USDZ

USDZ (.usdz) is a 3D file format created by Apple and Pixar that packages a Universal Scene Description (USD) scene together with its textures into a single uncompressed archive. It is the native format for AR Quick Look, which lets iOS users view 3D models in augmented reality straight from Safari, Messages, or the web.

USDZ is used to display 3D models in augmented reality on Apple devices via AR Quick Look. A common example is a View in AR button on a product page that iPhone and iPad users can tap to place the item in their real environment.

Both are self-contained 3D formats for real-time and AR use. USDZ is Apple's format for AR Quick Look on iOS, while GLB is the cross-engine, open web standard widely used on Android and the open web. Teams typically ship USDZ for iPhone and GLB for Android.

USD (Universal Scene Description) is Pixar's powerful framework for describing and composing 3D scenes, used heavily in film pipelines. USDZ is a packaged, uncompressed archive of a USD scene plus its textures, optimized for portable AR delivery on Apple platforms.

USDZ is usually produced by converting a glTF/GLB model or exporting from a USD-aware tool. Apple provides Reality Converter and Reality Composer for turning common formats into USDZ, and command-line USD tools can also generate it.

Tapping a USDZ link in Safari, Messages, Mail, or Files on an iPhone or iPad opens it in AR Quick Look automatically, where you can rotate the model and place it in AR. No separate app is required on recent iOS versions.

Yes. USDZ carries geometry, PBR materials, and animation, so animated products and characters can be presented in AR Quick Look. This makes it suitable for interactive product demos as well as static objects.

Common causes include an oversized file, unsupported material features, incorrect scale, or a link that browsers other than Safari cannot open for AR. Validating the file with Apple's tools, keeping textures reasonable, and testing on an actual iOS device usually resolves it.

Yes. Meshy lets you export models ready for AR pipelines, so you can take an AI-generated asset and bring it to life in AR Quick Look on Apple devices. Pairing that with a GLB export covers both iOS and Android AR.