AR for print: 3D models on catalogues, packaging and menusMake a 3D model appear on any printed image
Turn catalogues, packaging, menus and business cards into 3D. When someone points their phone at the printed page, your product appears standing on it, and they can walk around it. No app to install.
Make your 3D on Print
Your image also works in the public Universal Scanner while it is live.
Open the link on your phone and point it at the image on your computer screen, or print it. Free items stay live for 24 hours; Pro items never expire.
Three steps from print to 3D
Upload your image and model
The image you will print (JPG or PNG) and your product as a GLB 3D file.
Place the model
Choose lying flat or on a wall, then set the size and angle in the live preview.
Print the QR code
Put the QR code next to the image. People scan it, point at the print, and see your product in 3D.
| 3D on Print | Video AR | Free AR viewer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shows | A 3D model on the print | A video on the print | A 3D model on the floor |
| Needs a printed image | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best for | Catalogues, packaging, menus, cards | Posters, flyers, photos | Seeing products at real size |
What is 3D on Print?
3D on Print is a web-based augmented reality tool from ARView that links a 3D model to a printed image. When someone opens the link or scans the QR code and points their phone camera at the print, the model appears on top of it, anchored to the paper, and moves with it as they turn the page or walk around. It uses image tracking in the mobile browser, so it works on iPhone and Android without an app.
It is built for print that sells physical products: furniture and lighting catalogues, product packaging, restaurant menus, brochures, trade show stands, real estate flyers and business cards for designers and architects. You only need the artwork you are printing and a GLB 3D model of the product. If you want the product at full size on the floor instead, use the free AR viewer; to play a video on a print, use Video AR; for a printable code that opens a model, see the AR QR code generator.
Print once, show it in 3D
Catalogues and brochures
Each product photo shows the real product in 3D on the page, so customers can look at it from every side.
Packaging
The box shows what is inside, assembled, before anyone opens it.
Menus
The dish appears on the menu page, so diners can see it before they order.
Business cards
Designers, architects and 3D artists can put their best piece of work on their card.
Posters and trade show stands
Choose "On a wall" and the model faces people who scan the poster.
Books and education
A diagram turns into a 3D model students can look around.
Want a video on the image instead? Use Video AR. Want the product at full size on the floor? Use the free AR viewer.
3D on Print FAQ
How does 3D on Print work?
You upload the image you will print and a 3D model in GLB format. ARView learns the image, and gives you a link and a QR code. When someone opens the link and points their phone at the printed image, the 3D model appears standing on it and stays attached to the page as they move.
Do people need an app?
No. It runs in the phone browser on iPhone (Safari) and Android (Chrome). They only need to allow camera access.
What makes a good image?
Images with lots of detail and contrast track best: photos, illustrations and busy layouts. Plain colours, simple logos, repeating patterns and shiny or reflective prints track poorly.
What 3D file can I use?
A GLB file up to 15MB. Smaller is better for phones on mobile data; under 5MB loads quickly. Animated GLB models play their animation.
Is it free?
Your first 3D on Print item is free and stays live for 24 hours. Pro ($5 a month) includes 10 items that never expire, Pro+ ($10) 20 and Business ($25) 50.
How is this different from Video AR?
Video AR plays a video on the printed image. 3D on Print shows a 3D model on it that people can look at from different angles.
Can I use it for a catalogue with many products?
Yes. Each page or product photo becomes its own item with its own link and QR code. Pro includes 10 items; contact us if you need more for a full catalogue.
Does it work on packaging and labels?
Yes, as long as the printed area has enough detail and is not too shiny or curved. Flat panels of a box work best. Test a printed sample before the full print run.
What size should the printed image be?
Around A6 (postcard size) or larger works well for most images. Small images such as business cards also work if they are detailed and people hold the phone close.
Can one scanner open Video AR and 3D on Print together?
Yes. The ARView Universal Scanner at arview.space/scan recognises live 3D on Print images and public Video AR images from one camera page, up to 25 of the newest at a time. Each image still has its own link and QR code too.
Why does my phone not find the image?
Make sure the whole image is in view, the room is well lit and the print is not reflecting light. Very plain or repetitive images are hard to recognise; add more detail or contrast and try again.