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Starting from Layar 3.0, it is possible for developers to add 3D objects to their layers. For this purpose, we have defined the Layar3D (.l3d) file format that allows storage of textured 3D models in a single file. This file format is optimized for mobile parsing and viewing. To allow developers to create their own 3D models for use in Layar, we developed a  Tool  to convert models in the Wavefront (.obj/.mtl) format to Layar3D (.l3d).

Model requirements

You can use any 3D modeling software application to create your 3D models, as long as you can export the model to Wavefront (.obj/.mtl) format. When creating your models, take the following into account:

• Please keep the model complexity as low as possible. The current mobile phones are not powerful enough to render complex models at a decent frame rate. We suggest you keep the maximum total number of polygons visible at the same time at 10000.
• We only support mesh based objects. While .obj can also hold NURBS based objects, this is not supported.
• The model should consist of triangles only. Make sure that you convert all quads or higher polygons to triangles.
• We assume that the unit for the vertex coordinates in the 3D model is set to 1 meter. You can model your object for the correct size or use a scaling factor in your layer at a later stage.
• We do not support transparency on the normal material colors at this moment (.mtl settings). We only take the RGB values, not the alpha.
• The maximum file size of the 3d model is 1mb. 

Texture requirements

We do support texturing of the 3D model, but only for setting the diffuse color of the material. At this moment we do not support multiple textures, e.g. for bump mapping.

• Texture images MUST be resized to have their width and height be powers of 2, e.g.: 16x16, 32x32, 64x64, 256x128, etc.
• Please keep your texture images small as larger texture require more bandwith and have a performance impact on the client.
• Transparency in textures is supported, but you should note that we do not support blending as some of the phones can't do this. This means that for partial transparency (alpha values larger than 0.1) the objects behind them are not displayed, but the camera image is. For alpha values less than 0.1, we use an alpha test in opengl, which means that those parts will not be drawn. This allows you to make cutouts with textures.
   

MIME type

• On the client we do not check any MIME types, so we have not defined one.

Tutorials for creating good 3D models:

• A slideshow basic tutorial on how to create a 3D object with general tips and tricks. Visit the Slideshare presentation here or view it below:

• A more detailed and advanced manual(pdf) on how to create good 3D objects in Layar. Our 3D artist, Stefan Wassink, will guide you through the steps to create a 3D buiding model.  

         3D in Layar_The manual_v1.0.pdf

.L3D model examples:

If you want to try out how 3d models look like in the Layar reality browser before creating your own 3d model, please download Layar .l3d models HERE.