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Spark AR is Facebook’s free AR creation platform that enables users to create interactive AR experiences for Facebook and Instagram. More than 400,000 creators in 190 countries have used Spark AR to create their own AR creations

Since the software requires no coding knowledge to use, anyone can now lead the world by creating the next crazy viral Instagram AR effects with little experience in the AR world.

Specialized AR filter designers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000.

Optimize your textures and output them to Spark AR Studio

Once you’ve created your texture, it’s time to export it to Spark AR Studio. In Photoshop®, there are a few things you can do to properly optimize your textures for use in Spark AR Studio Effects.

We will use the Blue Tiger texture as an example below.

Output visible layers

First, remember to close any layers that don’t make up the texture you want for the final effect. For example, to export the Blue Tiger texture, you can close all other layers and export the visible layer as a new image file.

These layers are still separate in your Photoshop® files, so you can go back and continue to adjust and update them.

Choose the right size

The recommended image size is 1024×1024 pixels, which is the maximum file size supported by Spark AR Studio. Despite the large file size, it is a good idea to export the texture with the largest LOD (the most blurry), especially when creating beauty masks.

Choose the appropriate format

The exported file is as follows:

  • PNG format for transparency.
  • Use JPEG when you need smaller file sizes but don’t need transparency. JPEG does not have transparent channels.

useSave for WebFunction to optimize file size

You can use the Save for Web feature in Photoshop® to reduce file size without significantly degrading texture quality. To open this tool:

  • Go to File > Export > Save as Web (Legacy).
  • In the window that appears, click the 2-up TAB to view your original texture file side by side with the current version to be optimized.

Optimize file size:

  • Click on the hamburger icon to the right of the preset menu, then click Optimize to File Size.
  • In the Desired File Size text box, enter a number to set the Desired texture Size.

It is also a good idea to set the Size/Download speed to a maximum of 2Mbps. Understanding how long it takes users to download textures is another concern, making your files as lightweight as possible.

Set the size/download time:

  • Select your optimized image on the right, then right-click in the gray area below the image.
  • Select Size/Download Time(2Mbps).

You can find more information on optimizing textures and effects in Spark AR Studio’s technical guide and Optimization.