How to convert GLB to USDZ
Need to convert GLB to USDZ? GLB packs meshes, PBR materials and animation into one binary glTF file; USDZ is best for iOS and Safari augmented reality. This guide covers exactly what survives the conversion, what you can lose, and the quickest reliable workflow.
What transfers and what you lose
- Materials usually carry across, but re-link textures and check that texture paths and colour space survived the conversion.
- Animation and rigs can carry across, but always play back the result in the target tool, as bone and frame-rate handling differs between formats.
- Check units and scale after importing. GLB and USDZ workflows often assume different default units, which is the most common cause of a model arriving far too large or too small.
Recommended workflow
- Open your GLB file. Import the GLB file into a tool that reads both formats, such as Blender (free glTF export), or the glTF pipeline in your engine.
- Check scale, units and orientation. Confirm the model is the right size and facing the right way before exporting. Fix the units now rather than in the target application.
- Set up materials for the target. Assign or rebuild PBR materials (base colour, roughness, metallic, normal) so they survive as USDZ.
- Export as USDZ. Most DCC apps cannot export USDZ directly: produce it with Apple's Reality Converter, usdzconvert, or Blender's USD export, then re-open the result to confirm geometry, scale and materials are intact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to convert GLB to USDZ?
Open the GLB file in Blender (free glTF export), or the glTF pipeline in your engine and check the scale and materials. Most DCC apps do not export USDZ directly, so convert with Apple's Reality Converter, usdzconvert, or Blender's USD export. It is free and avoids the quality loss of one-click online converters.
Will I lose anything converting GLB to USDZ?
Materials usually carry across, but re-link textures and check that texture paths and colour space survived the conversion.
Why does my model come in the wrong size?
GLB and USDZ often assume different default units. Set the units explicitly on import and export, then verify the dimensions against a known measurement.
Related conversions
This is a free guide. Use the interactive 3D File Format Converter Guide for a tailored workflow, or let XO3D handle the production for you. XO3D is a UK-based CGI studio.