USDZ: Difference between revisions
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'''USDZ''' (pronounced "U-S-D-Z", Universal Scene Description Zipped) is a [[file format]] for storing and sharing [[3D models]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) content, developed through a collaboration between [[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="techrepublic">Apple | '''USDZ''' (pronounced "U-S-D-Z", Universal Scene Description Zipped) is a [[file format]] for storing and sharing [[3D models]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) content, developed through a collaboration between [[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="techrepublic">Apple's USDZ AR file format: What you need to know. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-usdz-ar-file-format-what-you-need-to-know/</ref> Announced at Apple's [[Worldwide Developers Conference]] (WWDC) in June 2018, USDZ is specifically optimized for [[Apple ecosystem|Apple's ecosystem]] and serves as the primary format for AR experiences on [[iOS devices]].<ref name="cygnis">Apple introduces the first file format for AR (usdz). Cygnis. October 7, 2024. https://cygnis.co/blog/arkit-file-format-usdz/</ref> The format is registered with [[IANA]] under the [[MIME type]] model/vnd.usdz+zip.<ref name="iana">IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/model/vnd.usdz+zip</ref> | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
USDZ is a zero-compression, unencrypted [[ZIP archive]] that packages [[Universal Scene Description]] (USD) files along with their associated assets such as textures, materials, and audio files into a single, easily shareable package.<ref name="pixar-spec"> | USDZ is a zero-compression, unencrypted [[ZIP archive]] that packages [[Universal Scene Description]] (USD) files along with their associated assets such as textures, materials, and audio files into a single, easily shareable package.<ref name="pixar-spec">Usdz File Format Specification. Pixar Universal Scene Description Documentation. https://openusd.org/release/spec_usdz.html</ref> The format is designed to enable "direct consumption" of 3D content without requiring extraction or additional heap storage allocation, making it particularly suitable for [[mobile devices]] with limited resources.<ref name="pixar-spec"/> | ||
The "Z" in USDZ stands for "zipped," distinguishing it from standard USD files by its packaged nature.<ref name="lifewire"> | The "Z" in USDZ stands for "zipped," distinguishing it from standard USD files by its packaged nature.<ref name="lifewire">What Is USDZ? Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-usdz-4582454</ref> Unlike traditional compressed archives, USDZ files maintain zero compression to allow for efficient [[memory mapping]] and direct access to contained data.<ref name="techrepublic"/> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Timeline=== | ===Timeline=== | ||
* '''2018 – Initial release''': Apple and Pixar unveiled USDZ during the WWDC 2018 keynote on June 4, positioning it as a "portable, open" format for AR on iOS 12.<ref name="macrumors">Apple Announces New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format Coming in iOS 12. MacRumors. June 4, 2018.</ref> | * '''2018 – Initial release''': Apple and Pixar unveiled USDZ during the WWDC 2018 keynote on June 4, positioning it as a "portable, open" format for AR on iOS 12.<ref name="macrumors">Apple Announces New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format Coming in iOS 12. MacRumors. June 4, 2018. https://www.macrumors.com/2018/06/04/apple-announces-usdz-file-format/</ref> | ||
* '''2019 – Creative Cloud adoption''': [[Adobe]] announced beta support for USDZ across [[Creative Cloud]] apps, previewed in [[Adobe Aero]].<ref name="adobeaero">Supported file formats for assets to import into Aero. Adobe Support.</ref> Apple highlighted growing use by companies like [[Target]], [[Home Depot]], and [[Wayfair]].<ref name="wwdc2019">WWDC 2019 AR Session. Apple Developer.</ref> | * '''2019 – Creative Cloud adoption''': [[Adobe]] announced beta support for USDZ across [[Creative Cloud]] apps, previewed in [[Adobe Aero]].<ref name="adobeaero">Supported file formats for assets to import into Aero. Adobe Support. https://helpx.adobe.com/aero/using/supported-file-formats.html</ref> Apple highlighted growing use by companies like [[Target]], [[Home Depot]], and [[Wayfair]].<ref name="wwdc2019">WWDC 2019 AR Session. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2019/</ref> | ||
* '''2020 – Reality Converter beta''': Apple released the free [[Reality Converter]] macOS utility to convert OBJ, [[glTF]], and USD into USDZ.<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020.</ref> | * '''2020 – Reality Converter beta''': Apple released the free [[Reality Converter]] macOS utility to convert OBJ, [[glTF]], and USD into USDZ.<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=01132020a</ref> | ||
* '''2023 – Industry standardization''': Pixar, Apple, Adobe, [[Autodesk]], and [[NVIDIA]] formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to further standardize and promote USD technologies, including USDZ.<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023.</ref> [[Blender]] 4.0+ added native USDZ export alongside full USD I/O.<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description — Blender Manual. Blender Docs.</ref> | * '''2023 – Industry standardization''': Pixar, Apple, Adobe, [[Autodesk]], and [[NVIDIA]] formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to further standardize and promote USD technologies, including USDZ.<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. https://aousd.org</ref> [[Blender]] 4.0+ added native USDZ export alongside full USD I/O.<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description — Blender Manual. Blender Docs. https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/files/import_export/usd.html</ref> | ||
==Technical Specifications== | ==Technical Specifications== | ||
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| Archive Format || Standard ZIP with container headers | | Archive Format || Standard ZIP with container headers | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Byte Alignment || Data for each file begins at 64-byte multiple from package start<ref name="fileformat">USDZ - Universal Scene Description ZIP Format. FileFormat.com.</ref> | | Byte Alignment || Data for each file begins at 64-byte multiple from package start<ref name="fileformat">USDZ - Universal Scene Description ZIP Format. FileFormat.com. https://docs.fileformat.com/3d/usdz/</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| First File Requirement || Must be .usda, .usdc, or .usd (Default Layer) | | First File Requirement || Must be .usda, .usdc, or .usd (Default Layer) | ||
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===Single-File Convenience=== | ===Single-File Convenience=== | ||
USDZ simplifies sharing via Messages, Mail, web, or [[AirDrop]], making it ideal for consumer-facing AR applications.<ref name="apple-dev"> | USDZ simplifies sharing via Messages, Mail, web, or [[AirDrop]], making it ideal for consumer-facing AR applications.<ref name="apple-dev">Quick Look Gallery - Augmented Reality. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/quick-look/</ref> | ||
===AR Quick Look Integration=== | ===AR Quick Look Integration=== | ||
USDZ files are natively supported by Apple's [[AR Quick Look]] viewer, which is integrated into the operating system. This allows users to view 3D models and place them in their real-world environment without downloading additional applications.<ref name="cyberfox"> | USDZ files are natively supported by Apple's [[AR Quick Look]] viewer, which is integrated into the operating system. This allows users to view 3D models and place them in their real-world environment without downloading additional applications.<ref name="cyberfox">USDZ File Format: An Ultimate Guide. CyberFox Agency. September 6, 2024. https://cyber-fox.net/blog/usdz-file-extension-explained/</ref> | ||
===Progressive Loading and Streaming=== | ===Progressive Loading and Streaming=== | ||
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===E-commerce=== | ===E-commerce=== | ||
USDZ has become particularly popular in [[e-commerce]] applications, with [[Shopify]] reporting significant engagement uplifts when 3D models are attached to products:<ref name="shopify">Support for .usdz 3D models as product media. Shopify Changelog. March 16, 2021.</ref> | USDZ has become particularly popular in [[e-commerce]] applications, with [[Shopify]] reporting significant engagement uplifts when 3D models are attached to products:<ref name="shopify">Support for .usdz 3D models as product media. Shopify Changelog. March 16, 2021. https://changelog.shopify.com/posts/support-for-usdz-3d-models-as-product-media</ref> | ||
* View products in AR before purchasing | * View products in AR before purchasing | ||
* Place furniture and home goods in actual living spaces | * Place furniture and home goods in actual living spaces | ||
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===Architecture and Design=== | ===Architecture and Design=== | ||
Professionals in architecture and design utilize USDZ for:<ref name="cadinterop">3D interoperability around the USDZ augmented reality format. CAD Interop.</ref> | Professionals in architecture and design utilize USDZ for:<ref name="cadinterop">3D interoperability around the USDZ augmented reality format. CAD Interop. https://www.cadinterop.com/en/formats/mesh/usdz.html</ref> | ||
* Client presentations | * Client presentations | ||
* [[Building Information Modeling]] (BIM) visualization | * [[Building Information Modeling]] (BIM) visualization | ||
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===Publishing and Media=== | ===Publishing and Media=== | ||
News outlets embed interactive objects in web articles using the `<model-viewer>` polyfill with USDZ fallback. Major search engines display "View in AR" buttons from schema.org model markup (iOS only).<ref name="schemaorg">3DModel - Schema.org Type. Schema.org.</ref> | News outlets embed interactive objects in web articles using the `<model-viewer>` polyfill with USDZ fallback. Major search engines display "View in AR" buttons from schema.org model markup (iOS only).<ref name="schemaorg">3DModel - Schema.org Type. Schema.org. https://schema.org/3DModel</ref> | ||
==Software Support== | ==Software Support== | ||
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! Software !! Platform !! Import !! Export !! Notes | ! Software !! Platform !! Import !! Export !! Notes | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reality Composer]] || iOS, iPadOS, macOS || Yes || Yes || Native USDZ export with animations and behaviors<ref name="foveate"> | | [[Reality Composer]] || iOS, iPadOS, macOS || Yes || Yes || Native USDZ export with animations and behaviors<ref name="foveate">AR Creation (USDZ). Foveate Docs. https://docs.foveate.com/home/foveate-platform/augmented-reality/ar-creation-usdz</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reality Converter]] || macOS || Yes || Yes || Drag-and-drop converter for OBJ, glTF, & USD<ref name="realityconverter"/> | | [[Reality Converter]] || macOS || Yes || Yes || Drag-and-drop converter for OBJ, glTF, & USD<ref name="realityconverter"/> | ||
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| [[Adobe Aero]] || iOS, macOS || Yes || Limited || Imports USDZ for interactive AR scenes<ref name="adobeaero"/> | | [[Adobe Aero]] || iOS, macOS || Yes || Limited || Imports USDZ for interactive AR scenes<ref name="adobeaero"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Autodesk Maya]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Via Pixar RenderMan plugin<ref name="autodesk">Autodesk Maya USD Support. Autodesk.</ref> | | [[Autodesk Maya]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Via Pixar RenderMan plugin<ref name="autodesk">Autodesk Maya USD Support. Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/features</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Autodesk 3ds Max]] 2022+ || Windows || Yes || Yes || USDZ export support<ref name="techrepublic"/> | | [[Autodesk 3ds Max]] 2022+ || Windows || Yes || Yes || USDZ export support<ref name="techrepublic"/> | ||
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| [[Sketchfab]] || Web-based || Yes || Yes || USDZ download option<ref name="techrepublic"/> | | [[Sketchfab]] || Web-based || Yes || Yes || USDZ download option<ref name="techrepublic"/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Unity]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Experimental || Via USD Unity SDK<ref name="unityforum">How can a USDZ be imported? Unity Forums. July 10, 2020.</ref> | | [[Unity]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Experimental || Via USD Unity SDK<ref name="unityforum">How can a USDZ be imported? Unity Forums. July 10, 2020. https://discussions.unity.com/t/how-can-a-usdz-be-imported/243368</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Unreal Engine]] 4.27+ || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || USD Stage Editor and Python USD tools<ref name="unrealdocs">Universal Scene Description (USD) in Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine Docs.</ref> | | [[Unreal Engine]] 4.27+ || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || USD Stage Editor and Python USD tools<ref name="unrealdocs">Universal Scene Description (USD) in Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine Docs. https://docs.unrealengine.com/4.27/en-US/WorkingWithContent/USD</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[SceneKit]] || Apple platforms || Yes || Yes || Framework for creating 3D games and apps<ref name="scenekit">SceneKit Framework. Apple Developer.</ref> | | [[SceneKit]] || Apple platforms || Yes || Yes || Framework for creating 3D games and apps<ref name="scenekit">SceneKit Framework. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/scenekit/</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| SimSoft Composer || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Exports to USDZ from various CAD programs<ref name="simsoft">SimSoft Composer. SimSoft.</ref> | | SimSoft Composer || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Exports to USDZ from various CAD programs<ref name="simsoft">SimSoft Composer. SimSoft. https://www.simlab-soft.com/</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Houdini]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Full USD/USDZ support<ref name="houdini">USD in Houdini. SideFX.</ref> | | [[Houdini]] || Cross-platform || Yes || Yes || Full USD/USDZ support<ref name="houdini">USD in Houdini. SideFX. https://www.sidefx.com/docs/houdini/solaris/usd.html</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Vectary || Web-based || Yes || Yes || Browser-based 3D design tool<ref name="vectary"/> | | Vectary || Web-based || Yes || Yes || Browser-based 3D design tool<ref name="vectary">What is USDZ and why you should care - Apple's AR kit explained. Vectary. https://www.vectary.com/3d-modeling-blog/apple-ar-kit-tools-explained-what-is-usdz-and-why-you-should-care/</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
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===Conversion Tools=== | ===Conversion Tools=== | ||
* '''usdz_converter''': Command-line tool included with [[Xcode]] for converting OBJ, [[Alembic]] ABC, and USDA files<ref name="devforum"> | * '''usdz_converter''': Command-line tool included with [[Xcode]] for converting OBJ, [[Alembic]] ABC, and USDA files<ref name="devforum">USDZ format example and how to make. Apple Developer Forums. https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/104042</ref> | ||
* '''Pixar USD tools''': Python-based conversion utilities including usdzip<ref name="3dcloud"> | * '''Pixar USD tools''': Python-based conversion utilities including usdzip<ref name="3dcloud">Ultimate Guide to USDZ File Formats. 3D Cloud. February 14, 2025. https://3dcloud.com/usdz-files/</ref> | ||
* '''Reality Converter''': Free macOS GUI application<ref name="realityconverter"/> | * '''Reality Converter''': Free macOS GUI application<ref name="realityconverter"/> | ||
* Various online converters for format transformation | * Various online converters for format transformation | ||
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* '''Read-Only Nature''': Files must be unpacked and repackaged for editing, unlike editable USD files | * '''Read-Only Nature''': Files must be unpacked and repackaged for editing, unlike editable USD files | ||
* '''No Native Android Support''': Requires third-party solutions for non-Apple platforms | * '''No Native Android Support''': Requires third-party solutions for non-Apple platforms | ||
* '''File Size''': Uncompressed nature can result in larger files compared to formats like [[GLB]]<ref name="cloudinary">USDZ Format: How It Works, Use Cases, and Pros/Cons. Cloudinary. August 25, 2024.</ref> | * '''File Size''': Uncompressed nature can result in larger files compared to formats like [[GLB]]<ref name="cloudinary">USDZ Format: How It Works, Use Cases, and Pros/Cons. Cloudinary. August 25, 2024. https://cloudinary.com/guides/image-formats/usdz-format-how-it-works-use-cases-and-pros-cons</ref> | ||
* '''Shader Limitations''': Supports only a subset of USD's shading capabilities | * '''Shader Limitations''': Supports only a subset of USD's shading capabilities | ||
==Licensing== | ==Licensing== | ||
Pixar's open-source USD — including the **usdzip** utility used to author USDZ archives — is released under the [[Apache License 2.0]],<ref name="githubusd">Pixar OpenUSD – GitHub repository. GitHub.</ref> allowing commercial and academic use without royalties. While the USDZ specification is public, Apple retains trademarks for "USDZ" and enforces ARKit viewer compliance. The format itself is an open standard that can be implemented by any developer.<ref name="apache">Apache License 2.0. Apache Software Foundation.</ref> | Pixar's open-source USD — including the **usdzip** utility used to author USDZ archives — is released under the [[Apache License 2.0]],<ref name="githubusd">Pixar OpenUSD – GitHub repository. GitHub. https://github.com/PixarAnimationStudios/OpenUSD</ref> allowing commercial and academic use without royalties. While the USDZ specification is public, Apple retains trademarks for "USDZ" and enforces ARKit viewer compliance. The format itself is an open standard that can be implemented by any developer.<ref name="apache">Apache License 2.0. Apache Software Foundation. https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0</ref> | ||
==Future Development== | ==Future Development== | ||