WebAR: Augmented Reality in your browser
Merging the real and digital worlds has always been a fascinating idea, inspiring sci-fi stories and driving tech companies to explore AR (Augmented Reality). However, before 2020, creating small AR projects was tricky. Limited browser support made it difficult to share experiences directly, and asking users to download an app added another barrier. This extra step often discouraged users, especially with their short attention spans.
Over the past decade, advancements in WebAR technology has made AR more accessible for small-scale, experimental, and open-source projects. Tools like 8th Wall and Zappar, along with open-source frameworks like A-Frame, have empowered creators to deliver AR experiences directly through browsers. This accessibility has also influenced large-scale applications, such as virtual try-ons and immersive online shopping.
Let’s dive into the last 10 years of WebAR and its journey to becoming a key method for sharing AR experiences seamlessly.
2014: Early browser-based AR experiments used tools like Three.js and WebRTC to overlay 3D objects on live camera views. Though basic, these experiments showed the potential for AR in browsers.
2018: Platforms like 8th Wall and Zappar launched, making WebAR more accessible. They provided tools that allowed developers to create browser-based AR experiences without coding expertise or special apps.
2020: The WebXR API introduced a unified standard for AR and VR in browsers, enabling immersive, device-compatible experiences without needing separate apps.
2021: Tools from 8th Wall and Blippar further simplified WebAR development with templates and easy-to-use features, opening up WebAR to more creators and businesses.
2022: WebAR became popular in online shopping with virtual try-ons and 3D previews, and in education with immersive learning tools like virtual experiments and historical recreations.
2024: Integration with 5G improved WebAR’s speed and responsiveness, enabling real-time applications like healthcare diagnostics and training simulations directly in the browser.
And what are the predictions for 2025?
WebAR is projected to become more accessible, with expectations that nearly 75% of the global population and almost all smartphone users will experience AR frequently. This means that AR will be integrated into people’s daily lives. This growth presents a perfect opportunity for creators and developers to explore AR’s creative possibilities using some of the tools below.
Here is a small selection to get you started:
Not WebAR-specific but part of the broader AR ecosystem:
With these tools and resources, you can start building your own WebAR experiences and be part of the future of augmented reality.