How do you make your 3D models work across all VR/AR platforms?

1 Choose the right software

The first step to make your 3D models work across all VR and AR platforms is to choose the right software for your workflow. There are many 3D modeling tools available, each with its own features, advantages, and limitations. Some of the most popular ones are Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, SketchUp, and ZBrush. Depending on your project, you may need to use more than one tool, or switch between them. For example, you may use Blender for modeling and sculpting, and Maya for rigging and animation. You should also consider the compatibility and export options of each software, and how well they integrate with the VR and AR platforms you want to target.

2 Optimize your geometry

One of the most important aspects of making your 3D models work across all VR and AR platforms is to optimize your geometry, or the number and shape of polygons that make up your model. Too many polygons can cause performance issues, especially on mobile or web-based VR and AR platforms, while too few polygons can result in low-quality or unrealistic models. To optimize your geometry, you should use techniques such as simplification, decimation, subdivision, and retopology, which can reduce or improve the polygon count of your model without compromising its appearance. You should also avoid using complex shapes, such as curves, spheres, or cylinders, which can increase the polygon count significantly.

3 Reduce your texture size

Another factor that can affect the performance and compatibility of your 3D models across all VR and AR platforms is the texture size, or the resolution and file size of the images that are mapped onto your model. High-resolution textures can make your model look more detailed and realistic, but they can also consume a lot of memory and bandwidth, which can slow down or crash your VR and AR applications. To reduce your texture size, you should use techniques such as compression, resizing, mipmapping, and atlasing, which can lower the resolution and file size of your textures without losing too much quality. You should also avoid using unnecessary or redundant textures, such as normal maps, specular maps, or alpha maps, which can add extra load to your model.

4 Test your model on different platforms

The final step to make your 3D models work across all VR and AR platforms is to test your model on different devices, software, and standards, and see how it behaves and looks in different environments. Testing your model can help you identify and fix any errors, glitches, or inconsistencies that may occur when you export or import your model to different formats, such as OBJ, FBX, GLTF, or USDZ. Testing your model can also help you adjust and fine-tune your model to suit the specific requirements and features of each platform, such as lighting, shading, interactivity, or animation. You can use various tools and services, such as Sketchfab, Unity, Unreal Engine, or WebXR, to test your model on different VR and AR platforms.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?