Convert DAE to USDZ Online — Free
Upload a Collada file and download it as Universal Scene Description (Zip). Runs entirely in your browser — no server uploads.
About These Formats
Collada
Collada is an XML-based interchange format for 3D data. It was designed to enable asset exchange between different DCC tools and game engines.
Used with
Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, SketchUp, and cross-application 3D asset workflows.
Universal Scene Description (Zip)
USDZ is Apple's zipped USD format for augmented reality. It is the native format for iOS/macOS AR Quick Look, enabling users to place 3D objects in the real world.
Used with
iOS AR Quick Look, Safari, Shopify AR, Apple Vision Pro, and e-commerce AR previews.
What Transfers from DAE to USDZ
A breakdown of which data survives the DAE-to-USDZ conversion.
3D Geometry
Vertices, faces, and normals always transfer
Textures & Materials
Diffuse map → albedo; roughness/metallic estimated from specular
Animations
Skeletal animations and morph targets transfer
Vertex Colors
USDZ does not support vertex colors
Multiple Objects
Scene hierarchy and multiple objects transfer
When to Convert DAE to USDZ
Convert DAE to USDZ when you need an Apple AR Quick Look experience. USDZ is the native 3D format for iOS and macOS — users can tap a link in Safari to place your model in the real world. It is also supported by Shopify, Reality Composer, and Apple Vision Pro.
DAE to USDZ — What to Know Before Converting
DAE uses Phong or Lambert shading rather than PBR. The converter maps diffuse colour to albedo and estimates roughness from specular intensity. The result is a working PBR mesh but may not match the original look exactly — open the converted file and adjust roughness and metallic values as needed.
Collada (DAE) is exported with varying completeness by different tools. SketchUp DAE files reference textures by absolute file path, which won't resolve during conversion — place all texture images in the same folder as the DAE. Blender and Maya DAE exports are more self-contained and convert more reliably.
For reliable iOS AR Quick Look, keep polygon count below 100,000 triangles and limit texture atlases to 1024 × 1024 or 2048 × 2048 px. Models above these limits may load slowly or fail on older iPhone and iPad hardware. USDZ does not support per-vertex colors — bake vertex colors to a texture before converting if your source relies on them.
Other DAE Conversions
Tips for the Best DAE to USDZ Result
Test on a real iOS device via AirDrop or a direct Safari link — desktop USDZ viewers do not always match AR Quick Look's rendering.
Use Apple's free Reality Converter (macOS) to validate and preview the USDZ before publishing.
For Shopify AR, upload both a GLB (served to Android) and a USDZ (served to iOS) — Shopify selects the correct format automatically.
USDZ supports only one UV channel. Models with multiple UV sets should be baked to a single channel before converting.
Common Reasons to Convert DAE to USDZ
- →iOS AR Quick Look: letting Safari users place the 3D model in their real-world environment with a single tap — no app required
- →Shopify AR: Shopify natively serves USDZ to iOS and GLB to Android; upload both for full cross-platform AR coverage
- →Apple Vision Pro: spatial computing apps built with RealityKit and Reality Composer Pro use USDZ as their primary format
- →iMessage and AirDrop: iOS users can share USDZ files directly and recipients see an interactive 3D preview inline in Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert DAE to USDZ?
Upload your .dae file using the tool above, confirm the source format is set to DAE and the target is USDZ, then click Convert. The file processes in your browser and you can download it immediately.
Does converting DAE to USDZ preserve textures?
Yes. Converting to USDZ preserves PBR materials and embedded textures from the source file.
Is this converter free?
Yes, completely free. No account, no usage limits, no hidden fees.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser using WebGL. Your files never leave your device.