A few years ago, adding AR to an e-commerce store meant hiring a 3D modelling studio, commissioning photorealistic assets at $200–$500 per product, and building a custom app. Most retailers couldn't justify the investment.
That's changed. AI now generates 3D models from product photos automatically. WebAR runs in any phone browser, no app required. And platforms like Spatiq handle the entire pipeline from upload to AR link in under 10 minutes.
Here's the practical guide.
Step 1: Choose Your AR Platform
You have two main options:
SaaS AR platforms (recommended for most stores)
- Upload photos, get a 3D model, share a link or QR code
- Examples: Spatiq, Vertebrae, Zakeke
- Cost: Free to ~$99/month depending on volume
- Setup time: Under an hour
Custom AR integration
- Full control over the AR viewer, your own infrastructure
- Requires a developer and ongoing maintenance
- Cost: $5,000–$30,000+ depending on scope
- Best for: Large catalogues, enterprise retailers
For most e-commerce businesses, especially in fashion, lighting, furniture, and food, a SaaS platform is the right starting point.
Step 2: Prepare Your Product Photos
AI 3D model generation is only as good as the input images. For best results:
- Use 3–5 photos from different angles (front, back, sides, 45° angle)
- Plain white or neutral background, not lifestyle shots
- Good, even lighting, no harsh shadows
- High resolution, at least 1000×1000px
You likely already have product photos like this. Most e-commerce product photography already follows these standards.
Step 3: Generate the 3D Model
With Spatiq, the process is:
- Create a free account at spatiq.app
- Click "Add Product" and upload your photos
- Select the product category (furniture, lighting, apparel, etc.)
- Our AI generates a textured 3D model, typically in 5–10 minutes
- Review and approve the model
The platform auto-generates both GLB (web) and USDZ (iOS AR) formats. Scale normalisation is applied automatically based on your product dimensions.
Step 4: Add AR to Your Store
Once the model is approved, you get:
- A direct AR link, share anywhere (WhatsApp, email, Instagram bio)
- An embeddable QR code, add to product pages, packaging, or printed catalogues
- An embed snippet, a
<script>or<iframe>tag for your product page
For stores built on custom Next.js (like the ones Humziq builds), embedding takes about 5 minutes. For Shopify and WooCommerce, there are dedicated app integrations.
Step 5: Track What's Working
AR engagement data tells you things your standard analytics can't:
- Which products customers are most curious about
- iOS vs Android split (relevant for model format optimisation)
- Drop-off point, did they place it in AR or just spin it in 3D?
- Geographic data, where are your AR users?
Spatiq's analytics dashboard surfaces all of this per product and per QR code.
What Results Should You Expect?
Results vary by product category and audience, but typical outcomes from retailers who added AR:
| Metric | Typical Change | |--------|---------------| | Product page conversion | +12–20% | | Return rate | -25–40% | | Time on product page | +35–60% | | Add-to-cart rate | +8–15% |
Furniture and lighting see the strongest lift because size and proportion are the #1 purchase barrier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting with your entire catalogue Pick 5–10 high-value products first. Measure the impact, then expand.
Using lifestyle photos for 3D generation Background clutter confuses the AI. Stick to clean product shots.
Not testing on both iOS and Android The AR experience is different on each. Always QA on both before going live.
Hiding the AR button If customers don't know it's there, they won't use it. Put "View in AR" prominently on the product page, above the fold if possible.
Getting Started
Spatiq offers a free plan, no credit card required. Upload your first product and have a live AR link in under 10 minutes.
If you want a full e-commerce store with AR built in from the ground up, Humziq builds custom stores with Spatiq integration for retailers worldwide.
Have questions about adding AR to your specific store setup? Get in touch, we respond within 24 hours.