Learn six steps to create a VR model that loads fast and runs smoothly on any platform or device, using techniques such as compression, simplification, and level of detail.

In addition to the right file format. 3D Compression is also important, there are compression system such as Draco Compression Engine that can help reduce the mesh size of VR Models. In my experience working with multiple file formats, I have seen that .GLTF’s/.GLB’s have smaller sizes with textures when compared to other popular file formats.

Also be sure to bake your textures. This can be especially useful for procedural textures. For immovable objects, consider baking direct and indirect light. This will reduce the need for runtime computations of real-time lighting. Baked textures can be compressed as well. I often use RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) for texture compressions.

Last updated on Sep 14, 2024

How can you create a VR model with fast load times?

Virtual reality (VR) models are immersive and interactive representations of 3D environments that can be explored by users with VR headsets and controllers. However, creating VR models that load fast and run smoothly can be challenging, as they require a lot of processing power and memory. In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks on how to optimize your VR models for fast load times, without compromising on quality or functionality.

1 Choose the right format

The first step to create a VR model with fast load times is to choose the right format for your 3D assets. There are many different formats available, such as OBJ, FBX, GLTF, and USDZ, but not all of them are compatible with VR platforms or engines. You should choose a format that supports the features you need, such as animations, textures, materials, and lighting, but also has a small file size and a low polygon count. For example, GLTF is a widely used format for VR models, as it is designed to be efficient and interoperable across different platforms and devices.

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Hammed Arowosegbe

Senior Software Engineer | 3D Modelling & Texturing | Technical Leadership
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In addition to the right file format. 3D Compression is also important, there are compression system such as Draco Compression Engine that can help reduce the mesh size of VR Models. In my experience working with multiple file formats, I have seen that .GLTF’s/.GLB’s have smaller sizes with textures when compared to other popular file formats.

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Timothy Porter

Building Automated Workflows for Visual Content
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I'd vote less in the right format and more on segmentation of the model. If you are really really interested in speeding up the first view you can do it in two different ways. Either do lod streaming, where the lowest level is downloaded first meaning there is something quicky or split up your model so that it can be streamed quickly. Or better yet do both!

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2 Optimize your geometry

The second step to create a VR model with fast load times is to optimize your geometry, which is the shape and structure of your 3D assets. The more polygons, vertices, and edges your geometry has, the more complex and detailed your model will be, but also the more resources it will consume. To optimize your geometry, you should use techniques such as simplification, decimation, and retopology, which reduce the number of polygons and vertices without affecting the appearance or functionality of your model. You can use tools such as Blender, MeshLab, or ZBrush to perform these operations.

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Timothy Porter

Building Automated Workflows for Visual Content
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This is pretty 101 for any realtime production. One thing that most people neglect though is that lower polygon assets tend to look nicer in VR than comparable platforms. So something that'll look rough in mobile might look amazing in VR. Test it out and put the hmd on as you optimize. It makes a world of difference.

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3 Reduce your textures

The third step to create a VR model with fast load times is to reduce your textures, which are the images or patterns that cover your 3D assets. The more textures you have, the more realistic and varied your model will look, but also the more memory and bandwidth it will require. To reduce your textures, you should use techniques such as compression, resizing, and atlasing, which decrease the file size and the number of textures without affecting the quality or performance of your model. You can use tools such as Photoshop, GIMP, or TexturePacker to perform these operations.

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Albright Enyioha, MBA

Technology Innovation Engineer | Spatial Computing, The World Bank | Opinions here are in my personal capacity.
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Also be sure to bake your textures. This can be especially useful for procedural textures. For immovable objects, consider baking direct and indirect light. This will reduce the need for runtime computations of real-time lighting. Baked textures can be compressed as well. I often use RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) for texture compressions.

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Timothy Porter

Building Automated Workflows for Visual Content
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Still 101 kind of thinking here is normally good. One thing is that in VR things like ambient occlusion and specilar can make a world of difference. Make sure you use them and look at texture combining as that'll make your texture budge go a long way more

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4 Use level of detail

The fourth step to create a VR model with fast load times is to use level of detail (LOD), which is a technique that adjusts the complexity and detail of your 3D assets based on their distance from the camera or the user. The closer the asset is, the more detailed it will be, and the farther it is, the less detailed it will be. This way, you can save resources and improve performance by rendering only what is necessary and visible. You can use tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Sketchfab to implement LOD in your VR models.

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Timothy Porter

Building Automated Workflows for Visual Content
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Lod can help but it can also hurt. Be careful if you are an online steaming VR game or are on a device with limited drive speed. This can really hammer your expectation with lods.

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5 Test and measure

The fifth step to create a VR model with fast load times is to test and measure your model on different platforms and devices, and compare the results with your expectations and goals. You should use tools such as FPS Meter, RenderDoc, or WebXR Inspector to monitor and analyze the frame rate, the loading time, the memory usage, and the network traffic of your model. You should also use tools such as VRMark, SteamVR Performance Test, or Oculus Rift Compatibility Tool to check the compatibility and performance of your model on different VR headsets and controllers. You should use this feedback to identify and fix any issues or bottlenecks that may affect your model's load times.

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6 Learn from others

The sixth and final step to create a VR model with fast load times is to learn from others who have created successful and popular VR models. You should explore and study the VR models that are available on platforms such as Sketchfab, Poly, or Google Earth VR, and see how they have optimized their models for fast load times. You should also follow and join the online communities and forums that are dedicated to VR modeling, such as Reddit, Stack Overflow, or Quora, and ask for advice and feedback from other VR modelers and enthusiasts.

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7 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?

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How can you create a VR model with fast load times?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right format

2 Optimize your geometry

3 Reduce your textures

4 Use level of detail

5 Test and measure

6 Learn from others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Virtual Reality

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How can you create a VR model with fast load times?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right format

2 Optimize your geometry

3 Reduce your textures

4 Use level of detail

5 Test and measure

6 Learn from others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Virtual Reality

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