3D Modelling

12. Spark AR

spark-ar-logo

What is Spark AR?

Spark AR Studio is an augmented reality platform for Windows & Mac that allows you to create AR filters for mobile devices. Create any object in Blender and see it in the real world!

Here is a duck we made in Blender and then placed into Spark AR.

spark-ar-duck

How do I install Spark AR & Spark AR Player?

Step 1

Go to https://sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/download/ & click download Spark AR Studio.

Step 2

Follow the steps of the installer programme.

Step 3

Open your phone's app store and search for 'Spark AR Player'

This app will allow you to test effects on your phone.

Importing your Blender objects into Spark AR

Step 1 - Exporting object from Blender

Click and drag over your Blender object. Make sure that you are only selecting the object you want to import.

spark-ar-step1

Go to the top left corner and click file. Click export and then click Wavefront (.obj).

spark-ar-step1_2

Choose where you want to save your object to and click export OBJ.

Step 2 - Starting a Spark AR project

Open Spark AR Studio and select new project.

spark-ar-step2

Click plane tracking.

spark-ar-step2_2

Step 3 - Importing your Blender object

Go to the assets menu in the bottom left of the interface and click import: from computer.

spark-ar-step3

The assets menu should now look something like this.

spark-ar-step3_2

Step 4 - Placing object into plane tracker

Click and drag your object from the assets menu and place it onto the planeTracker in the scene menu. The scene menu can be found in the top right.

spark-ar-step4

Step 5 - Repositioning objects

Using the 3 tools at the top of your viewport, reposition and resize your object. I found that a small size a little bit of distance from the camera worked best.

spark-ar-step5

Step 6 - Testing on mobile device

Connect your mobile device to your PC/laptop using its cable.

Open Spark AR player on your mobile device.

Go to Spark AR studio on your PC/laptop and then click test on device in the bottom left corner.

spark-ar-step6

Your AR filter should now appear on your phone!

spark-ar-duck_2

Further development

More information on Spark AR can be found at https://sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/learn/

Created by: David Corish