Glossary

USDZ

USDZ stands for Universal Scene Description Zipped. It's Apple's 3D file format, built on Pixar's open USD framework and introduced jointly by Apple and Pixar in 2018. A USDZ file is an uncompressed ZIP archive that packages the USD scene together with textures and audio into a single distributable file. It's mainly used in Web AR to drop 3D objects into the user's real environment via Apple Quick Look, directly from Safari.

Quick Facts

Developed by
Apple and Pixar, introduced in 2018
Based on
Pixar's Universal Scene Description (USD), open-sourced 2016
File extension
.usdz
Used for
Augmented Reality on iOS and iPadOS
Alternatives
GLB (for Android and Web), FBX, OBJ
Typical file size
1 to 15 MB

If you want a 3D model to show up in someone’s real living room through an iPhone, you almost always end up with USDZ. Apple wired the format so tightly into Quick Look that any iPhone user can pull a USDZ model into their environment with one tap, straight from Safari, Mail or Messages. No app install, no account, no detour.

Most 3D pipelines start with GLB for the web, then need a USDZ derivative for iOS AR. The fastest way to make one without leaving the browser is our free GLB to USDZ converter. For WordPress sites running Elementor, PausAR Viewer then takes both files (USDZ for iOS, GLB for the rest) and serves the right one to each device automatically. No coding, no separate setup for iOS and Android.

Comparison

PropertyUSDZGLB
PlatformiOS Quick LookAndroid Scene Viewer, all browsers
CompressionContainer uncompressed, USDC binary insideVery good, optional with Draco
Editor supportReality Composer, Blender pluginBlender native, Maya, 3ds Max
File sizeTends to be largerUsually more compact

FAQ

Is USDZ free to use?

Yes. USDZ is built on Pixar's open Universal Scene Description (USD). No license fee for creating or serving the files.

How do I embed USDZ in WordPress?

Upload your USDZ and GLB to the PausAR Viewer Elementor widget. The plugin detects iOS devices automatically and launches Quick Look from Safari, with no coding required.

USDZ or GLB, which one do I pick?

Both. GLB for web and Android, USDZ for iOS AR. With PausAR Viewer you upload both files once into the Elementor widget and the plugin serves the right format to each device automatically.

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