How to Prepare and Convert Your 3D Models to USDz for Glossi

Navigating Glossi

Navigating Glossi

Welcome to the Glossi Resources section! If you're gearing up to integrate your 3D models into Glossi, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource. From conversion essentials to final checks and expert support, we're here to ensure your journey with USDZ files is smooth and successful. Whether you're a seasoned 3D artist or just starting, this guide is tailored to answer all your questions and make your models shine on Glossi.

Introduction to USDZ

USDZ, a brainchild of Pixar and embraced by Apple, is a file format that packs a 3D scene and its assets, including textures and metadata, into a unified file. Its wide compatibility makes it perfect for sharing and distributing 3D content across platforms.

This compact, single-file format contains all the necessary textures, materials, and animations for a 3D model. Here's why we chose USDZ as the primary format for Glossi:

  • Broad compatibility across various platforms and devices

  • Efficient compression for faster loading times

  • Support for PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials and textures

  • Optimized for AR (Augmented Reality) applications

  • Seamless integration with our rendering engine, and best-in-class realism

  • Support for full scenes & animations (coming soon)


Option 1: Direct Conversion to USDZ Format

If your 3D model is fully prepared for conversion and doesn't require additional optimization, you can use online converters or Apple's Reality Converter to convert your file directly to USDZ format.

Using Online Converters

There are many online tools that can help you convert a 3D model from one file type to a USDZ file. It’s as simple as going to a converter, uploading your model, Select USDZ as the output format, and downloading the converted USDZ

Here are some of our favorite options: 


Using Apple's Reality Converter

  1. Download and install Apple's Reality Converter on your macOS device.

  2. Open Reality Converter and drag your 3D model file (e.g., OBJ, FBX, or glTF) into the application.

  3. Adjust the settings as needed (e.g., texture compression, scale, and orientation).

  4. Click "Convert" to generate the USDZ file.

Option 2: Optimizing Your 3D Model Before Conversion

If your 3D model requires optimization to achieve the best performance and visual quality on Glossi.io, follow these steps:

Preparing Your Model

  1. Ensure that your 3D model is properly textured:

  2. If your model is untextured, consider applying textures to enhance its visual appeal and realism.

    • If your model is already textured, verify that the textures are correctly mapped and assigned to the appropriate materials.

  3. Check that your model's scale and orientation are correct and consistent with your intended use on Glossi.io.

Optimizing Your Model in Your 3D Program of Choice

  1. Open your 3D model file in your preferred 3D modeling software (e.g., Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D).

  2. Apply the following optimization techniques as needed:

  3. Polygon reduction: Simplify your model by decreasing the number of polygons while preserving the overall shape and detail.

    • Object merging: Combine multiple objects into a single mesh to minimize draw calls and improve performance.

    • Texture baking: Bake high-resolution textures into a single, optimized texture map to reduce file size and loading times.

    • PBR material implementation: Apply Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials for realistic and consistent appearance across different lighting conditions.

    • Texture compression: Employ texture compression techniques like ASTC or ETC to minimize file size without significant quality loss.

  4. Save your optimized 3D model file.

Exporting Your Optimized Model

  1. If your 3D modeling software supports USDZ export:

  2. Choose USDZ as the export format and save the file.

  3. If your 3D modeling software doesn't support USDZ export:

  4. Export your optimized model as a compatible format (e.g., OBJ, FBX, or glTF).

    • Follow the steps in "Option 1: Direct Conversion to USDZ Format" to convert your exported file to USDZ using an online converter or Reality Converter.

Verifying Your Model with a USDZ Viewer

Once your model is converted to USDZ, it's important to verify its appearance and functionality before uploading to Glossi. Using a USDZ viewer can help you ensure that textures are correctly applied and that the model looks as expected. There are several online USDZ viewers available, such as the AR Quick Look Gallery on the Apple Developer website, which allows you to preview USDZ files directly in your web browser or on an iOS device.

Uploading Your USDZ Models to your workspace

With your optimized USDZ model ready, uploading it to Glossi.io is a breeze:

  1. Sign in to your Glossi.io account.

  2. Click on the "Add Model" button on your dashboard (or add model on the model page) and select your USDZ file.

  3. Enter a title for your model to make it easily discoverable.

  4. Click on your model or select it while making a new project to see it studio. 


Once your model is live, you can take full advantage of Glossi.io's powerful features to create stunning visuals:

  • Customizable camera animations, angles, and settings to perfect your shots 

  • A curated library of high-quality, pre-built scenes for immediate use

  • Real-time precision lighting controls 

  • True-to-life materials with advanced texture mapping for photorealistic results 

  • Professional-grade rendering outputs up to 8k resolution (for photo and video)


Have more questions? Talk to Our Team for Personalized 3D Workflow Support

Embarking on your 3D content journey with Glossi is an exciting step, and we're here to support you all the way. If you have questions about 3D workflows, need assistance getting started, or simply want to explore the best practices for integrating your models with Glossi, our team is ready to help.

  • Get in Touch: Reach out to us for personalized support and guidance on optimizing your 3D workflows for Glossi. Whether you're looking for advice on file conversion, texture optimization, or any other aspect of 3D modeling, our experts are here to assist.

  • Contact our support team through our website's contact form or at support@glossi.com, and let us help you bring your creative visions to life with ease and precision.


For more advanced techniques, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions, please refer to our comprehensive documentation and support resources. Thank you!

Welcome to the Glossi Resources section! If you're gearing up to integrate your 3D models into Glossi, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource. From conversion essentials to final checks and expert support, we're here to ensure your journey with USDZ files is smooth and successful. Whether you're a seasoned 3D artist or just starting, this guide is tailored to answer all your questions and make your models shine on Glossi.

Introduction to USDZ

USDZ, a brainchild of Pixar and embraced by Apple, is a file format that packs a 3D scene and its assets, including textures and metadata, into a unified file. Its wide compatibility makes it perfect for sharing and distributing 3D content across platforms.

This compact, single-file format contains all the necessary textures, materials, and animations for a 3D model. Here's why we chose USDZ as the primary format for Glossi:

  • Broad compatibility across various platforms and devices

  • Efficient compression for faster loading times

  • Support for PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials and textures

  • Optimized for AR (Augmented Reality) applications

  • Seamless integration with our rendering engine, and best-in-class realism

  • Support for full scenes & animations (coming soon)


Option 1: Direct Conversion to USDZ Format

If your 3D model is fully prepared for conversion and doesn't require additional optimization, you can use online converters or Apple's Reality Converter to convert your file directly to USDZ format.

Using Online Converters

There are many online tools that can help you convert a 3D model from one file type to a USDZ file. It’s as simple as going to a converter, uploading your model, Select USDZ as the output format, and downloading the converted USDZ

Here are some of our favorite options: 


Using Apple's Reality Converter

  1. Download and install Apple's Reality Converter on your macOS device.

  2. Open Reality Converter and drag your 3D model file (e.g., OBJ, FBX, or glTF) into the application.

  3. Adjust the settings as needed (e.g., texture compression, scale, and orientation).

  4. Click "Convert" to generate the USDZ file.

Option 2: Optimizing Your 3D Model Before Conversion

If your 3D model requires optimization to achieve the best performance and visual quality on Glossi.io, follow these steps:

Preparing Your Model

  1. Ensure that your 3D model is properly textured:

  2. If your model is untextured, consider applying textures to enhance its visual appeal and realism.

    • If your model is already textured, verify that the textures are correctly mapped and assigned to the appropriate materials.

  3. Check that your model's scale and orientation are correct and consistent with your intended use on Glossi.io.

Optimizing Your Model in Your 3D Program of Choice

  1. Open your 3D model file in your preferred 3D modeling software (e.g., Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D).

  2. Apply the following optimization techniques as needed:

  3. Polygon reduction: Simplify your model by decreasing the number of polygons while preserving the overall shape and detail.

    • Object merging: Combine multiple objects into a single mesh to minimize draw calls and improve performance.

    • Texture baking: Bake high-resolution textures into a single, optimized texture map to reduce file size and loading times.

    • PBR material implementation: Apply Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials for realistic and consistent appearance across different lighting conditions.

    • Texture compression: Employ texture compression techniques like ASTC or ETC to minimize file size without significant quality loss.

  4. Save your optimized 3D model file.

Exporting Your Optimized Model

  1. If your 3D modeling software supports USDZ export:

  2. Choose USDZ as the export format and save the file.

  3. If your 3D modeling software doesn't support USDZ export:

  4. Export your optimized model as a compatible format (e.g., OBJ, FBX, or glTF).

    • Follow the steps in "Option 1: Direct Conversion to USDZ Format" to convert your exported file to USDZ using an online converter or Reality Converter.

Verifying Your Model with a USDZ Viewer

Once your model is converted to USDZ, it's important to verify its appearance and functionality before uploading to Glossi. Using a USDZ viewer can help you ensure that textures are correctly applied and that the model looks as expected. There are several online USDZ viewers available, such as the AR Quick Look Gallery on the Apple Developer website, which allows you to preview USDZ files directly in your web browser or on an iOS device.

Uploading Your USDZ Models to your workspace

With your optimized USDZ model ready, uploading it to Glossi.io is a breeze:

  1. Sign in to your Glossi.io account.

  2. Click on the "Add Model" button on your dashboard (or add model on the model page) and select your USDZ file.

  3. Enter a title for your model to make it easily discoverable.

  4. Click on your model or select it while making a new project to see it studio. 


Once your model is live, you can take full advantage of Glossi.io's powerful features to create stunning visuals:

  • Customizable camera animations, angles, and settings to perfect your shots 

  • A curated library of high-quality, pre-built scenes for immediate use

  • Real-time precision lighting controls 

  • True-to-life materials with advanced texture mapping for photorealistic results 

  • Professional-grade rendering outputs up to 8k resolution (for photo and video)


Have more questions? Talk to Our Team for Personalized 3D Workflow Support

Embarking on your 3D content journey with Glossi is an exciting step, and we're here to support you all the way. If you have questions about 3D workflows, need assistance getting started, or simply want to explore the best practices for integrating your models with Glossi, our team is ready to help.

  • Get in Touch: Reach out to us for personalized support and guidance on optimizing your 3D workflows for Glossi. Whether you're looking for advice on file conversion, texture optimization, or any other aspect of 3D modeling, our experts are here to assist.

  • Contact our support team through our website's contact form or at support@glossi.com, and let us help you bring your creative visions to life with ease and precision.


For more advanced techniques, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions, please refer to our comprehensive documentation and support resources. Thank you!

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