USDZ
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)" 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.
| USDZ | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Type | 3D file format |
| Industry | Augmented Reality, 3D Graphics, Mobile Computing |
| Developer | Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios |
| Written In | Based on Universal Scene Description (USD) |
| Operating System | iOS 12+, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS |
| License | Open format |
| Supported Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro |
| Release Date | June 2018 |
| Website | Apple AR Developer |
USDZ (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]
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.[3] 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.[3]
The "Z" in USDZ stands for "zipped," distinguishing it from standard USD files by its packaged nature.[4] Unlike traditional compressed archives, USDZ files maintain zero compression to allow for efficient memory mapping and direct access to contained data.[1]
History
USDZ was developed as a response to the need for a standardized, mobile-optimized format for AR content distribution. Prior to its introduction, there was no elegant solution for combining USD scene descriptions with their required assets in a single, portable package suitable for mobile AR applications.[1]
The format was announced at WWDC 2018 alongside iOS 12, which introduced native support for viewing USDZ files through AR Quick Look.[2] This announcement marked a significant push by Apple to make AR content more accessible to mainstream users without requiring specialized applications.[5]
Technical Specifications
File Structure
A USDZ file is structured as an uncompressed ZIP archive with specific requirements:[3]
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compression | Zero compression (store method only) |
| Encryption | None |
| Archive Format | Standard ZIP |
| Byte Alignment | Minimum 8-byte alignment for efficient memory mapping |
| Package Type | Read-only container |
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:[3]
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:[3]
- 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
Features
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.[6]
Progressive Loading
The format supports various streaming scenarios through its file ordering mechanism:[3]
- 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
Interaction Support
USDZ files support limited interactivity through:[7]
- Basic gesture recognition (move, rotate, scale)
- Custom actions through Quick Look API
- Apple Pay integration for e-commerce applications
Applications
E-commerce
USDZ has become particularly popular in e-commerce applications, allowing customers to:[5]
- View products in AR before purchasing
- Place furniture and home goods in their actual living spaces
- Examine product details from all angles
Education
Educational institutions use USDZ for:[6]
- Interactive 3D models in digital textbooks
- Virtual field trips
- Scientific visualization
Architecture and Design
Professionals in architecture and design utilize USDZ for:[8]
- Client presentations
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) visualization
- Interior design planning
Software Support
Creation Tools
| Software | Platform | Export Support |
|---|---|---|
| Reality Composer | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | Native USDZ export with animations and behaviors[9] |
| Blender 4.0+ | Cross-platform | Native USDZ export via USD with ARKit Asset toggle[9] |
| Cinema 4D | Cross-platform | Native export via USD with Zipped flag[9] |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | Cross-platform | Built-in support announced at WWDC 2018[2] |
| Autodesk tools | Cross-platform | USDZ export support[1] |
| Sketchfab | Web-based | USDZ download option[1] |
Conversion Tools
Comparison with 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 |
Limitations
Despite its advantages, USDZ has several limitations:[11]
- Platform Specificity: While technically an open format, USDZ is primarily optimized for Apple's ecosystem
- Limited Interactivity: Animations must be pre-baked; real-time interactivity is restricted
- 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
- No Native Android Support: Requires third-party solutions for non-Apple platforms
Future Development
The USDZ format continues to evolve with updates to Apple's operating systems. Recent developments include:[7]
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 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 - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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 - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 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 - ↑ The Z, in this case, stands for "zipped." Lifewire. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "lifewire" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 5.0 5.1 Apple is working hard to make AR a seamless part of our world. Vectary. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "vectary" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 6.0 6.1 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 - ↑ 7.0 7.1 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 - ↑ USDZ, an extension of the USD format, was developed in collaboration with Apple to facilitate augmented reality experiences on iOS devices. CAD Interop. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "cadinterop" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 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 - ↑ 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 - ↑ 11.0 11.1 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