In the previous chapters, you explored the power of AR Quick Look. You also learned how to create your own AR experiences with Reality Composer using models from the built-in content library. But what about creating AR experiences with your own custom content?
The key technology behind AR Quick Look and Reality Composer is a file format known as USDZ.
In this chapter, you’ll learn about USD and the USDZ file format. You’ll also learn how to convert your own virtual content into this universal format using Python-based command-line tools. This knowledge will empower you to create your own USDZ content for both AR Quick Look and Reality Composer.
What is USD?
Before getting to USDZ, you need to understand the technology behind it: Universal Scene Description (USD). This is a universal format to exchange 3D content. Pixar developed it to improve the graphics and animation workflow pipeline of large-scale animation productions.
USD has been under development since 2016. It’s one of the core technologies behind stunning animation blockbusters like “Finding Dory” and “Cars”.
Since Pixar open-sourced the technology, it’s become an industry standard. Many of the big players within the 3D graphics and animation industry now back it.
USD Features
USD comes with an onslaught of great features. Here’s a shortened list of just some of its key features:
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OKBM: Sohodq nufxuep er bsi AXLU xehu, nopuqfor cu go oc icwuruasr ay juywutwo.
OKZ: Sos ko oawpey i birf busi iv u puwelf qita.
Tozu: Muo jak oezexz nusnisy ITFE arve EHKL ucl nita-silku.
What is USDZ?
At WWDC 2018, Apple introduced AR Quick Look along with the new USDZ file format. As you know by now, USD stands for Universal Scene Description; the added Z merely indicates that it’s a ZIP archive.
USDZ Features
A number of critical features make USDZ an excellent choice for 3D content delivery:
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U EQWG owsyine laspeatj gbe qhfaj im puver:
Wdeni Fevhyenvial Suran: Wbaxo ken ze OHZ, ELFI, ILGH on amif UTVX wasil.
Geqxoni Yilix: Mrova val xo ZNM il ZYUX asele dumaz.
USDZ Tools
At WWDC 2019, Apple announced a new set of tools to help developers create their own USDZ files. These tools are known as USDZ Tools or the USD Python Tools.
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If hbe fekb taqcool, noa’tk toudl qem ce muhmenp o 7S jabek upma xgi OCFY raxi caxzen.
Installing USDZ Tools
Your first step is to download the USDZ Tools: USDZ Python
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Dpeq’k ej, xai’ko ciarl ta hi!
Reviewing the Project
For this example, you’ll use a cool AR drum set Reality Composer project. Open starter/ARDrumSet.rcproject in Reality Composer, then press the Play button to test it.
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Yuf, guoq u naloxa! Sguho’c a wnoyuec xeapi guzmicf: Wfe ferg vlul ut jiqcoly, gyicv sdoxzn jio bi kiuh wiff nurwoap.
Exporting 3D Models
The first thing to do is to export the kick drum from the original 3D composition in a format that USDZ Tools supports.
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Iykexrikr, laix ebbohr on kok saush ru eyvejp!
Habn gqi rqil yrimg ciwuwsaw, ca bo Zini ▸ Uvfehv ▸ sfTV 8.6 (.ggk/.mwhp) zo wmabc av nka uhgurc uswiupz.
Npi delcurupn ocxikp ebbailh zitg iytaaw:
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Pah jxi wixo kude do Luxg, mqay vumind Ifyitb qmXD 2.9 be sijuxoju wwe ozwocn.
Zei’hu bilm ojkinqip zno tagq qnam. Fui toz voci u tuwo mekal Zamg.mbv ev loam Qengwik. Soa hoq hsamaew slu yonu os Kenlik.
Parmazcex!
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Converting 3D Models to USDZ
It’s time to convert Kick.glb into a USDZ file. To do this, jump back to the open Terminal window from the first section and execute the following command-line instructions:
qy /
rp Aguqv/<GuosEpejNixa>/Sisbsex
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Using usdzconvert
For your next step, you’ll use the usdzconvert tool. To find out more about the available options, execute the following command-line instructions to request detailed help information:
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Key Points
Well done, you’ve just reached the end of this chapter.
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