Last updated on April 25th, 2022
Due to advancements in web technologies such as WebGL, 3D rendering in mobile browsers has improved tremendously in recent years. Not only is Web AR available in modern browsers with Marvin XR, but beautifully rendered scenes and objects can be viewed in AR as well. Advanced rendering techniques such as PBR materials, custom shaders, real time shadows/reflections and high res textures are currently possible- even while retaining very small file sizes, high frame rates and insanely fast load times.
While there are components that allow for loading various types of 3D files (FBX, OBJ, etc) into these frameworks, we stand by GLB (glTF 2.0 Binary) as the current best option with its small file size, great performance and versatile feature support (PBR, animations, etc).
Converting 3D Models into .glb using Marvin XR Studio
Now you can convert your GLTF 3D models into GLB within seconds using the absolute stunning 3D Export feature within Marvin XR studio. Select all your GLTF materials and bin files and then drag & drop them to the 3D exporter. Our super fast conversion engine will convert them into GLB format almost instantly.
If you want to do it in your way, please remember:
Pivot point is at the base of the model (if you expect it to attach to the ground)
Forward vector of object is along Z axis (if you expect it to face forward)
Poly count does not exceed 35k tris (or performance will suffer)
Combined file size does not exceed 10MB (people are loading this on a webpage!)
To reduce file size, compress textures and reduce poly count
For Markerbased AR, do not change the current scale. If you want to change it, keep the scale ratio (1,1,1)
If your model has animation, make sure to export it into GLB format
If your model is meant to be shiny and has no textures, it will appear black unless you give is something to reflect back.
Native Converters
FBX2glTF CLI tool (supports GLB)
More converters here
Convert to USDZ
Convert GLB file to USDZ format online which is best for rendering 3D models in Apple iOS. Drag and drop your 3D GLB file in the online user interface to convert it to USDZ format.
Preparing an existing 3D File for an AR Camera
Before you export, ensure that
Pivot point is at the base of the model
Forward vector of object is along Z axis
Before you upload, ensure that
Poly count does not exceed 35k tris (or performance will suffer)
Combined file size does not exceed 15MB
To reduce file size, compress textures and reduce poly count
PREPARING YOUR RIGGED CHARACTER 3D MODEL
Export your rigged character model out of the modeling software of your choice. We used Maya 2018 with FBX (2018) for this example.
Ensure your animation clips are on a single timeline separated by clip.
The clips should be organized in the following order:
Clip 0: Idle animation (required)
Clip 1: Motion animation (required)
Clip 2: Custom Clip 1 (optional)
Clip 3: Custom Clip 2 (optional)
...
Open the “Game Exporter” and use the following settings:
Export All
“idle” is first, “motion” is second, followed by your other clips
Start/End frames per clip are correct
Save Clips to Single File
Bake Animation ✅
Up Axis: Y
Embed Media ✅
File Type: ASCII
FBX Version: FBX 2018
2. Convert to GLB
Use an online converter such as https://www.creators3d.com/online-viewer or
Use CLI tool here MOST RELIABLE or
Install Maya GLTF export tool (supports GLB, macOS/Windows) or
Try many other solutions availablehere
Already have GLTF + bin? Convert to GLB here
Check your model and animation
Navigate to https://gltf-viewer.donmccurdy.com
Drop in your newly created GLB
Inspect your model and confirm there are no issues with geometry or textures
Unfurl “Animation” tab
Make sure every animation clip is listed beginning with “idle”, “motion”, clip 3, clip 4, etc
Click each one to confirm they are working properly
PREPARING YOUR STATIC 3D MODEL
Export your 3D model out of your 3D modeling software.
Blender 2.93 and Substance Painter both support GLTF export
Convert to GLB
Use an online converter such as https://www.creators3d.com/online-viewer or
Use CLI tool here MOST RELIABLE or
Install Maya GLTF export tool (supports GLB, macOS/Windows) or
Try many other solutions availablehere
Already have GLTF + bin? Convert to GLB here
Check your model
Navigate to https://gltf-viewer.donmccurdy.com
Drop in your newly created GLB
Inspect your model and confirm there are no issues with geometry or textures
Ghh