How-to guide

How to Create a 360 Image AR Experience

The `360 Image` content type in ARLOOPA Studio is for immersive panoramic stills rather than flat visuals or video. After choosing the main AR format, you select `360 Image`, upload the file, and then test how the scene behaves inside the chosen AR context. This is a useful path when the project needs spatial atmosphere or contextual immersion but does not require video playback or a fully interactive 3D model.

360 media content type option in the create flow

Best for

Immersive still scenes, tourism previews, education, cultural storytelling, and contextual environment reveals.

Watch out for

A 360 still can feel static if the audience expects motion or interactivity. It works best when the environment itself is the message.

ARLOOPA fit

ARLOOPA Studio makes 360-image deployment practical by keeping the immersive media option in the same no-code content-type flow as the rest of the builder.

Use case fit

When the 360 image type is the right content choice

Choose a 360 image when the goal is immersion rather than motion. This is useful for panoramic storytelling, place previews, educational scenes, or cultural contexts where the environment matters but a moving video is not necessary.

It is often a better fit than 360 video when file size, editorial simplicity, or still-image atmosphere matter more than continuous playback.

•Use it for immersive still environments and panoramic context.
•Choose it when motion is unnecessary but spatial atmosphere matters.
•Use 360 video instead when the story depends on time-based action.

Studio steps

How to create a 360 image AR experience in Studio

Follow these steps in order. If you are new to Studio, finish one screen before you move to the next one.

Start by clicking `Create experience`. Then choose the main AR type that matches your project. After that, Studio will show the content-type screen where you can pick the asset format you want to use.

You cannot open the experience on a real phone until it is published. Before that, use the Studio preview to check the setup and fix mistakes.

1Click `Create experience` in Studio.
2Choose the main AR type that matches your project. Use `Marker-Based AR` for printed triggers, `Markerless AR` for surface placement, `Location-Based AR` for a map point, `Geospatial AR` for a landmark or VPS project, and `Face Tracking` for selfie effects.
3If Studio asks for a destination or provider first, choose that and continue to the content-type screen.
4Click `360 Image` in the content-type list.
5Upload the panoramic image file and wait for Studio to prepare the immersive still scene.
6Review the result in Studio and fix anything that looks wrong before you publish.
7Click `Publish` to generate the live experience.
8Open the published experience on a real phone and make sure users understand they should look around the scene.

Preparation

What to prepare before using a 360 image

A 360 image works best when the surrounding scene is informative or emotionally important. If the audience gains nothing from seeing the broader environment, a standard image or video may be more effective. It also helps to think about how the panoramic still will be introduced so users know they should look around.

Compared with 360 video, this route is simpler operationally and often easier to load, but it gives up motion and time-based storytelling.

•Use a panoramic image only when the environment itself adds value.
•Keep onboarding simple so users know they should explore the scene.
•Choose 360 image over 360 video when a still environment is enough.
•Test the immersive feeling on the real devices and contexts expected at launch.

Launch guidance

Where 360 image AR usually works best

The format is strongest in tourism, real-estate preview, museum interpretation, education, and contextual brand storytelling where the surrounding environment is the main asset. It is often a smart intermediate choice between a flat visual and a heavier 360 video workflow.

If the experience needs dynamic action or evolving motion, 360 video is usually the better option.

•Tourism and destination previews.
•Educational and cultural environment storytelling.
•Real-estate or spatial context presentation.
•Immersive but lightweight AR pilots.

FAQ

How to Create a 360 Image AR Experience FAQ

What is the difference between 360 Image and a normal image in Studio?

A normal image is a flat visual asset, while 360 Image is designed to create an immersive panoramic still scene.

When should I choose 360 image over 360 video?

Choose 360 image when the environment matters but you do not need motion or time-based narrative.

Where does 360 Image appear in the create flow?

It appears at the content-type step after you select the main AR format.

What is the main risk with 360 imagery?

The main risk is using an immersive format without a clear reason, which can make the experience feel novel but not useful.

Next step

Need help turning a how-to guide into a launch plan?

Use pricing and a live demo to validate the workflow, publishing path, and rollout scope before you build at full scale.

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