Create a 3D model for augmented reality: the complete guide
No commitment, no credit card required.
Why a 3D model is necessary
Augmented reality relies on a fundamental principle: superimposing a virtual object on the real-world image captured by the smartphone camera. This requires a 3D model, i.e., a three-dimensional digital representation of your product.
This is a fundamental difference from traditional photography. A photo is a flat image, frozen at a given angle and lighting. A 3D model is a complete digital object that the customer can rotate, zoom in on and project into their real space.
For many professionals, creating the 3D model is perceived as the main obstacle to adopting augmented reality. "I don't have a 3D model" is the most common remark. Yet current solutions make 3D creation accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or technical skills.
3D formats for augmented reality
Before creating your 3D model, it is important to understand the file formats used in augmented reality. Choosing the right format determines the quality and compatibility of your model:
- GLB / glTF: This is the standard reference format for web augmented reality (WebAR). glTF (Graphics Language Transmission Format) is an open, lightweight format optimized for the web. Its binary version (GLB) combines the mesh, textures and materials in a single file. This is the format supported by Google Model Viewer and Visuality.
- USDZ: This is the format developed by Apple for AR Quick Look on iOS. When an iPhone or iPad user launches augmented reality from Safari, the USDZ format is used. Visuality automatically generates this format from your GLB files.
- OBJ: A classic 3D modeling format, very widespread but dated. It does not natively support PBR materials or animations. It can be used as an intermediate format before conversion to GLB.
- FBX: Autodesk's proprietary format, commonly used in the video game and animation industry. It supports animations and complex materials. Like OBJ, it is often used as an intermediate format.
To learn more about supported 3D formats and technical recommendations, see our documentation on 3D object formats.
Method 1: 3D scanning with smartphone
Smartphone 3D scanning is the most accessible method for digitizing an existing physical object. The principle is simple: you take dozens of photos of your object from all angles, and a photogrammetry algorithm reconstructs the textured 3D model.
Several apps enable this digitization: RealityScan (by Epic Games / Capturing Reality), Polycam, Scaniverse and Luma AI. iPhone Pro models equipped with the LiDAR sensor offer the best results.
3D scanning is ideal for existing physical objects: products in stock, display pieces, prototypes. The result is a textured 3D model that faithfully captures the object's geometry and colors.
Find our detailed guide on 3D scanning in our documentation on 3D model generation.
Method 2: Professional 3D modeling
Professional 3D modeling involves creating the model digitally, vertex by vertex, using 3D design software. It's the method that offers the most complete control over the final result.
The most commonly used software for augmented reality-oriented 3D modeling includes:
- Blender: Free and open-source software, extremely powerful, with an active community and abundant documentation. It natively exports to glTF/GLB.
- 3ds Max: Autodesk's professional software, a reference in the architecture and product design industry. Export to glTF requires a plugin.
- SketchUp: Accessible and intuitive software, particularly suited for furniture and interior design. Export to glTF is possible via extensions.
Professional 3D modeling is the best approach for conceptual products (not yet manufactured), customizable products (color and material variants) and projects requiring maximum detail and fidelity.
If you don't have in-house 3D modeling skills, you can use an external provider. The cost of creating a 3D model ranges from a few dozen euros for a simple object to several hundred for a detailed model.
Method 3: AI image-to-3D
AI 3D model generation is the most recent and most accessible method. The principle is revolutionarily simple: you import one or more photos of your product, and the AI automatically generates a 3D model.
Visuality directly integrates this AI 3D generation tool into its platform. From your dashboard, you import photos of your product and get a 3D model ready for augmented reality in minutes.
This method is ideal for professionals who have photos of their products but no 3D models, and want to get started quickly with augmented reality.
The quality of AI-generated models has improved considerably. For the majority of consumer products (furniture, decorative objects, equipment), the result is sufficient for a convincing augmented reality experience.
Find the complete guide to our AI tool in the documentation on AI 3D generation.
Tips for a successful 3D model
Regardless of the method chosen, certain fundamental principles guarantee a quality 3D model for augmented reality:
- Keep a reasonable file size: For a smooth mobile experience, aim for a GLB file under 50 MB. Models between 5 and 30 MB offer the best quality-performance compromise.
- Take care with textures: Textures are what bring the 3D model to life. Use textures with sufficient resolution (1024x1024 or 2048x2048 pixels) and PBR materials for realistic rendering.
- Respect real scale: This is the most critical point for furniture. Precisely measure your furniture (height, width, depth) and make sure the 3D model exactly reflects these dimensions. A scale error, even of 10%%, can completely distort the customer's perception and generate returns.
- Test on mobile before publishing: The AR experience is primarily on smartphone. Systematically test your models on a real phone to verify proportions, material rendering and interaction fluidity.
- Optimize polygon count: An overly detailed model will be heavy and slow. For AR on mobile, aim for between 10,000 and 100,000 polygons depending on the object's complexity.
Import your model on Visuality
Once your 3D model is created, integration on Visuality is quick and intuitive:
- Upload: From your Visuality dashboard, click "Add a 3D object" and import your GLB file. The model is automatically hosted, optimized and available for 3D viewing and augmented reality.
- Configuration: Use the built-in editor to adjust scale, orientation, materials and lighting. Add interactive hotspots if needed.
- Sharing: Your model is ready to be shared via a direct link, QR code, iframe code for your website or Shopify and PrestaShop modules.
The entire process, from upload to going live, takes just minutes. Visuality automatically handles hosting, optimization and multi-device compatibility.