Installation and Setup
How to install and setup Spark AR for the first time.
Introduction to Spark AR
What is Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is a type of technology that adds layers of digital information onto reality. Computer-generated images (this can also include sound, video) are superimposed onto the physical real world environment. There are different ways where an AR experience can be triggered for example through facial recognition, GPS location, image markers, or without the use of any markers.
Tools for AR
There are a number of tools developed now for making AR based experiences; for example, Vuforia, Unity, A-frame, including Apple’s own ARKit. For the following tutorial pages we will be using Spark AR, an app based tool that runs on both Windows and IOS which allows for both markerless, and marker based AR experiences.
Introduction to Spark AR
SparkAR is an app developed by Facebook one of the most useful features is that it runs on both IOS and Windows platforms, however, in order to use it, you will need a Facebook account.
Setting up Spark AR
Setting Up Spark AR
- On your laptop go to https://sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/ (you do not need a facebook account to download)
- Follow the instructions to Install Spark AR
- You will also need to install Spark AR player on your mobile device in order to view your AR project
- Go to the App store and search for Spark AR Player, download
- You are now ready to make your first project