From healthcare and education to gaming and entertainment, every industry has experienced transformation due to augmented reality technology. Consistently, there is a growing demand for quality AR experiences on smartphones and other devices. Hardly will you find any person who is not familiar with augmented reality (AR) technology in this digital world.
Brands are employing augmented reality technology in their businesses, which in turn provides the brand with a new user experience. The augmented reality technology is implemented by the companies to create product demos and interactive advertising. This technology provides real-time information to customers. Whenever people get in touch with any of the products, then they can form emotional bonding which in turn creates more opportunities to buy the product.
This article presents the list of best free and open source augmented reality software that covers each software's core functionalities. Without further ado, let’s discuss the top free AR software along with the comparison chart.
1 ARToolKit+ (free and open source)
ARToolKit+ is an open source software that helps solve the fundamental problems in augmented reality including geometric and photometric registration. The ARToolkit+ is a collection of software tools that provides impressive results to the users. This free augmented reality software makes use of scalable AR solutions to solve real-world issues.
(Source: ARToolKit+)
Core functionalities:
- Modular open source code
- Mobile focus on secure development
- Smart glasses
- Android and iOS support
- Content Creation
- Content library
- Simulation
- Drag-and-drop
- Superimposed Objects
- Virtual Reality Integration
2 Mixare (free and open source)
Mixare is the open source augmented reality browser that works as a completely autonomous application. This free AR software is available for android and the iPhone 3GS. It is published under GPLv3 and is also available for the development of its implementations.
(Source: Mixare)
Core functionalities:
- Simulation
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Drag-and-drop
- Content Creation
- Content Library
3 Holokit (open source)
Holokit is one of the topopen source software that makes use of mobile devices. The software includes the HeadKit cardboard headset and TrackKit software. HoloKit provides access to the world of mixed reality with the help of smartphones and mixed reality apps. It provides an immersive solution to the users.
(Source: Holokit)
Core functionalities:
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Superimposed Objects
- Real-World Backdrop
- 3D Objects
- Content Creation
- 76-degree diagonal field of view
- Inside-out tracking function
- Merges real and the virtual
4 BRIO (free)
If you are looking forthe best free software, then you cantry BRIO which has the capability to inspire the audience. In the browser, this software supports ray tracing. There is a selection of materials and textures in the BRIO materials library, which the users can apply to the models. It is easy to share the BRIO scene online.
(Source: BRIO)
Core functionalities:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Multiple file format support
- Virtual Reality Integration
- 3D Objects
- Content Creation
- Cross-Device Publishing
- Content Library
- Real-World Backdrop
- Simulation
- Tracking and analytics
- Superimposed Objects
5 Adobe Aero (free)
Adobe Aero is free software that can view, build, and share immersive and interactive AR experiences. The user does not require complex coding and can effortlessly blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds. The software provides engaging AR experiences quickly and easily.
(Source: Adobe Aero)
Core functionalities:
- Add interactive elements
- Set pathways for animations
- Content Creation
- Content Library
- Simulation
- Tracking and Analytics
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Drag-and-drop
- Cross-Device Publishing
6 Vuforia Engine (free)
Vuforgia Engine is free software that is used by companies of all sizes. It is considered one of the top free AR software solutions that can drive better outcomes. Across all leading platforms, Vuforia Engine supports AR devices like phones, tablets, and headsets to reach the most massive audience.
(Source: Vuforia Engine)
Core functionalities:
- Simulation
- Unparalleled Accuracy
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Superimposed Objects
- 3D Objects
- Creative Empowerment
- Content Creation
- Content Library
- Real-World Backdrop
- Advanced Vision
- Tracking and analytics
- Maximum Reach
- Drag-and-drop
7 ZapWorks Studio (30 days free trial)
ZapWorks Studio serves as the complete augmented reality toolkit for agencies and businesses. The software provides a powerful AR toolkit for companies who prefer to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. With this software, the user can quickly build, publish, analyze, and scale immersive AR experiences. The designers and developers can make fully-customizable AR experiences across print, product, packaging, retail, and events.
(Source: ZapWorks Studio)
Core functionalities:
- Impactful marketing campaigns
- Interactive product visualizations
- Cross-Device Publishing
- Drag-and-drop
- Real-World Backdrop
- Superimposed Objects
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Tracking & Analytics
- 3D Objects
- Content Creation
- Content Library
- World Tracking
- Immersive video
- Custom Graphical user interfaces
Apart from the list mentioned above of high-quality free and open source software, there is also one more AR software that is gaining popularity – Augment., although it is neither free nor open source. The Augment software can provide promising results to its users.
Augment (popular)
Augment software serves as the platform for 3D and augmented reality product visualization. This software can quickly deploy mobile augmented reality solutions for eCommerce, field sales, education, and much more. This well-known software provides right from 3D content to optimized AR experiences to the users. If you want to empower your business with AR and 3D, this software offers a 14-day free trial.
(Source: Augment)
Core functionalities:
- 3D Objects
- Superimposed Objects
- Tracking and analytics
- Drive field sales
- Virtual Reality Integration
- Content Creation
- Cross-Device Publishing
- Increases eCommerce sales and engagement
- Simulation
- Content Library
- Drag-and-Drop
- Real-world Backdrop
Wrapping up
The augmented reality software works in combination with devices like tablets, headsets, mobile phones, and much more. The global software market which accounted for USD 333.8 billion is growing at a CAGR of 58.20% during the period between 2019 to 2026.
With the help of AR technology, the architects, marketers, educators, and game developers can view digital interactive content like images, books, buildings, and media objects in a real-world context. It is a blessing for business as it helps in providing product views and can efficiently enhance the audience.
The list of top-level quality free and open source AR software in this article provides promising results to the users. If there is a preference for more advanced features of the software, then try PaleBlue, Artivive, Layar, InfinityAR, and 360 Immersive. In case you have ever come across any of the above-mentioned software, then feel free to share your valuable views on the same. You can also explore the GoodFirms platform where you will get the list of best augmented reality software.
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