USDZ - Revision history

RealEditor: remove extra space

2025-07-02T18:51:48Z

remove extra space

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 2 July 2025
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	\|Website=https://openusd.org, https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality		\|Website=https://openusd.org, https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality
	}}		}}

	'''USDZ''' (pronounced "U-S-D-Z", Universal Scene Description Zipped) is a [[file format]] for storing and sharing [[3D models]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) content, developed through a collaboration between [[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="techrepublic">Apple's USDZ AR file format: What you need to know. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-usdz-ar-file-format-what-you-need-to-know/</ref> Announced at Apple's [[Worldwide Developers Conference]] (WWDC) in June 2018, USDZ is specifically optimized for [[Apple ecosystem\|Apple's ecosystem]] and serves as the primary format for AR experiences on [[iOS devices]].<ref name="cygnis">Apple introduces the first file format for AR (usdz). Cygnis. October 7, 2024. https://cygnis.co/blog/arkit-file-format-usdz/</ref> The format is registered with [[IANA]] under the [[MIME type]] model/vnd.usdz+zip.<ref name="iana">IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/model/vnd.usdz+zip</ref>		'''USDZ''' (pronounced "U-S-D-Z", Universal Scene Description Zipped) is a [[file format]] for storing and sharing [[3D models]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) content, developed through a collaboration between [[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="techrepublic">Apple's USDZ AR file format: What you need to know. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-usdz-ar-file-format-what-you-need-to-know/</ref> Announced at Apple's [[Worldwide Developers Conference]] (WWDC) in June 2018, USDZ is specifically optimized for [[Apple ecosystem\|Apple's ecosystem]] and serves as the primary format for AR experiences on [[iOS devices]].<ref name="cygnis">Apple introduces the first file format for AR (usdz). Cygnis. October 7, 2024. https://cygnis.co/blog/arkit-file-format-usdz/</ref> The format is registered with [[IANA]] under the [[MIME type]] model/vnd.usdz+zip.<ref name="iana">IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/model/vnd.usdz+zip</ref>

Xinreality at 00:45, 27 June 2025

2025-06-27T00:45:59Z

Xinreality at 00:10, 27 June 2025

2025-06-27T00:10:57Z

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	\|Supported Devices=[[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[Mac]], [[Apple Vision Pro]], Windows, Linux (via tools)		\|Supported Devices=[[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[Mac]], [[Apple Vision Pro]], Windows, Linux (via tools)
	\|Release Date=June 4, 2018		\|Release Date=June 4, 2018
	\|Website=[https://openusd.org ~~OpenUSD]~~, [https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality~~/ Apple AR Developer]~~		\|Website=https://openusd.org, https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality
	}}		}}

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	</references>		</references>

			[[Category:Software]]
			[[Category:File formats]]
	[[Category:3D graphics file formats]]		[[Category:3D graphics file formats]]
	[[Category:Augmented reality]]		[[Category:Augmented reality]]

Xinreality at 00:10, 27 June 2025

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	{{Software Infobox		{{Software Infobox
	\|image=		\|image=[[File:usdz1.png\|300px]]
	\|Type=[[3D file format]]		\|Type=[[3D file format]]
	\|Industry=[[Augmented ~~Reality]], [[Virtual~~ Reality]], [[3D Graphics]], [[Mobile Computing]], [[E-commerce]]		\|Industry=[[Augmented Reality]], [[3D Graphics]], [[Mobile Computing]], [[E-commerce]]
	\|Developer=[[Apple ~~Inc.~~]] ~~and~~ [[Pixar Animation Studios]]		\|Developer=[[Apple]], [[Pixar Animation Studios]]
	\|Written In=Based on [[Universal Scene Description]] (USD), C++ reference libraries		\|Written In=Based on Universal Scene Description (USD), C++ reference libraries
	\|Operating System=[[iOS]] 12+, [[iPadOS]], [[macOS]], [[visionOS]], Cross-platform (via third-party tools)		\|Operating System=iOS 12+, [[iPadOS]], [[macOS]], [[visionOS]], Cross-platform (via third-party tools)
	\|License=[[Apache License 2.0]] (reference implementation)		\|License=[[Apache License 2.0]], (reference implementation)
	\|Supported Devices=[[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[Mac]], [[Apple Vision Pro]], Windows, Linux (via tools)		\|Supported Devices=[[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[Mac]], [[Apple Vision Pro]], Windows, Linux (via tools)
	\|Release Date=June 4, 2018		\|Release Date=June 4, 2018
	\|Website=[https://openusd.org OpenUSD] / [https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/ Apple AR Developer]		\|Website=[https://openusd.org OpenUSD], [https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/ Apple AR Developer]
	}}		}}

Xinreality at 00:08, 27 June 2025

2025-06-27T00:08:27Z

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Xinreality at 00:04, 27 June 2025

2025-06-27T00:04:17Z

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Xinreality: Created page with "{{Software Infobox |image= |Type=3D file format |Industry=Augmented Reality, 3D Graphics, Mobile Computing |Developer=Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios |Written In=Based on Universal Scene Description (USD) |Operating System=iOS 12+, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS |License=Open format |Supported Devices=iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro |Release Date=June 2018 |Website=[https://developer.apple.com/augmented-..."

2025-06-27T00:04:06Z

Created page with "{{Software Infobox |image= |Type=3D file format |Industry=Augmented Reality, 3D Graphics, Mobile Computing |Developer=Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios |Written In=Based on Universal Scene Description (USD) |Operating System=iOS 12+, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS |License=Open format |Supported Devices=iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro |Release Date=June 2018 |Website=[https://developer.apple.com/augmented-..."

New page

{{Software Infobox
|image=
|Type=[[3D file format]]
|Industry=[[Augmented Reality]], [[3D Graphics]], [[Mobile Computing]]
|Developer=[[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]]
|Written In=Based on [[Universal Scene Description]] (USD)
|Operating System=[[iOS]] 12+, [[iPadOS]], [[macOS]], [[visionOS]]
|License=[[Open format]]
|Supported Devices=[[iPhone]], [[iPad]], [[Mac]], [[Apple Vision Pro]]
|Release Date=June 2018
|Website=[https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/ Apple AR Developer]
}}

'''USDZ''' (Universal Scene Description Zipped) is a [[file format]] for storing and sharing [[3D models]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) content, developed through a collaboration between [[Apple Inc.]] and [[Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="techrepublic">Apple and Pixar have jointly announced the USDZ file format, for use with displaying Augmented Reality content on iOS 12. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018.</ref> Announced at Apple's [[Worldwide Developers Conference]] (WWDC) in June 2018, USDZ is specifically optimized for [[Apple ecosystem|Apple's ecosystem]] and serves as the primary format for AR experiences on [[iOS devices]].<ref name="cygnis">Apple introduced what they see as the 'future of AR', a file format called usdz, which they have been working in collaboration with Pixar Studios for some time now. Cygnis. October 7, 2024.</ref>

==Overview==
USDZ is a zero-compression, unencrypted [[ZIP archive]] that packages [[Universal Scene Description]] (USD) files along with their associated assets such as textures, materials, and audio files into a single, easily shareable package.<ref name="pixar-spec">A usdz package is a zero compression, unencrypted zip archive. Pixar USD Documentation.</ref> The format is designed to enable "direct consumption" of 3D content without requiring extraction or additional heap storage allocation, making it particularly suitable for [[mobile devices]] with limited resources.<ref name="pixar-spec"/>

The "Z" in USDZ stands for "zipped," distinguishing it from standard USD files by its packaged nature.<ref name="lifewire">The Z, in this case, stands for "zipped." Lifewire.</ref> Unlike traditional compressed archives, USDZ files maintain zero compression to allow for efficient [[memory mapping]] and direct access to contained data.<ref name="techrepublic"/>

==History==
USDZ was developed as a response to the need for a standardized, mobile-optimized format for AR content distribution. Prior to its introduction, there was no elegant solution for combining USD scene descriptions with their required assets in a single, portable package suitable for mobile AR applications.<ref name="techrepublic"/>

The format was announced at WWDC 2018 alongside [[iOS 12]], which introduced native support for viewing USDZ files through [[AR Quick Look]].<ref name="cygnis"/> This announcement marked a significant push by Apple to make AR content more accessible to mainstream users without requiring specialized applications.<ref name="vectary">Apple is working hard to make AR a seamless part of our world. Vectary.</ref>

==Technical Specifications==

===File Structure===
A USDZ file is structured as an uncompressed ZIP archive with specific requirements:<ref name="pixar-spec"/>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Property !! Specification
|-
| Compression || Zero compression (store method only)
|-
| Encryption || None
|-
| Archive Format || Standard ZIP
|-
| Byte Alignment || Minimum 8-byte alignment for efficient memory mapping
|-
| Package Type || Read-only container
|}

===Supported File Types===
USDZ packages can only contain file types that can be consumed by the USD runtime via [[memory mapping]], pointer to memory, or thread-safe file access:<ref name="pixar-spec"/>

====3D Scene Files====
* .usda (USD ASCII format)
* .usdc (USD binary format)
* .usd (USD files)

====Image Formats====
* [[PNG]]
* [[JPEG]] (all common extensions)
* [[OpenEXR]]
* [[AVIF]] (AV1 Image File Format)

====Audio Formats====
* [[M4A]] (preferred)
* [[MP3]]
* [[WAV]]

===Technical Requirements===
The format enforces several technical constraints to ensure optimal performance on mobile devices:<ref name="pixar-spec"/>
* Files must be accessible without unpacking the archive
* Data must be aligned on 8-byte boundaries for zero-copy access
* No compression is applied to maintain direct memory access capabilities
* The first file in the package enables progressive loading scenarios

==Features==

===AR Quick Look Integration===
USDZ files are natively supported by Apple's [[AR Quick Look]] viewer, which is integrated into the operating system. This allows users to view 3D models and place them in their real-world environment without downloading additional applications.<ref name="cyberfox">AR Quick Look for iOS 12 and Safari lets you view AR or 3D content overlaid on views of the real world. CyberFox Agency. September 6, 2024.</ref>

===Progressive Loading===
The format supports various [[streaming]] scenarios through its file ordering mechanism:<ref name="pixar-spec"/>
* [[Level of Detail]] (LOD) streaming with low-complexity geometry loading first
* Progressive material loading with simple materials followed by textured versions
* Animation streaming with static poses loading before animated sequences

===Interaction Support===
USDZ files support limited interactivity through:<ref name="apple-dev">Embed Quick Look views in your apps and websites to let users see incredible detailed renderings in 3D or AR. Apple Developer.</ref>
* Basic gesture recognition (move, rotate, scale)
* Custom actions through Quick Look API
* [[Apple Pay]] integration for e-commerce applications

==Applications==

===E-commerce===
USDZ has become particularly popular in [[e-commerce]] applications, allowing customers to:<ref name="vectary"/>
* View products in AR before purchasing
* Place furniture and home goods in their actual living spaces
* Examine product details from all angles

===Education===
Educational institutions use USDZ for:<ref name="cyberfox"/>
* Interactive 3D models in digital textbooks
* [[Virtual field trips]]
* Scientific visualization

===Architecture and Design===
Professionals in architecture and design utilize USDZ for:<ref name="cadinterop">USDZ, an extension of the USD format, was developed in collaboration with Apple to facilitate augmented reality experiences on iOS devices. CAD Interop.</ref>
* Client presentations
* [[Building Information Modeling]] (BIM) visualization
* Interior design planning

==Software Support==

===Creation Tools===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Software !! Platform !! Export Support
|-
| [[Reality Composer]] || iOS, iPadOS, macOS || Native USDZ export with animations and behaviors<ref name="foveate">Reality Composer for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS makes it easy to build, test, tune, simulate, and export AR experiences. Foveate Docs.</ref>
|-
| [[Blender]] 4.0+ || Cross-platform || Native USDZ export via USD with ARKit Asset toggle<ref name="foveate"/>
|-
| [[Cinema 4D]] || Cross-platform || Native export via USD with Zipped flag<ref name="foveate"/>
|-
| [[Adobe Creative Cloud]] || Cross-platform || Built-in support announced at WWDC 2018<ref name="cygnis"/>
|-
| [[Autodesk]] tools || Cross-platform || USDZ export support<ref name="techrepublic"/>
|-
| [[Sketchfab]] || Web-based || USDZ download option<ref name="techrepublic"/>
|}

===Conversion Tools===
* '''usdz_converter''': Command-line tool included with [[Xcode]] for converting OBJ, Alembic ABC, and USDA files<ref name="devforum">usdz_converter that comes with xcode beta can convert OBJ, Alembic ABC and USDA files. Apple Developer Forums.</ref>
* '''Pixar USD tools''': Python-based conversion utilities<ref name="3dcloud">Pixar released a pre-compiled Python library to convert media. 3D Cloud. February 14, 2025.</ref>
* Various online converters for format transformation

==Comparison with USD==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! USD !! USDZ
|-
| Format Type || Scene description || Packaged archive
|-
| Compression || Variable || Zero compression
|-
| Platform Support || Cross-platform || Optimized for Apple devices
|-
| File Extension || .usd, .usda, .usdc || .usdz
|-
| Asset Inclusion || External references || Self-contained package
|-
| Editability || Directly editable || Read-only (must unpack to edit)
|-
| Use Case || Professional 3D workflows || Mobile AR distribution
|}

==Limitations==

Despite its advantages, USDZ has several limitations:<ref name="3dcloud"/>

* '''Platform Specificity''': While technically an open format, USDZ is primarily optimized for Apple's ecosystem
* '''Limited Interactivity''': Animations must be pre-baked; real-time interactivity is restricted
* '''File Format Restrictions''': Cannot include formats like [[Alembic]] files that require specific access patterns
* '''Read-Only Nature''': Files must be unpacked and repackaged for editing
* '''No Native Android Support''': Requires third-party solutions for non-Apple platforms

==Future Development==

The USDZ format continues to evolve with updates to Apple's operating systems. Recent developments include:<ref name="apple-dev"/>
* Support for the HTML <model> element in [[Safari]] on [[visionOS]]
* Enhanced [[WebAR]] capabilities
* Improved compression techniques while maintaining direct access capabilities

==See Also==
* [[Universal Scene Description|USD (Universal Scene Description)]]
* [[ARKit]]
* [[AR Quick Look]]
* [[glTF|GL Transmission Format (glTF)]]
* [[WebAR]]
* [[3D file formats]]
* [[Augmented reality]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="techrepublic">Apple's USDZ AR file format: What you need to know. TechRepublic. June 5, 2018. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-usdz-ar-file-format-what-you-need-to-know/</ref>
<ref name="cygnis">Apple introduces the first file format for AR (usdz). Cygnis. October 7, 2024. https://cygnis.co/blog/arkit-file-format-usdz/</ref>
<ref name="pixar-spec">Usdz File Format Specification. Pixar Universal Scene Description Documentation. https://openusd.org/release/spec_usdz.html</ref>
<ref name="lifewire">What Is USDZ? Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-usdz-4582454</ref>
<ref name="vectary">What is USDZ and why you should care - Apple's AR kit explained. Vectary. https://www.vectary.com/3d-modeling-blog/apple-ar-kit-tools-explained-what-is-usdz-and-why-you-should-care/</ref>
<ref name="cyberfox">USDZ File Format: An Ultimate Guide. CyberFox Agency. September 6, 2024. https://cyber-fox.net/blog/usdz-file-extension-explained/</ref>
<ref name="apple-dev">Quick Look Gallery - Augmented Reality. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/quick-look/</ref>
<ref name="cadinterop">3D interoperability around the USDZ augmented reality format. CAD Interop. https://www.cadinterop.com/en/formats/mesh/usdz.html</ref>
<ref name="foveate">AR Creation (USDZ). Foveate Docs. https://docs.foveate.com/home/foveate-platform/augmented-reality/ar-creation-usdz</ref>
<ref name="devforum">USDZ format example and how to make. Apple Developer Forums. https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/104042</ref>
<ref name="3dcloud">Ultimate Guide to USDZ File Formats. 3D Cloud. February 14, 2025. https://3dcloud.com/usdz-files/</ref>
</references>

[[Category:3D graphics file formats]]
[[Category:Augmented reality]]
[[Category:Apple Inc. software]]
[[Category:Computer file formats]]
[[Category:2018 software]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:45, 27 June 2025
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	* '''2019 – Creative Cloud adoption''': [[Adobe]] announced beta support for USDZ across [[Creative Cloud]] apps, previewed in [[Adobe Aero]].<ref name="adobeaero">Supported file formats for assets to import into Aero. Adobe Support. https://helpx.adobe.com/aero/using/supported-file-formats.html</ref> Apple highlighted growing use by companies like [[Target]], [[Home Depot]], and [[Wayfair]].<ref name="wwdc2019">WWDC 2019 AR Session. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2019/</ref>		* '''2019 – Creative Cloud adoption''': [[Adobe]] announced beta support for USDZ across [[Creative Cloud]] apps, previewed in [[Adobe Aero]].<ref name="adobeaero">Supported file formats for assets to import into Aero. Adobe Support. https://helpx.adobe.com/aero/using/supported-file-formats.html</ref> Apple highlighted growing use by companies like [[Target]], [[Home Depot]], and [[Wayfair]].<ref name="wwdc2019">WWDC 2019 AR Session. Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2019/</ref>
	* '''2020 – Reality Converter beta''': Apple released the free [[Reality Converter]] macOS utility to convert OBJ, [[glTF]], and USD into USDZ.<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=01132020a</ref>		* '''2020 – Reality Converter beta''': Apple released the free [[Reality Converter]] macOS utility to convert OBJ, [[glTF]], and USD into USDZ.<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=01132020a</ref>
	* '''2023 – Industry standardization''': Pixar, Apple, Adobe, [[Autodesk]], and [[NVIDIA]] formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to further standardize and promote USD technologies, including USDZ.<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. https://aousd.org</ref> [[Blender]] 4.0+ added native USDZ export alongside full USD I/O.<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description — Blender Manual. Blender Docs. https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/files/import_export/usd.html</ref>		* '''2023 – Industry standardization''': Pixar, Apple, Adobe, [[Autodesk]], and [[NVIDIA]] formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to further standardize and promote USD technologies, including USDZ.<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. https://aousd.org</ref> [[Blender]] 4.0+ added native USDZ export alongside full USD I/O.<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description - Blender Manual. Blender Docs. https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/files/import_export/usd.html</ref>

	==Technical Specifications==		==Technical Specifications==
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	\| Animation \|\| Skeletal & vertex blendshapes \|\| Skeletal & morph targets		\| Animation \|\| Skeletal & vertex blendshapes \|\| Skeletal & morph targets
	\|-		\|-
	\| Compression \|\| None (but textures may be compressed) \|\| Mesh & texture compression via extensions (~~e.g.,~~ Draco, BasisU)		\| Compression \|\| None (but textures may be compressed) \|\| Mesh & texture compression via extensions (like Draco, BasisU)
	\|-		\|-
	\| Primary ecosystem \|\| Apple ARKit/visionOS, Pixar pipelines \|\| WebGL, Khronos 3D Commerce		\| Primary ecosystem \|\| Apple ARKit/visionOS, Pixar pipelines \|\| WebGL, Khronos 3D Commerce
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	==Licensing==		==Licensing==
	Pixar's open-source USD — including the usdzip utility used to author USDZ archives — is released under the [[Apache License 2.0]],<ref name="githubusd">Pixar OpenUSD – GitHub repository. GitHub. https://github.com/PixarAnimationStudios/OpenUSD</ref> allowing commercial and academic use without royalties. While the USDZ specification is public, Apple retains trademarks for "USDZ" and enforces ARKit viewer compliance. The format itself is an open standard that can be implemented by any developer.<ref name="apache">Apache License 2.0. Apache Software Foundation. https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0</ref>		Pixar's open-source USD, including the '''usdzip''' utility used to author USDZ archives, is released under the [[Apache License 2.0]],<ref name="githubusd">Pixar OpenUSD – GitHub repository. GitHub. https://github.com/PixarAnimationStudios/OpenUSD</ref> allowing commercial and academic use without royalties. While the USDZ specification is public, Apple retains trademarks for "USDZ" and enforces ARKit viewer compliance. The format itself is an open standard that can be implemented by any developer.<ref name="apache">Apache License 2.0. Apache Software Foundation. https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0</ref>

	==Future Development==		==Future Development==
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	<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=01132020a</ref>		<ref name="realityconverter">Introducing Reality Converter. Apple Developer News. January 13, 2020. https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=01132020a</ref>
	<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. https://aousd.org</ref>		<ref name="aousd">Alliance for OpenUSD. OpenUSD.org. 2023. https://aousd.org</ref>
	<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description — Blender Manual. Blender Docs. https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/files/import_export/usd.html</ref>		<ref name="blendermanual">Universal Scene Description - Blender Manual. Blender Docs. https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/files/import_export/usd.html</ref>
	<ref name="fileformat">USDZ - Universal Scene Description ZIP Format. FileFormat.com. https://docs.fileformat.com/3d/usdz/</ref>		<ref name="fileformat">USDZ - Universal Scene Description ZIP Format. FileFormat.com. https://docs.fileformat.com/3d/usdz/</ref>
	<ref name="iana">IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/model/vnd.usdz+zip</ref>		<ref name="iana">IANA Media Types Registry. model/vnd.usdz+zip. https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/model/vnd.usdz+zip</ref>