AR Modeling Overview

AR isn’t just a shiny new feature anymore — it’s quickly becoming a must-have in modern eCommerce. And it’s not just for the big players. Brands of all sizes are now turning to augmented reality product visualization to help customers really see what they’re buying before they commit.

For online retailers, it is a straightforward way to help shoppers get a better sense of a product’s size, design, and overall vibe. This brief interaction can have a significant impact. It builds trust, keeps people interested, and often leads to fewer returns.

In this section, we’ll unpack what AR product models are, how they actually work, and the different types and formats you can use for your brand.

What Is Product AR?

Product AR lets shoppers place a digital 3D version of an item right into their space — using just a phone or tablet. One quick scan of a QR code or tap on an AR button, and the product appears in front of them. They can rotate it, zoom in, and see exactly how it fits in the room.

It’s a huge leap from static photos or videos. Instead of guessing how something might look, customers get an interactive sneak peek. It’s basically turning their living room into a mini showroom.

What Are AR Models?

AR models are 3D versions of products, built to run smoothly on mobile devices. Unlike traditional 3D visuals that can be heavy and complex, these models are optimized to be “lightweight.” They’re fast-loading but still accurate in terms of shape, size, materials, and overall proportions.

Getting them onto your site is pretty simple. Upload the AR-ready model to your product page and add a QR code or AR button. That’s it. Once a shopper scans or taps, the model shows up in their space at true scale — ready to be explored from every angle.

This kind of interaction doesn’t just look impressive. It helps people judge if the item really fits their space and their needs.

AR Models: Types & Prices

Not all AR models are created equal — and they don’t need to be. The level of detail depends on what you’re showing. Models generally fall into four categories to help plan production time and effort:

1. Simple models — Clean and minimal, with basic geometry. Perfect for items like a simple chair or a plain table.

Price: $60-120

2. Medium-complexity models — A bit more going on: cushions, curves, handles, maybe a drawer or two.

Price: $100-240

3. Complex models — Think layered upholstery, carved wood, or multiple components that need to be shown.

Price: $300-420

4. Highly complex models — These include woven details, intricate folds, and mechanical bits — the works

Price: $375-450

And now, there’s a growing trend of animated AR models. Imagine a recliner that expands when tapped — it doesn’t just show the product, it demonstrates it. Handy, right?

These categories are useful for estimating the level of modeling effort required. Selecting the type that accurately reflects a product’s complexity helps ensure visual quality without compromising performance on mobile devices. For commercial use cases, see our AR services page.

When a high-poly model is ordered together with an AR model, the AR model comes with a 60% discount. If you order AR models separately, the pricing will depend on the volume of your request.

AR Models Formats

There are two main file formats used for AR in eCommerce: USDZ and GLB.

• USDZ is the go-to for Apple devices. It works seamlessly with Safari, iOS apps, and Apple’s native AR tools like Quick Look.
• GLB (and its broader format, GLTF) is widely supported on Android devices and across most browser-based AR viewers.

Both formats work well with major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, and WIX. If you’re using a specific AR engine, app, or product configurator, just let your 3D team know upfront. They can export the model in whatever format works best for your setup.

Benefits of Using AR Models

AR helps bridge the gap between online shopping and in-store experiences — and in some ways, it actually goes beyond. When people can see how a product fits in their space, decisions come faster and with more confidence.

Here’s what AR brings to the table:

• Immersive experience — Shoppers can drop the product into their space and move around it.
• Accurate visuals — Models reflect real-life size, proportions, and materials.
• Smarter shopping — Customers can figure out if it fits their home, style, or needs before buying.
• Fewer returns — Clear expectations lead to fewer "this isn't what I thought it would be" moments.
• Higher engagement — People stay on your site longer and leave with a stronger sense of trust.

AR can even help post-purchase. For example, animated instructions can show how to set up or use a product — no more flipping through a 30-page manual.

Where AR Models Are Used

You’ll find AR popping up in all sorts of places — not just online stores. It’s becoming part of the full customer journey. Common uses include:

• Product pages — Instant previews right where people shop.
• Mobile apps — Integrated AR for a richer, branded experience.
• QR catalogs — Whether printed or digital, these let people scan and see the product in AR.
• Retail spaces — Add digital layers to show options, features, or variations that aren’t on the floor.
• Pre-launch campaigns — Let customers test-drive a product design before it even hits the shelves.

AR can live inside your website or through a standalone mobile app. Either way, it’s important to share the intended use with your 3D team early on. That helps them pick the right format, test it properly, and make sure everything runs smoothly. A quick check in the real environment can save a lot of back-and-forth later.

How AR Models Are Made

Creating AR models is a careful balance between detail and performance. Here’s what the typical process looks like:

Getting the Brief Right

It starts with a clear project brief — including product specs, goals, timelines, reference photos, drawings, and texture samples. The more detailed the brief, the better (and faster) the results.

Modeling the Shape

The 3D artist builds the base geometry in modeling software. For AR, the goal is to keep the mesh lightweight without losing important features.

Retopology & Optimization

If the mesh is too dense, artists reduce the polygon count without changing how the model looks. This keeps things running smoothly on phones and tablets.

Texturing & Lighting

Materials are applied with texture maps. Artists then bake the details into smaller files to cut loading time. A neutral lighting setup ensures the model looks appealing across different environments.

Export & Test

Finally, the model is exported — usually as USDZ or GLB, depending on your needs. Textures are saved in standard formats like JPEG. It’s key to test the model where it’ll actually be used — whether that’s a product page, a QR code in a catalog, or inside a mobile app.