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How to add 3D models to Shopify

Shopify accepts GLB and USDZ product media. How to prepare, upload and test a 3D model on Shopify, and where to get the model.

Aman PorwalFounder @ Vi3W

3 min read

A pencil sketch of a brass lantern on paper, with the same lantern rising off the page as a solid, lit object

Quick answer

How do you add a 3D model to a Shopify product?

Open the product in Shopify admin and upload a GLB or USDZ file in the Media section, just like a photo. Shopify accepts 3D files up to 500 MB and creates the other format so both web and iPhone AR work. Your theme must support 3D media. Keep files small, ideally a few megabytes, so the page loads quickly.

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What Shopify supports

Shopify treats 3D models as product media, alongside photos and videos. According to Shopify's help documentation:

  • 3D model files can be GLB or USDZ, up to 500 MB.
  • Shopify creates the other format for you, so shoppers on the web, Android and iPhone can all view the model.
  • Large files are automatically optimised.
  • Your theme must support 3D media. Shopify's help says that to display 3D models you need a compatible theme or a modified one.

Shopify's checklist for 3D partners recommends keeping models well under 15 MB, typically around 4 MB, with textures at 2K or below. Shopify's rules change; check the current help pages before you upload a catalogue.

Step 1: Get a model

  • From photos: generate one with AI image-to-3D. Product photo to 3D model covers shooting and checking.
  • From CAD or a designer: export GLB.
  • From a 3D artist or scanning service.

Vi3W exports GLB, which Shopify accepts directly.

Step 2: Check and optimise

  1. Accuracy: compare with the real product from every angle; scale to real dimensions (it matters for AR, which shows true size).
  2. Origin and orientation: the product sitting on the ground plane, facing forward.
  3. File size: aim for a few MB. Resize textures to 2K or less, compress. How to reduce GLB file size.
  4. Materials: fix glass, metal and logos.

Step 3: Upload

  1. In Shopify admin, open Products and select the product.
  2. In Media, upload the GLB (or drag it in).
  3. Reorder media so the 3D model appears where you want it.
  4. Save.

Step 4: Test

  • Desktop: rotate and zoom on the product page.
  • Android: check the view-in-your-space option.
  • iPhone: check AR Quick Look opens and the model is the right size.
  • Load time: check the page on mobile data.

If the 3D model doesn't appear, the theme may not support 3D media; check your theme's documentation or switch to one that does.

For AR quality

AR shows the model at real-world scale, in real lighting. Common problems:

  • Wrong size: set dimensions in the source file.
  • Floating or sunk: origin not at the base.
  • Too dark or shiny: adjust roughness and base colour.

View in AR on product pages covers how AR viewing works on each platform. To make a USDZ yourself, see convert GLB to USDZ.

Is it worth it?

3D helps most for products where shape, size and detail matter to the decision: furniture, shoes, bags, decor, gadgets. Start with your best-sellers and highest-return-rate items, and measure.

Need GLB models for your catalogue? Turn your product photos into 3D models in Vi3W.

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