USDZ Format: 3D Models for the Apple Ecosystem

What Is USDZ?

USDZ is the compressed, single-file version of Pixar's USD (Universal Scene Description) format. Apple adopted this format as the standard for augmented reality experiences on iOS and macOS.

When an iPhone or iPad customer taps the AR button on your e-commerce site, Safari opens the USDZ file and launches the AR Quick Look experience. No additional app is needed.

USDZ vs GLB

Converting GLB to USDZ

To support both Android and iOS, you need both GLB and USDZ versions.

Apple Reality Converter

Free Apple tool for macOS. Converts GLB, OBJ, and other formats to USDZ with material editing.

Command Line Tools

# usdzconvert (provided by Apple)
usdzconvert model.glb model.usdz

# Blender (2.8+)
# File > Export > Universal Scene Description (.usd/.usdz)

Key Considerations

• Material compatibility: GLB PBR materials usually convert correctly but always verify. Metallic and roughness values may differ.
• Texture sizes: AR Quick Look scales large textures. Above 2048x2048 is usually unnecessary.
• Scale: USDZ uses metric. 1 unit = 1 meter. The model must be correctly sized for the real world.
• Animation: USDZ has limited animation support. Simple rotations work but complex skeletal animations may be problematic.

Integration with model-viewer

<model-viewer
  src="product.glb"
  ios-src="product.usdz"
  ar
  camera-controls
></model-viewer>

model-viewer automatically uses USDZ on iOS devices and GLB on Android.

Conclusion

USDZ format is mandatory for offering AR to Apple users. Conversion from GLB usually works smoothly, but visual quality control should be performed after every conversion.