.usdz

What is a .usdz file?

Apple's AR format — 3D objects you can place in your living room.

Safe format
Type Cad
By Apple / Pixar
MIME model/vnd.usdz+zip

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What is it

USDZ is a zero-compression ZIP archive containing a USD (Universal Scene Description) file and its associated textures, all in a single package. Apple adopted it as the format for AR Quick Look on iOS — tap a USDZ link on your iPhone and a 3D model appears on your desk, your floor, or floating in mid-air.

The format bundles a USD scene graph with PNG or JPEG textures into an uncompressed archive that can be memory-mapped for fast loading. Apple added its own MaterialX-based material schema (UsdPreviewSurface) to ensure consistent rendering across devices. The spec requires that the first file in the archive be the root USD layer — parsers can start reading geometry before the entire archive is downloaded.

USDZ is primarily an Apple ecosystem format. iOS Safari, Messages, Mail, and AR Quick Look all handle it natively. E-commerce sites use USDZ to let customers preview furniture, shoes, or electronics in AR before buying. Adobe, Pixar, and Apple maintain the tooling, but outside Apple's walled garden, glTF/GLB is more widely supported.

Technical details
Full Name
Universal Scene Description (ZIP Archive)
MIME Type
model/vnd.usdz+zip
Developer
Apple / Pixar
Magic Bytes
50 4B 03 04 (ZIP)
Safety
.usdz is a known, safe format.
What opens it
iOS AR Quick Look
FREE iOS / iPadOS
macOS Quick Look
FREE macOS
Reality Composer
FREE macOS / iOS
Blender
FREE Win / Mac / Linux
FAQ
How do I view a USDZ file?
On iPhone or iPad, just tap it — AR Quick Look opens automatically. On Mac, Quick Look previews it. On Windows or Linux, use Blender or an online USDZ viewer.
What's the difference between USD and USDZ?
USD is the scene description format (which can reference external textures). USDZ packages the USD file and all its textures into a single self-contained ZIP archive.
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