Upload your model to AR Code.

Export Your 3D Model in the Appropriate 3D File Format

When using Augmented Reality services, it is essential to export your 3D model in the correct 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, .IFC, .STEP, .IGES, .3DM, .BREP, and .JT it is recommended to seek assistance through dedicated support.

To provide the best user experience, it is recommended to keep the total size of your uploaded 3D files below 15MB. Larger files can cause 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. It is recommended to use a model that is no larger than 15MB for smooth AR display. Larger models may have higher definition but can cause slowdowns during AR display.

Next, ensure that your model is at the correct scale. You can check the model scale when uploading it to AR Code. If you need to resize your model, you can do so in Blender:

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

Conclusion

Adapting a 3D model for AR display requires careful optimization to ensure quick loading and good performance on various devices. By compressing textures and reducing complexity, you can create engaging AR experiences without performance issues. Remember, balancing visual quality and performance is key to a successful AR experience.

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

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