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 available for brands to use.

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 Is AR Modeling?

AR modeling is a specialized type of 3D modeling where models are created with low polygon counts and simplified textures, and the result is saved in formats designed for augmented reality applications — .glb for Android and/or .usdz for iOS.

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 a website is pretty simple. Upload the AR-ready model to the 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's being shown. 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

Beyond simple AR product representation (placing a 3D object in a room through a phone screen), animated AR content is gaining popularity. It's not just about placing a model in a space — it's about showing it in action. For example, a recliner that unfolds when tapped, demonstrating its transformation mechanism and real-scale behavior in the environment.

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. When AR models are ordered separately, pricing depends on the volume of the 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. When using a specific AR engine, app, or product configurator, brands should inform their 3D team upfront. The team can then export the model in whatever format works best for the 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 the website 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

AR is 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 be embedded in a website or accessed through a standalone mobile app. Either way, it's important to share the intended use with the 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 the project's 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.

Conclusion

AR product visualization is becoming a standard part of how people shop online. By letting customers place products in their own space, brands remove guesswork and build confidence before the purchase happens.

The technology is accessible, the formats are well-supported across devices, and the process of creating AR models is straightforward when paired with the right 3D team. Whether it's a simple chair or a complex recliner with animated features, there's a solution that fits.

For brands looking to reduce returns, increase engagement, and offer a shopping experience that actually helps people decide — AR is worth the investment.