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What Is USDZ?
By Michael Archambault Michael Archambault Writer New York Institute of Technology Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital media specialist. His work has appeared in Mobile Nations, Amazon’s Digital Photography Review, PetaPixel, and other outlets. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section What Is a File Format What Is Augmented Reality What Is the USDZ File Format How Can I View a USDZ File Can I Start Creating Content with USDZ USDZ is Apple's latest file format for augmented reality on its iOS platforms, including iPhone and iPad. If you've browsed the Apple News app or found yourself launching an AR experience from within the Safari web browser, there is a good chance that you've interacted with a USDZ file. To view USDZ files on an iPhone or iPad, the device must be updated to iOS 12 for full support. What Is a File Format
A file format is a file structure that informs a computer how to display its information. If you've used a computer, you've encountered numerous file formats. Popular formats you may have seen include DOCX files for Microsoft Word, JPG and PNG files for images, MP3 files for music, and many more. USDZ is another file format that holds information for a computer to unpack and display data in augmented reality. What Is Augmented Reality
You may have seen individuals dawn a headset and jump into a virtual world to play video games or watch a movie—this is known as virtual reality. On the other hand, augmented reality is similar but combines both the virtual and physical worlds. Where virtual reality typically cuts a viewer off from reality and places them within a headset, augmented reality instead places a digital image over the physical world using a device with a camera and a screen—that can be another type of headset or your mobile phone. Bernhard Lang / Getty Images What Is the USDZ File Format
A partnership between Apple and Pixar created the USDZ file format; it was announced at the Apple World Wide Developer Conference in Spring 2018. USDZ builds upon the existing USD format, another format created for storing 3D models and animations, but adds additional optimizations and compatibility for use with mobile devices. Developed as an open file format, USDZ can be used and implemented by anyone interested in its capabilities. The file acts as a container that holds numerous files and tools required for the computer to open the format to display its contents properly. Developers looking to learn the detailed specifications behind USDZ should take a look at Apple's Developer documentation. How Can I View a USDZ File
Because USDZ is an open file format, developers can create applications that access the file's contents, but, in the meantime, you will typically access such files using Apple's new AR Quick Look app. You won't find the AR Quick Look application on your iOS device's home screen, but instead, any USDZ files you attempt to open are automatically handled by the new software. So whether you stumble across an AR file in the Apple News app while browsing Safari or sent by a friend in iMessage, AR Quick Look will get it opened and ready for you to view. Apple Inc. Can I Start Creating Content with USDZ
If you're an artist who wants to delve into the world of augmented reality, the USDZ file format provides an easy way to share content with friends, family, and coworkers; however, you'll need to wait a bit before you get started. Adobe is the first company to announce bringing built-in support for USDZ to their suite of Creative Cloud applications. Already available as a free mobile app, the desktop version is now a beta release. For those interested, keep an eye on Adobe Project Aero for further developments and improvements. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How the New Meta Quest Pro VR Headset Shows the Future of the Metaverse What Is the Metaverse? Meta/Facebook's Bet on Virtual Reality What Is Mixed Reality? Metaverse vs. Virtual Reality: How They Differ and What That Means for You What Is the Screen Door Effect? Apple Glasses: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors 5G: Here's Everything That's Changing What Is Augmented Reality What Is an Immersive Experience? What Is macOS? EPUB File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Use Augmented Reality (AR) on Your iPhone Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Reality on iPhone Applications of Augmented Reality HoloLens 2: Microsoft's Second Mixed Reality Headset Explained Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies