Adobe Aero is an all in one augmented reality (AR) authoring and viewing platform. 

The iOS app for both iPads and iPhones allows users to create augmented reality (AR) experiences without coding. The ability to import 2D and 3D assets created in Photoshop or Illustrator (or another program) makes it easier for designers and developers to design, collaborate, and publish interactive immersive experiences in the real world. 

First Steps

This is what the app will look like, and what tapping each portion of the screen will allow you to do.  

A. Edit: edit your AR creations. 
B. Preview: preview your AR creations.
C. Learn: learn how to use Aero with online tutorials. 
D. Cloud documents: access all your Aero cloud documents.
E. Deleted: access deleted cloud documents.
F. Feedback: add or vote for new feature ideas on Aero’s UserVoice forum. 
G. Create new: create an AR experience.
H. Import and open: import .real files into Aero.
I. Settings: view storage information, access online help articles, or sign out of your account.
J. Sync: indicator to show synchronization of your cloud documents.
 

Importing Your Own Assets 

You can use Adobe Aero's library of preloaded assets or Adobe Aero lets you import 2D, 3D, and archived file formats to use and create an AR experience.

The following formats are supported:

3D FILE FORMATS

• 3D file formats that can be directly imported into Aero: 
• PSD / PSB 
• GLB (glTF binary format)

INSIDE AN ARCHIVE (.ZIP)

• 3D file formats listed below can be imported into Aero, as long as they are packaged in an archive (.zip) folder that contains the 3D model and supporting texture and animation files.
• OBJ - with MDL or MTL materials
• Collada (DAE)
• 3DS
• GlTF and GLB
• FBX (supported when files are prepared according to guidelines)

AUDIO FORMATS

• WAV
• MP3

2D IMAGE FORMATS

• JPEG/JPG
• Photoshop format (PSD / PSB)
• PNG
• SVG 
• TIFF / TIF
• GIF (non-animated)

To import your Creative Cloud Assets:

1. Save the file that you want to import into Aero, in a place accessible from your mobile device (Creative Cloud or files).
2. In Adobe Aero, navigate to the plus (+) button in the Edit mode.
3. Navigate to where your file is located and tap on the file.
4. The file is brought into Aero. Then, select Tap to Place option.
5. The file is loaded in the scene.

If you haven’t optimized your digital assets for AR, then it is a good idea to do so before you import them into Aero. 

See instructions on how to prepare Dimension, Photoshop, and Illustrator assets for Aero. You may also want to check out how to prepare 3D content for Aero. 

Plane Detection

The easiest way to get your assets into AR is by placing it on a flat surface. This is done with plane detection. Once placed your object will be anchored to that spot on the surface. Here you can include animation or interactions.

Start a New Project

In the bottom left you are able to start a new project. From here you will be asked to scan the surrounding area locating a flat plane. From here you place an anchor in which your objects are attached to.

Placing An Asset

Once an anchor is placed you have the ability to now place your assets. Aero comes with a library of premade assets that you can place or you can import your own. Aero supports the following file formats:

• PSD
• JPEG
• OBJ
• GLB
• FBX

These are accessible through your device’s files or your creative cloud account. By clicking the blue and white icon in the bottom left you are now able to place these assets on your plane.

Previewing

Clicking the top button titled Preview will remove the edit features and let you take photos and record video if your scene. After an asset is imported you are able to move, rotate, scale, duplicate and delete it. 

Interactions

Once you have placed your assets, you can bring them to life with Interactions. In the app, they are known as behaviours and can be triggered using various methods.

Selecting a Trigger

This will start the behaviour. There are three methods and includes allows you to adjust the parameters.

1. Start - On scene load
2. Tap- When the user touches the item
3. Proximity - When the user gets close to it  

Selecting an Action 

Once you have selected how you want the interaction to start you can select the type. 

• Animate
• Spin
• Bounce
• Aim
• Show
• Hide
• Move
• Scale
• Rotate
• Orbit
• Wait 
• Open URL

These behaviours can be chained together by adding an additional action block.

Export & Share

Once you have created your Adobe Aero scene you have the ability to share your AR experience through multiple mediums.

Record a Video
Like the preview the mode you can record your screen the AR within it.

Share a Link
By sharing a link, Adobe Aero will create a cloud document that users can explore with the Adobe Aero app on their device.

Export As 
Exporting allows for the most flexibility. You are able to export in three file formats.

• Aero Experience - For use with the Aero Application
• Reality File - For use with Apple Devices
• Universal Scene Description - 3D AR file that can be used on the web with AR quick look

You can share your AR experience with others to collaborate or view your creation in the below formats:

• .real — share with team members who want to edit your experiences in Aero.
• .usdz — send a static file that can be viewed without interactivity on another device on AR Quick Look or use as part of Xcode or Reality Composer Project.
• .reality — send a file that can be viewed with interactivity on another device on AR Quick Look or use as part of Xcode or Reality Composer Project. 
   

Additional Resources

If you're not quite ready to get started with Adobe Aero or if you're looking for troubleshooting support check out these additional resources, or contact the VR Lab. 

Adobe Aero Get Started with AR Tutorial Video

Adobe Aero Information 

Adobe Aero Learn&Support page

Adobe Aero User Guide 

Adobe Aero Installation Assistance 

Cameras capable of taking 360° photos / videos of your surroundings.