Introduction
Augmented reality (AR) is the concept of using digital information and content to enhance your real life experience. It’s a relatively new technology that is changing how we interact with the world around us and it’s becoming more popular by the minute. There are many different ways for developers to create an AR app, including creating it from scratch or using existing tools like Unity3D and Blender3D. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite tools for developing augmented reality apps so you can get started building your own AR app in no time!
Metaio
Metaio is a company that provides augmented reality software tools. These tools are used for creating AR apps, and Metaio is one of the most popular augmented reality development tools in use today. Many companies and universities use their products for their AR projects.
WebARonARCore
WebARonARCore is a JavaScript library for building augmented reality applications. It’s an open source project created by Google, and it supports the AR Foundation.
The library provides features such as:
- 3D model rendering in browsers (through WebGL)
- Tracking of device position and orientation using the DeviceOrientationSensor API
- Camera capture via ImageCapture or MediaRecorder
A-frame
A-frame is a web framework for building virtual reality experiences. It’s built with three.js, an open source 3D library, and React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. A-frame uses markup instead of code to create scenes that can be viewed in VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.
AR.js
AR.js is a JavaScript library for building augmented reality experiences. It uses the camera and gyroscope to track the device’s position in space, allowing you to overlay 3D objects onto real-world images.
AR.js can be used in any browser that supports WebGL (including mobile browsers), or as an NVidia Geforce GPU plugin if you want more performance and power.
ARToolkitPlus
ARToolkitPlus is an augmented reality toolkit that can be used to create interactive content. It’s free, so you don’t have to pay anything to get started with this platform.
ARToolkitPlus offers a wide range of features for developers and users alike:
- Support for various input devices (including touchscreens)
- Support for multiple marker types, including QR codes and textured markers
- Camera calibration tools to ensure accurate tracking regardless of lighting conditions or other factors
Vuforia
Vuforia is a platform for creating and integrating augmented reality applications. It’s used by many large companies to create AR apps, including Pokémon Go and Snapchat.
Vuforia has four main components: the Vuforia Engine SDK, which integrates into your app; the Vuforia Studio toolkit you use to create custom objects; an Android or iOS runtime to run your app; and a cloud service that manages computer vision data between devices.
Blender3D and OpenCV for 3D Modeling, Tracking, and Augmentation
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D applications and video games. It can be used either as a standalone application or as a plugin for other software like [3ds Max](https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max).
Blender has been in development since 1995 by Netherlands-based Blender Foundation who also develop an open content license called GNU GPLv2+ that permits people to use the source code under certain conditions (e.g., you cannot sell your project made with Blender’s source code).
Unity3D for Augmented Reality App Development
Unity is a cross-platform development engine that allows you to create 2D and 3D games, apps, and experiences. Unity has a large community of developers, making it easy to find help when you need it.
The toolset comes with an integrated physics engine and a rich selection of shaders for graphics rendering (which means the app will look good). You can also use Unity’s built-in tools for sound design or animation effects.
Lumion for Augmented Reality App Development
Lumion is a powerful, easy-to-use 3D design app that lets you create stunning virtual reality experiences.
It has a wide range of features for creating and editing 3D scenes. You can model buildings, landscapes and interiors; add trees, plants and vehicles; animate humans or animals; add lights and cameras; create realistic reflections in water; render 360 degree panoramas – the list goes on!
Lumion has been used by people around the world to create amazing projects like this one:
These tools can help you create great augmented reality apps.
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Conclusion
We believe that AR is the future of mobile apps, and we’re excited to see how developers use these tools to create new experiences. From Lumion’s powerful 3D modeling toolset to Vuforia’s ability to track objects in real time, there are many options available for creating augmented reality apps.
