AR for WordPress

We’ve seen many WordPress trends come and go over the years, but augmented reality (AR) is quickly becoming more than just a fad. As web content becomes more interactive, many of our readers have been asking how to add engaging AR features to their WordPress sites.

Adding AR to your website might sound complicated, but with the right plugin, it’s easier than you might think. That’s where AR for WordPress comes in, offering a simple way to bring augmented reality to your WordPress site.

In this AR for WordPress review, we’ll take a detailed look at this plugin’s features and see how it can help you add interactive AR experiences to your website. We’ll explore whether it’s worth your investment and show you how to use it effectively.

For store owners and content creators, AR can be a game-changer in how visitors interact with your content. That’s why this AR for WordPress review will break down everything you need to know about the augmented reality plugin, including its features, ease of use, and pricing.

AR for WordPress Review: Why Use It in WordPress?

AR for WordPress is a plugin that can add augmented reality features to WordPress websites. It helps business owners, artists, and content creators display interactive images or models that viewers can experience in real-world spaces.

The way it works is simple. Visitors can scan a QR code on your web page or post with their smartphone. Then, the 3D model appears on their screen through their phone’s camera as if it were in their actual space.

For instance, someone can see how a piece of furniture would look in their room. They can also preview how an artwork would appear on their wall, all through their device’s camera.

The plugin comes with a special custom post type for handling 3D models. You can upload various file types like GLTF, GLB, and USDZ, making it compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This keeps them organized and separate from regular content.

The plugin includes customization tools for the 3D models, too. You can adjust everything from the model lighting and shadows to viewing angles and interactive hotspots.

While the free version lets you test basic features with one 3D model, the premium version unlocks the plugin’s full potential.

With the premium version, you get unlimited model uploads, advanced customization options, security and performance features, and priority support.

AR for WordPress Review: Is It the Right Augmented Reality Plugin for You?

When finding the right AR solution, one challenge many WordPress website owners face is finding one that’s both powerful and easy to use. Many are too complex for the average WordPress user.

After extensive testing, we can say AR for WordPress delivers on its promises. This plugin offers both simplicity and functionality, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to add AR features to their website. Let’s explore the features that make this plugin stand out.

1. Unlimited 3D Models

Adding 3D models to your WordPress website used to be complicated. AR for WordPress simplifies this process by creating a dedicated custom post type specifically for your 3D models.

Once you’ve installed this WordPress plugin, getting started is straightforward. Simply go to AR Models » Add New Models to open the WordPress block editor. You’ll find the upload section right below the main interface where you can add your models and customize them.

The plugin supports the most popular 3D model formats in the industry. You can upload GLTF/GLB files, which are the standard formats for web-based 3D content, or USDZ files, which are optimized for Apple devices.

The plugin even supports GLTF model variants. This allows you to show different versions of your 3D model without uploading multiple files.

This is particularly useful when showcasing items with different colors or configurations.

The plugin lets you upload unlimited models and organize them using categories. This makes it easy to find and use specific models when you need them.

The best part is how flexible the system is. Once you’ve uploaded your 3D models, you can customize their appearance in various ways. We’ll cover these customization options in detail later in this review.

2. 3D Model Resources

Creating your own 3D models might seem challenging at first, but AR for WordPress makes it easier with its comprehensive 3D resource center. Their website includes detailed tutorials that guide you through the process of creating and optimizing 3D models for AR.

The plugin team also provides free sample files and background assets. These resources are perfect for testing the plugin’s features or getting started with your first AR project without any additional investment.

For those who need professional-grade 3D models right away, the AR Model Shop has you covered. Their shop offers an extensive collection of 3D models specifically tailored for augmented reality, saving you time and effort in creating your own models.

3. Ability to Upload Background/Environment Images

When displaying 3D models on your WordPress blog or site, one common challenge is making them look natural in their digital environment. AR for WordPress solves this problem with its background customization options.

The first option is the Skybox/Background Image feature. You can upload your own image file to create a skybox, which uses equirectangular projection to wrap around your 3D model.

This not only provides a visually appealing background but also serves as an environment map. As a result, your model can look more natural with its surroundings.

The second option is the Environment Image feature. This clever tool lets you upload an image that controls environmental lighting without affecting the background visuals.

This means you can perfect how light interacts with your 3D model while keeping the background the same.

You can use HDR, JPG, or PNG image files for both settings.

4. 3D Model Customization Settings

Getting your 3D models to look exactly right can be tricky, especially when you need different styles for different models. AR for WordPress handles this challenge with easy-to-use customization features.

For example, the Model Placement settings let you control how your models appear in both desktop and AR views.

You can choose whether models appear on horizontal or vertical surfaces in AR mode, adjust their size using simple X/Y/Z controls, and set how much of the model viewers can see.

Making your models look realistic is simple with lighting and shadow controls. You can adjust the model’s exposure, shadow intensity, and shadow softness.

The plugin also lets you control how users interact with your models, like setting zoom limits or adding play/pause controls for animated models.

Sometimes you might want a simpler viewing experience. The plugin lets you hide different buttons and features you don’t need, like the AR view button, rotation controls, or zoom options. This helps keep your model viewer clean and focused on what matters most.

For even more customization, you can add your own custom CSS styles. This means you can match the model viewer’s appearance perfectly with your website’s design, whether you need to change button colors, adjust spacing, or modify any other visual elements.

5. Rotation Limits

At times, you might want to control how visitors view your 3D models. For example, you might want to show only the best angles of a product or prevent users from rotating a model in ways that don’t make sense.

AR for WordPress makes this easy with its rotation limit feature. You can restrict how much users can rotate the model so that they can see your content exactly as intended.

Setting up rotation limits is straightforward. First, position your model in its starting position to set the initial view. Then, simply rotate the model to your desired maximum positions and click the arrows to set these boundaries.

6. QR Code Settings

One common way for users to access AR content is through QR codes. AR for WordPress gives you several settings over how these QR codes work.

For instance, the plugin lets you choose what happens when someone scans the QR code you’ve added. You can either send visitors to the full page containing your 3D model, or directly to the model viewer itself, which automatically launches the AR view.

This flexibility helps create the best experience for your users.

Making the QR codes match your brand is simple too. You can upload your own logo to appear in the center of the QR code, replacing the default image.

For advanced users, the plugin also supports custom QR code URLs. This means you can direct users to any specific page or experience you want, giving you complete control over your users’ journey through your AR content.

7. Call-to-Action Buttons and Image Hotspots

For online store owners and marketers, AR for WordPress includes powerful features to help convert visitors into customers.

The Call To Action (CTA) button feature lets you add clickable buttons right within your 3D model viewer. These buttons make it easy for interested viewers to take immediate action, whether that’s making a purchase or learning more about your product.

The plugin gives you freedom over where these CTA buttons lead. You can set custom URLs to direct viewers to any destination that makes sense for your business.

You can also make your 3D models more informative with the Hotspots feature. Just type your text, click the ‘Add Hotspot’ button, and click anywhere on your model to place the markers.

Image hotspots are perfect for highlighting product features, showing measurements, or adding any other important details directly to your 3D model.

8. 3D Gallery Builder

Do you run a photography website or sell prints online? If so, one of the biggest challenges you may face is helping customers visualize how their purchases will look in real spaces. AR for WordPress solves this problem with its 3D Gallery Builder feature.

The Gallery Builder lets you create virtual displays of your art or graphics in a 3D space. You can customize every aspect of the presentation, from image ratios to print sizes. This helps viewers see exactly how the items will look at different scales.

Adding frames to your virtual displays is just as easy. You can choose different frame styles, and colors, and even adjust the frame’s opacity to match any decor style. This helps your customers make confident decisions about their purchases.

The best part is that all these gallery displays work with the same customization options as regular 3D models. You can adjust lighting, shadows, and viewing angles, and even add hotspots to highlight specific details about your artwork.

9. User Upload of Their Own Model File

If your website visitors need to visualize their own 3D models or images in real spaces, this feature can be incredibly useful.

Interior designers can let clients test furniture placement, architects can help clients visualize building models, and art galleries can allow collectors to preview artwork in their homes.

Adding this feature to your website is simple. Just insert the [ar-user-upload] shortcode on any page, and your visitors will see a user-friendly upload area. From there, they can drag and drop their own GLTF or GLB 3D model files to view them in augmented reality.

The feature isn’t just for 3D models. Visitors can also upload regular photos (JPG or PNG files) to see how they’d look on their walls. The plugin automatically converts these images into 3D gallery displays using the same technology as the 3D Gallery Builder.

10. Multiple Shortcode Options to Display 3D Models

AR for WordPress offers a variety of shortcodes to display your 3D models.

For one, you can display individual 3D models using their post IDs. The shortcode looks like this: [art-display id=1].

But the plugin goes further by offering shortcodes that can show multiple models in a single viewer by specifying their IDs or models in the same category. This can be helpful if you want to create an interactive product image gallery.

Other than that, there are shortcodes for adding just the AR view button without the full model viewer, displaying QR codes, and even turning your post’s featured image into a 3D display.

11. Security and Performance Optimization

Displaying 3D models on your website can be resource-intensive and raise security concerns. AR for WordPress addresses these challenges with several WordPress speed and security optimization features.

For instance, you can encrypt your 3D model files’ URLs. This will protect your content from people who want to copy or download your 3D models without permission.

The plugin also helps optimize performance for Android users. While it uses WebXR by default, you can switch to Scene Viewer if it performs better on your site. This flexibility ensures your visitors get the smoothest possible AR experience regardless of their device.

12. Community and Professional Support

When you’re working with 3D models and AR content, you might need help along the way. This plugin offers several ways to get the WordPress support you need.

The plugin comes with detailed documentation that walks you through every feature. These guides have plenty of screenshots to help you understand how everything works.

Getting in touch with the plugin team is easy. You can use their contact form to ask questions about specific issues. Just share your name, email, and domain name of the website where you’re using the AR model, and explain what you need help with.

The plugin team welcomes new ideas through their feature request form. If you think of something that could make the plugin better, you can let them know. They also have an AI chatbot that can help with quick questions, giving you instant support when you need it.

AR for WordPress Review: Pricing and Plans

The premium version of AR for WordPress unlocks the plugin’s full potential with two pricing options: a $20 monthly plan or a $200 annual subscription, which will save you more money.

With the premium version, you get unlimited shortcodes, unlimited categories, regular plugin updates, as well as priority support.

Considering the features you get, AR for WordPress is one of the most affordable AR solutions for WordPress websites.

On the other hand, the free version lets you try out basic AR features. However, you’re limited to uploading just one model and have access to only basic customization options.

AR for WordPress Review: The Right WordPress Plugin for You?

After our detailed review of AR for WordPress, we can confidently say this WordPress plugin is a must-have for adding augmented reality to your site. Whether you’re showcasing products, artwork, or architectural designs, the plugin provides all the tools you need.

The plugin really shines with its user-friendly features. You can upload unlimited 3D models, customize how they look and behave, and even let your visitors upload their own models. We particularly like the customization options that let you control everything from lighting and shadows to rotation limits and hotspots.

The range of features is impressive for the price point. From security features that protect your 3D models to flexible shortcodes for different display options, the plugin covers all the basics and then some.

The built-in gallery builder is especially useful for photographers and artists who want to show how their work looks in real spaces.

We hope this AR for WordPress review has helped you decide whether it’s the right augmented reality plugin for you. You may also want to check out our expert picks of the best WordPress drag-and-drop page builders and our guide on how to increase your blog traffic.

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