How to create augmented reality experiences using Unity How to create augmented reality experiences using Unity
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How to create augmented reality experiences using Unity

Unity is a powerful game engine that can be used for more than just creating games. With Unity, you can also create augmented reality (AR) experiences. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to create AR experiences using Unity.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the creation process, there are some prerequisites that you need to meet:

  1. Install Unity: You can download and install Unity from the official website. Make sure to select the appropriate version for your operating system and hardware.
  2. Install AR Foundation SDK: AR Foundation is a SDK provided by Apple that allows you to create AR experiences on iOS devices. You can download the latest version of AR Foundation from the App Store.
  3. Familiarity with C: Unity uses C as its scripting language, so you need to be familiar with it. If you are not, there are many online resources available that can help you learn C.

    Creating an AR Scene

    Creating an AR Scene

    To create an AR scene in Unity, follow these steps:

  4. Create a new project in Unity and select the "AR" template. This will give you a basic AR project with some pre-configured settings.
  5. Open the "Scene" view in Unity and add objects to the scene that you want to include in your AR experience. You can also create custom objects using the built-in tools or import them from other 3D modeling software.
  6. Select an object in the scene and go to the "Inspector" view. In the "Component" section, add a new component called "AR Raycast". This component will allow you to track the user’s device as they move around in the real world.
  7. Create a new script and attach it to the AR Raycast component. In the script, you can write code to interact with the AR environment and respond to user input.

    Configuring AR Tracking

    To configure AR tracking, follow these steps:

  8. Open the "Project Settings" view in Unity and go to the "AR Foundation" section.
  9. Enable the "AR Session Origin" and "Trackable Type" settings. The "AR Session Origin" setting specifies where the user’s device will be anchored when they launch your AR app, while the "Trackable Type" setting determines which types of trackables (e.g., planes, markers) your app will track.
  10. Set up the "AR Plane Detection" and "AR Marker Detection" settings. These settings determine how your app will recognize and interact with planes and markers in the real world.
  11. Configure the "Session Origin" settings. This section allows you to specify where the user’s device will be anchored when they launch your AR app. You can choose from several different options, including "Screen", "World Center", or a custom location.

    Testing and Deployment

    Once you have created your AR scene and configured AR tracking, it’s time to test and deploy your app. To test your app, connect your iOS device to your computer and build the app for the device using Unity’s built-in tools.

    12. To deploy your app, follow these steps:

  12. Go to the "Build" menu in Unity and select "Build".
  13. Choose the appropriate build settings for your app (e.g., platform, target device, signing options).
  14. Click the "Build" button to generate the app files.
  15. Upload the app files to the App Store or other app distribution platforms.