Spark AR Studio Download also known as Spark Augmented Reality is a software application used to create/simulate Augmented Reality. I know you must be curious; What really is Augmented Reality and exactly what is Spark AR?
I’m here to answer all the questions that you may and most likely will have.
WHAT IS SPARK AR?
Being a Facebook owned software created in 2017, Spark AR is a PC software that allows its users to create and share augmented reality effects/filters (like those on Snapchat or Instagram) to other mobile users for public use. Instagram initially began using filters on the app sometime in 2017, but as compared to Snapchat’s filters were nothing to write home about. Perhaps they took a step in the interest of the app when (in august 2019) they finally gave regular people like you or I a chance to use the Spark AR app and create our own filters for Facebook and Instagram.
As opposed to what I first thought, Augmented Reality is not just about creating cute face filters or color filters. Augmented Reality mixes creativity with a sense of adventure. It gives you the ability to make use of and design the virtual reality world to you own taste and satisfaction. It helps you hone skills for the tech world as well as serves as an opportunity for the perfect side hustle. I know of people that have attested to using it as a full time career as well. What’s more is you don’t have to be a technical genius to learn how to use Spark AR.
RELATED POSTS: HOW TO TURN YOUR LIGHTROOM PRESETS INTO INSTAGRAM FILTERS.
SPARK AR TEXTURES – FREE COLOR LUT PNGS SND ASSETS.
IS SPARK AR FREE?
Yes it is! It is available for download (only on PCs) via the link I will be adding below. I downloaded mine for 720MB but with updates and such, the size may vary.
SPARK AR STUDIO DOWNLOAD
HOW DO I USE SPARK AR?
Spark AR is very easy to use once you get accustomed to its features and design. One amazing feature about it is that it runs on both code/codeless design. Meaning you could either use scripting (codes or sequenced programs) or normal measures to create several effects. You need not have a prior amount on knowledge on computer/software languages for you to create effects on this app.
Also. While most people advised to simply use the welcome guide tour which was about 5 minutes then get right to effects creation, I was still left as clueless as I came after going through the tour. I STRONGLY advise that you use the Tutorials provided by the Spark AR site. Watch one, two or even all of them (I did) and you’ll learn to start creating effects with ease in no time.
I would have loved to give a detailed description on how to navigate the Spark AR interface on your first try, but my point still stands. Watch the tutorials and thank me later.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN INSTAGRAM FILTERS
1. DOWNLOAD SPARK AR STUDIO
This is such a ‘duh’ option because of course you’ll need to HAVE the Spark AR app in order to USE the Spark AR app. But here are some not so ‘duh’ facts for you. Spark AR Studio is only readily available to Mac and Windows users, as of now, there is no telling whether Linux users are able to download or use the Spark AR app. Also, for Windows users, here are a few tips for you.
- If you use an iPhone with a Windows PC, you’ll need to download iTunes in order to link your Apple ID to both your phone and PC. You can get the iTunes app on the Microsoft store.
- (For both Mac and Windows users) To preview your effects on your mobile, you have to have the Spark AR player app on your phone which is available on the Play Store and the App Store. You can also have the app available on your PC to preview effects.
- I do not know if this is obvious or not, but you need to have the Facebook app and a functioning Facebook account as well.
2. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE APP THROUGH TUTORIALS.
3. PRACTICE AND PRACTICE AFTER WATCHING EACH TUTORIAL.
4. AFTER SUCCESSFULLY CREATING YOUR EFFECTS, ENSURE YOUR FILTER MEETS THE SPARK AR GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
HOW LONG DOES SPARK AR TAKE TO APPROVE EFFECTS?
Honestly, the time frame goes from 3 hours – 2 weeks. It all depends on the type of filter you’ve created.
All in all, creating filters is a fun way to revitalize your brand and because they can be posted to both Facebook and Instagram, you have access to a large audience of people who are ready to interact with your brand and what you have to offer.
SPARK AR FAQ
I thought it best to include tips that have helped me and will surely help you too.
1. For custom face filters, you will need photoshop!
When I began my AR journey, nobody made it known to me that to create custom face filters with let’s say eyeliners, or face painting filters, you needed to buy the Photoshop app and use it on your PC in collaboration with the AR app. Kendra Mishell explains in this particular video how to use the photoshop app as well as a face sculpting app called Stephane Ginier that helps to perfect face filters like shaping the nose or puffing the lips.
2. Upper Case Dynamic Text Spark ar- How do I change my text in spark ar to upper case from lower case?
You can do this by changing the code text in the TEXT box in the inspector to;
${DATE [dayofweek]:uppercase}
instead of
§{DATE [dayofweek]:titlecase}
Well, that’s all. I hope i have been able to answer all the questions you had before coming to this post. Till next time.
Tata.