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Property "Developer" (as page type) with input value "Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Written In" (as page type) with input value "Based on Universal Scene Description (USD), C++ reference libraries" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Operating System" (as page type) with input value "iOS]] 12+" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "License" (as page type) with input value "Apache License 2.0]] (reference implementation)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Website" (as page type) with input value "https://openusd.org OpenUSD] / [https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/ Apple AR Developer" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.

USDZ
Information
Type 3D file format
Industry Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 3D Graphics, Mobile Computing, E-commerce
Developer Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios
Written In Based on Universal Scene Description (USD), C++ reference libraries
Operating System iOS 12+, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, Cross-platform (via third-party tools)
License Apache License 2.0 (reference implementation)
Supported Devices iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, Windows, Linux (via tools)
Release Date June 4, 2018
Website OpenUSD / Apple AR Developer


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.[1] Announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2018, USDZ is specifically optimized for Apple's ecosystem and serves as the primary format for AR experiences on iOS devices.[2] The format is registered with IANA under the MIME type model/vnd.usdz+zip.[3]

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.[4] 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.[4]

The "Z" in USDZ stands for "zipped," distinguishing it from standard USD files by its packaged nature.[5] Unlike traditional compressed archives, USDZ files maintain zero compression to allow for efficient memory mapping and direct access to contained data.[1]

History

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.[6]
  • 2019 – Creative Cloud adoption: Adobe announced beta support for USDZ across Creative Cloud apps, previewed in Adobe Aero.[7] Apple highlighted growing use by companies like Target, Home Depot, and Wayfair.[8]
  • 2020 – Reality Converter beta: Apple released the free Reality Converter macOS utility to convert OBJ, glTF, and USD into USDZ.[9]
  • 2023 – Industry standardization: Pixar, Apple, Adobe, Autodesk, and NVIDIA formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to further standardize and promote USD technologies, including USDZ.[10] Blender 4.0+ added native USDZ export alongside full USD I/O.[11]

Technical Specifications

File Structure

A USDZ file is structured as an uncompressed ZIP archive with specific requirements:[4]

Property Specification
Compression Zero compression (store method only, compression method 0)
Encryption None
Archive Format Standard ZIP with container headers
Byte Alignment Data for each file begins at 64-byte multiple from package start[12]
First File Requirement Must be .usda, .usdc, or .usd (Default Layer)
Package Type Read-only container
MIME Type model/vnd.usdz+zip

Typical Layout Example

Spaceship.usdz
├── root.usda
├── Textures/
│   ├── albedo.png
│   ├── normal.png
│   └── metallicRoughness.png
└── Sounds/
    └── engine.wav

Supported File Types

USDZ packages can only contain file types that can be consumed by the USD runtime via memory mapping, pointer to memory, or thread-safe file access:[4]

3D Scene Files

  • .usda (USD ASCII format)
  • .usdc (USD binary format)
  • .usd (USD files)

Image Formats

Audio Formats

Technical Requirements

The format enforces several technical constraints to ensure optimal performance on mobile devices:[4]

  • Files must be accessible without unpacking the archive
  • Data must be aligned on 8-byte boundaries for zero-copy access
  • No compression is applied to maintain direct memory access capabilities
  • The first file in the package enables progressive loading scenarios
  • AR-centric constraints forbid absolute paths and embedded scripts
  • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) uses USD Preview Surface shader with metallic-roughness workflow

Features

Single-File Convenience

USDZ simplifies sharing via Messages, Mail, web, or AirDrop, making it ideal for consumer-facing AR applications.[13]

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.[14]

Progressive Loading and Streaming

The format supports various streaming scenarios through its file ordering mechanism:[4]

  • Level of Detail (LOD) streaming with low-complexity geometry loading first
  • Progressive material loading with simple materials followed by textured versions
  • Animation streaming with static poses loading before animated sequences
  • In-place streaming where AR Quick Look and RealityKit mmap the archive

Animation and Interactivity

  • Supports skeletal animation and vertex blendshapes inherited from USD
  • Time-sampled transforms and skinning
  • Basic gesture recognition (move, rotate, scale)
  • Custom actions through Quick Look API
  • Apple Pay integration for e-commerce applications
  • Optional spatial audio for synchronized playback

Applications

E-commerce

USDZ has become particularly popular in e-commerce applications, with Shopify reporting significant engagement uplifts when 3D models are attached to products:[15]

  • View products in AR before purchasing
  • Place furniture and home goods in actual living spaces
  • Examine product details from all angles
  • "Try-before-you-buy" experiences

Education

Educational institutions use USDZ for:[14]

  • Interactive 3D models in digital textbooks
  • Virtual field trips
  • Scientific visualization
  • Historical artifact exploration

Architecture and Design

Professionals in architecture and design utilize USDZ for:[16]

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).[17]

Software Support

Creation and Editing Tools

Software Platform Import Export Notes
Reality Composer iOS, iPadOS, macOS Yes Yes Native USDZ export with animations and behaviors[18]
Reality Converter macOS Yes Yes Drag-and-drop converter for OBJ, glTF, & USD[9]
Blender 4.0+ Cross-platform Yes Yes Native USDZ export via USD with ARKit Asset toggle[18]
Cinema 4D Cross-platform Yes Yes Native export via USD with Zipped flag[18]
Adobe Creative Cloud Cross-platform Yes Limited Built-in support announced at WWDC 2018[2]
Adobe Aero iOS, macOS Yes Limited Imports USDZ for interactive AR scenes[7]
Autodesk Maya Cross-platform Yes Yes Via Pixar RenderMan plugin[19]
Autodesk 3ds Max 2022+ Windows Yes Yes USDZ export support[1]
Sketchfab Web-based Yes Yes USDZ download option[1]
Unity Cross-platform Yes Experimental Via USD Unity SDK[20]
Unreal Engine 4.27+ Cross-platform Yes Yes USD Stage Editor and Python USD tools[21]
SceneKit Apple platforms Yes Yes Framework for creating 3D games and apps[22]
SimSoft Composer Cross-platform Yes Yes Exports to USDZ from various CAD programs[23]
Houdini Cross-platform Yes Yes Full USD/USDZ support[24]
Vectary Web-based Yes Yes Browser-based 3D design tool[25]

Viewing Applications

Application Platform Function
Quick Look iOS/iPadOS/macOS/visionOS Native AR preview on Apple devices[13]
Safari iOS/macOS/visionOS Web-based AR viewing
Messages iOS/iPadOS/macOS Direct sharing and viewing
Mail iOS/iPadOS/macOS Email attachment viewing
News iOS/iPadOS Embedded AR content in articles
Files iOS/iPadOS File system preview

Conversion Tools

  • usdz_converter: Command-line tool included with Xcode for converting OBJ, Alembic ABC, and USDA files[26]
  • Pixar USD tools: Python-based conversion utilities including usdzip[27]
  • Reality Converter: Free macOS GUI application[9]
  • Various online converters for format transformation

Comparison with Other Formats

USDZ vs USD

Feature USD USDZ
Format Type Scene description Packaged archive
Compression Variable Zero compression
Platform Support Cross-platform Optimized for Apple devices
File Extension .usd, .usda, .usdc .usdz
Asset Inclusion External references Self-contained package
Editability Directly editable Read-only (must unpack to edit)
Use Case Professional 3D workflows Mobile AR distribution

USDZ vs glTF

Feature USDZ glTF
Container type Zero-compression ZIP with multiple assets Binary GLB or JSON + external files
Shader model USD Preview Surface (subset) PBR metallic-roughness + extensions
Animation Skeletal & vertex blendshapes Skeletal & morph targets
Compression None (but textures may be compressed) Mesh & texture compression via extensions (e.g., Draco, BasisU)
Primary ecosystem Apple ARKit/visionOS, Pixar pipelines WebGL, Khronos 3D Commerce
License Apache 2.0 reference Royalty-free Khronos specification

Adoption

USDZ has been adopted by numerous companies and organizations:[28]

Limitations

Despite its advantages, USDZ has several limitations:[27]

  • Platform Specificity: While technically an open format based on open-source USD, USDZ is primarily optimized for Apple's ecosystem
  • Limited Interactivity: Animations must be pre-baked; real-time interactivity is restricted compared to native applications
  • File Format Restrictions: Cannot include formats like Alembic files that require specific access patterns
  • 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
  • File Size: Uncompressed nature can result in larger files compared to formats like GLB[29]
  • Shader Limitations: Supports only a subset of USD's shading capabilities

Licensing

Pixar's open-source USD — including the **usdzip** utility used to author USDZ archives — is released under the Apache License 2.0,[30] 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.[31]

Future Development

The USDZ format continues to evolve with updates to Apple's operating systems and the broader USD ecosystem. Recent and upcoming developments include:[13]

  • Support for the HTML `<model>` element in Safari on visionOS
  • Enhanced WebAR capabilities
  • Improved compression techniques while maintaining direct access capabilities
  • Integration with Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing applications
  • Continued standardization efforts through the Alliance for OpenUSD
  • Potential support for advanced USD features like procedural shading and volume rendering

See Also

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Apple and Pixar have jointly announced the USDZ file format, for use with displaying Augmented Reality content on iOS 12. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "techrepublic" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Apple introduced what they see as the 'future of AR', a file format called usdz, which they have been working in collaboration with Pixar Studios for some time now. Cygnis. October 7, 2024. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "cygnis" defined multiple times with different content
  3. ↑ IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "iana" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 A usdz package is a zero compression, unencrypted zip archive. Pixar USD Documentation. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "pixar-spec" defined multiple times with different content
  5. ↑ The Z, in this case, stands for "zipped." Lifewire. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "lifewire" defined multiple times with different content
  6. ↑ Apple Announces New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format Coming in iOS 12. MacRumors. June 4, 2018. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "macrumors" defined multiple times with different content
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Supported file formats for assets to import into Aero. Adobe Support. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "adobeaero" defined multiple times with different content
  8. ↑ WWDC 2019 AR Session. Apple Developer. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "wwdc2019" defined multiple times with different content
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "realityconverter" defined multiple times with different content
  10. ↑ Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "aousd" defined multiple times with different content
  11. ↑ Universal Scene Description — Blender Manual. Blender Docs. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "blendermanual" defined multiple times with different content
  12. ↑ USDZ - Universal Scene Description ZIP Format. FileFormat.com. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "fileformat" defined multiple times with different content
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Embed Quick Look views in your apps and websites to let users see incredible detailed renderings in 3D or AR. Apple Developer. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "apple-dev" defined multiple times with different content
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 AR Quick Look for iOS 12 and Safari lets you view AR or 3D content overlaid on views of the real world. CyberFox Agency. September 6, 2024. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "cyberfox" defined multiple times with different content
  15. ↑ Support for .usdz 3D models as product media. Shopify Changelog. March 16, 2021. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "shopify" defined multiple times with different content
  16. ↑ 3D interoperability around the USDZ augmented reality format. CAD Interop. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "cadinterop" defined multiple times with different content
  17. ↑ 3DModel - Schema.org Type. Schema.org. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "schemaorg" defined multiple times with different content
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Reality Composer for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS makes it easy to build, test, tune, simulate, and export AR experiences. Foveate Docs. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "foveate" defined multiple times with different content
  19. ↑ Autodesk Maya USD Support. Autodesk. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "autodesk" defined multiple times with different content
  20. ↑ How can a USDZ be imported? Unity Forums. July 10, 2020. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "unityforum" defined multiple times with different content
  21. ↑ Universal Scene Description (USD) in Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine Docs. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "unrealdocs" defined multiple times with different content
  22. ↑ SceneKit Framework. Apple Developer. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "scenekit" defined multiple times with different content
  23. ↑ SimSoft Composer. SimSoft. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "simsoft" defined multiple times with different content
  24. ↑ USD in Houdini. SideFX. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "houdini" defined multiple times with different content
  25. ↑ 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/
  26. ↑ usdz_converter that comes with xcode beta can convert OBJ, Alembic ABC and USDA files. Apple Developer Forums. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "devforum" defined multiple times with different content
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Pixar released a pre-compiled Python library to convert media. 3D Cloud. February 14, 2025. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "3dcloud" defined multiple times with different content
  28. ↑ USDZ Adoption in Industry. Various sources.
  29. ↑ USDZ Format: How It Works, Use Cases, and Pros/Cons. Cloudinary. August 25, 2024. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "cloudinary" defined multiple times with different content
  30. ↑ Pixar OpenUSD – GitHub repository. GitHub. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "githubusd" defined multiple times with different content
  31. ↑ Apache License 2.0. Apache Software Foundation. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "apache" defined multiple times with different content
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