Getting started
Vectary DashboardAccount SettingsRolesHow To Get HelpLibraryScene OrientationShortcutsSystem RequirementsStudio Navigation
User InterfaceDesign modeEdit modeLeft bar - Project & Workspaces Right bar - Properties panelCanvas toolsControl BarDesign process
CameraFile ImportingNURBS (CAD)Object EditingColors and MaterialsLighting and EnvironmentsVersion HistoryAnimated MaterialsInteractionsAnimationsFloating UIVariantsHotspotDecalsUV mapping2D to 3DFigma frames import Figma Plugin - Vectary 3D Studio LiteRenderingAdding commentsSharing and embedding
Sharing your projectsFile ExportingClone projects (Sharing Settings)Augmented Reality (WebAR)WebXR (beta)Embedding to other softwareOptimizing a Shared projectLoading screenScene performance analyzerModel API
IntroductionQuick StartEvents & ListenersFloating UI ConfiguratorsEcommerceWebXR (beta)
WebXR is an industry-standard API designed to enable immersive experiences directly within web browsers, encompassing both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). WebXR stands for "Web Extended Reality," where "XR" is an umbrella term for all immersive technologies, including VR, AR, and mixed reality (MR).
Key differences between WebXR and other AR solutions
Augmented Reality (AR): this technology uses a device's camera to overlay virtual objects onto the real world. It is also known as passthrough mode. It is primarily used with phones and AR headsets.
Virtual Reality (VR): unlike AR, VR creates a fully virtual environment without using a camera. This technology is mainly used with VR headsets.
Extended Reality (XR): This is an all-encompassing term for both AR and VR.
Comparison with current AR solution
Our decision to develop WebXR stems from the limitations observed in the current AR solutions:
Direct display of Vectary files: current AR solutions require Vectary to process and send the GLB or USDZ files to the device, which can cause delays. WebXR does not require file conversion, resulting in faster preview times.
Interactivity: current AR solutions do not support interactions, only the first animation in the project, and lack support for hotspots and Floating UIs.
Rendering engine: Current AR solutions use different rendering engines, which can result in slight variations in scene appearance. In contrast, WebXR ensures consistent results across different operating systems.
Performance: WebXR requires more rigorous project optimization compared to current AR solution.
Current state of WebXR (beta) in Vectary
Interaction and animation support: WebXR currently supports various interactions and animations (with Floating UIs and Hotspots set to be added soon)
Device compatibility: while it is supported on many devices, Apple's support is currently limited, requiring third-party browsers for full functionality
Support Overview
Currently, WebXR is only fully supported on Android devices and VR/AR headsets (Meta Quest 2, 3, Pro, HTC XR Elite, Apple Vision Pro (only VR mode))
It can also run on iPhones, but only on a special WebXR-enabled web browser such as https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xr-browser/id1588029989. Experimental, bugs may occur.
Future direction
Feature development: WebXR will eventually support Hotspots and Floating UIs.
Broad adoption: We aim to support both the current AR solutions and WebXR until Apple improves its WebXR support, ensuring broad compatibility across devices.
Integration and usage
WebXR activation: WebXR can be enabled by navigating to Advanced > WebXR (beta) in the right panel.
Coexistence: WebXR does not automatically replace the existing AR experience but is added on top, allowing both the older AR and the new WebXR to coexist in the same project.
Device-specific buttons: buttons to enter the WebXR session will only appear on devices that support it.
Please add this attribute to the iframe code to ensure proper functionality:
allow="xr-spatial-tracking; fullscreen;”
Conclusion
WebXR represents a significant step forward in providing immersive, interactive experiences directly within the browser. Despite the limitations with current AR solutions and incomplete support from Apple, WebXR offers faster previews, richer interactions, and a broader range of device support for VR/AR experiences. We will continue to support and improve both current AR implementations and WebXR to ensure the best possible experiences for all users.