Preparing your 3D model: accepted formats and optimisation
In short
Visuality accepts GLB files (recommended) and the USD family: USDZ, USD, USDA and USDC, which are automatically converted to GLB on upload. For smooth display on smartphones, aim for fewer than 100,000 polygons, textures of 2048 pixels at most and a lightweight file. The USDZ version for iPhone and iPad is generated automatically.
Prerequisites
- A .glb file (recommended) or a .usdz, .usd, .usda or .usdc file.
- A file under 50 MB, ideally around 10 MB for fast loading on mobile.
- A free object slot in your Visuality plan.
Steps: uploading your 3D model
- In your 3D object library, click Add an Object, then I Already Have My 3D Object.
- Fill in the title and description, then upload your GLB or USD/USDZ file. If you scanned the object with RealityScan, upload the ZIP export in the dedicated field instead.
- Set the object's size and, for a frame or a mirror, tick wall placement. Confirm.
- Click View/Share and test augmented reality on an iPhone and on an Android smartphone.
How can you optimise your 3D model?
For better viewing comfort and to optimize loading times, we recommend the following actions:
- Limit the number of polygons of the object to 100,000 (If you plan to display multiple objects simultaneously, and each object is close to this limit, slowdowns may be experienced depending on the number of objects being viewed)
- Use textures of 2048 × 2048 pixels at most, and limit how many a single object uses.
- Limit the number of independent sub-objects
- Remove non-visible elements from the 3D model
- Export the model at real-world scale, in metres, so that it appears at the right size in augmented reality.
- In your 3D editor, make sure the object is centered at coordinates 0,0,0 of your scene
- Center the pivot point of your 3D model
Good to know and limitations
- A USD or USDZ file is converted to GLB on upload: units are converted to metres and embedded cameras and lights are removed. The original file is not kept.
- The USDZ file served to iPhones and iPads is generated automatically on our servers moments after the upload, with the size set in Visuality. Above 200,000 triangles it is lightened, and its textures are capped at 2048 pixels.
- The GLB's animations can still be played in the 3D viewer, but they are not included in the generated USDZ: the object appears static in augmented reality on iPhone.
- OBJ and FBX files are not reliably supported: convert them to GLB first, for example with Blender.
To understand the differences between formats, read our article GLB or USDZ: which format should you choose? or see the 3D formats glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Visuality accepts GLB, the recommended format, as well as USDZ, USD, USDA and USDC files, which are automatically converted to GLB on upload. If you scanned an object with the RealityScan app, you can also upload its ZIP export directly. Other formats must be converted to GLB before uploading.
No. Visuality automatically generates on its servers the USDZ file used by AR Quick Look on iPhone and iPad, from your GLB and with the size you set. If you upload a USDZ yourself, it is converted to GLB, and a new optimised USDZ is then produced in the same way.
We recommend a file under 50 MB, and ideally around ten megabytes, the size Google advises for Scene Viewer. Beyond that, loading takes longer on a mobile connection. To lighten a model, reduce the polygon count and texture size rather than compressing away visible quality.
These formats are not reliably supported. Open them in 3D software such as Blender, which is free, check the materials and scale, then export the model as GLB. The resulting file can then be uploaded to your 3D object library as usual.
Related articles
GLB or USDZ: which format should you choose?
The two 3D formats for augmented reality compared
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