How do I use a HDRI image to light 3D models (.USDZ) in Apple Motion?

Question

How do I use a HDRI image to light 3D models (.USDZ) in Apple Motion?

I have a scene in Apple Motion with a 3D model in USDZ format with PBR (physically based rendering) based materials. This means the robot should realistically reflect a panorama HDR environment image. But how do I add a 360 degree HDRI environment to light this model in Motion?

What I have: The USDZ 3D model in Apple Motion with no realistic environmental lightning and reflections.

What I want to achieve: realistic PBR lightning and reflections (example from Cheetah3D).

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Mar 27, 2024 6:46 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 28, 2024 8:01 AM in response to claude_210

You are right. Apple Motion have very poor integration with 3D objects in USDZ file format.

From Apple's support article on Motion:

"Motion’s cameras and lights interact with 3D objects, but shadows, drop shadows, and reflections are not available for 3D objects. Additionally, camera depth-of-field settings have no effect on 3D objects."

Source: Guidelines for working with 3D objects in Motion - Apple-support (SE)

So yes, 3D objects in Motion are very limited and doesn't work with realistic 360 HDR panorama images for lightning, reflections or even shadows. Unfortunately.

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Answer 2

Mar 28, 2024 12:08 AM in response to FilipOfficial

I believe USDZ models interacts very poorly with 3D in Motion. In particular they have no created shadow and you cannot change their surface or color. I hope I remember wrongly.

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Answer 3

BenB

Level 6

12,103 points

Apr 9, 2024 11:29 AM in response to FilipOfficial

I sure miss mO2, can't wait to see mO3 released. Infinitely more advanced that Apple's native solution, which is childish, IMHO.

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