AR Glossary

This augmented reality glossary brings together the key AR terms, words, and concepts, explained in plain language for artists, creators, and developers. If you're just starting with WebAR or you already work in spatial computing, you'll find simple definitions for the terminology that shapes augmented reality art.

It covers concepts like spatial computing, six degrees of freedom, image tracking, occlusion, and WebXR, the essential vocabulary that powers AR and XR experiences. The terms are listed alphabetically below so you can understand the technology that turns a physical artwork into an interactive digital experience.

#A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Alpha Channel: A specific data channel in an image or video file that handles transparency, allowing the background to be invisible so the subject blends seamlessly over a physical painting.
Augmented Reality: A technology that superimposes digital content (video, sound, 3D models) onto the user's view of the physical world via a screen or headset.

D

Depth API: A feature that allows devices to understand the distance of objects in a scene, enabling virtual objects to be hidden behind real physical objects (occlusion) for realism.

E

Extended Reality: An umbrella term that encompasses all immersive technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

G

GLB / glTF: The standard file format for 3D models on the web and Android, often referred to as the "JPEG of 3D" due to its balance of quality and small file size.

H

Hand Tracking: A technology that allows the system to detect and track the user's hands, enabling interaction with virtual content using natural gestures instead of controllers.

I

Image Tracking: A method where the AR software recognizes and tracks a specific 2D image (like a painting or mural) to overlay digital content precisely on top of it.

L

Latency: The delay between a user's movement and the system's visual response; low latency is crucial for a smooth, non-jittery AR experience.

M

Marker-based AR: A type of AR that relies on a specific visual cue (a QR code or a specific image) to trigger and position the digital experience.
Mesh: A digital representation of the physical environment created by the device's sensors, allowing the AR software to understand the geometry of a room.

O

Occlusion: The visual effect where a virtual object is hidden or "masked" by a physical object (e.g., a virtual character walking behind a real sofa), essential for believable spatial integration.

P

Passthrough: A feature in XR headsets that uses external cameras to show the user a video feed of the real world, allowing them to see their surroundings while viewing digital overlays.
Phygital: A blend of "physical" and "digital," describing art or experiences that bridge the gap between tangible objects and virtual enhancements.

S

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping: The core technology that allows a device to calculate its position in a room while simultaneously building a map of that environment, enabling stable tracking without markers.
Six Degrees of Freedom: The ability to move freely in 3D space (forward/back, up/down, left/right) and rotate, allowing the user to walk around a virtual object from all angles.
Spatial Anchor: A digital reference point that locks virtual content to a specific location in the physical world, ensuring it stays in place even if the user looks away or leaves the room.
Spatial Computing: A computing paradigm where digital information interacts with physical space, treating the environment as a 3D interface rather than a 2D screen.

T

Target Image: The specific physical artwork or image that the AR camera is programmed to recognize to start the experience.

W

WebAR: Augmented Reality experiences that run directly in a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) without requiring the user to download a specific mobile application.
WebXR: The open standard API that allows developers to create immersive VR and AR experiences that run directly in web browsers.
World Tracking: A tracking method that detects planes (floors, walls, tables) in the environment, allowing digital objects to be placed in the physical space rather than attached to a specific image target.

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