How to Make an AR App: Everything You Need to Know

Have you been a victim of those dog ears Snapchat filters? Or, the rainbow coming out of your mouth? Have you ever tried Google Maps while walking when you got lost at a new location?

Snapchat turns your face into a cartoon and adds funny elements to your pictures in real time. Google Maps literally shows you arrows and signs on your screen, where you open the back camera to show where you are. It guides you properly when you are walking. This makes it easier for you to reach your new location.

All of this magic can be credited to AR. Yes, it’s all augmented reality that apps are using nowadays. We are using it frequently in our day-to-day lives without even knowing.

And guess what? You can create AR apps just like that, too!

Whether it’s gaming, shopping, learning, location, or just having fun, this ultimate guide will tell you all about how to make an AR app.

We have kept it simple without any confusing tech jargon. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

In Simple Words, What Is An Ar App?

An AR app is just an app that adds digital things to your real world. Picture this! You point your phone’s back camera towards your new apartment’s living room. Suddenly, a virtual sofa appears in your living room. That’s IKEA Place using AR to show you which furniture would look best as per your needs, wants, and budget.

Such AR apps use your camera, sensors, and sometimes your location to place things like:

• 3D objects
• Text or animations
• Sounds
• Filters and effects

To build an AR app, these things must seem and look like they are part of your environment, although they are not. If you want to build an AR app, too, it’s all done through smart code and an intuitive design.

Famous AR Apps You Might Have Used

Here are some popular AR apps you would have used already:

• Snapchat – adds filters, masks, and cool face effects
• Google Maps AR – shows arrows and signs as you walk
• Pokémon Go – lets you catch Pokémon in real places
• IKEA Place – helps you see furniture in your own room
• Sephora Virtual Artist – lets you try makeup with your phone camera
• Lenskart – lets you try different frames of glasses virtually

So when we say how to make an AR app, we’re really talking about building something that mixes real life and digital fun easily on your phone.

Why Is AR Getting So Popular? (With Real Stats)

If you think you are the only one excited about AR apps, my friend, you are mistaken for doing so. In 2025, AR is no longer a new phenomenon. It has been in our lives for way too long before we understood what it means or how it works. Remember Snapchat filters in and catching Pokémons outside your house in 2016?

FYI, millions of people are using it globally, and the numbers are wild!

Here’s what the stats say:

1. Last year, there were over 1.03 billion mobile AR users globally. It is expected to become 1.07 billion mobile AR users in 2025. Additionally, this number is expected to jump to 1.19 billion by 2028. (Statista)
2. The AR market was worth around 11.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. By 2025, it’s expected to grow to 13.8 billion U.S. dollars. (Statista)
3. AR product experiences are 200% more engaging. Because the more time brands give to customizing and making people experience the product in immersive ways, the more likely they are to purchase from those brands. (Mindshare)
4. Gaming, healthcare, and engineering sector have the most use cases for AR. (Statista)
5. The global automobile AR/VR market will reach $673 billion by 2025. (Statista)
6. The most used AR mobile app is Pokémon Go. It was released in 2026 and has been downloaded over 750 times since then. (Genisis Augmented)

5 Steps On How To Create An Augmented Reality App

Now that you know what AR is and why it’s popular, let’s talk about how to make an AR app from start to finish.

You don’t need to be a pro developer. You just need to understand the steps, plan your idea, and work with the right tools (and some expert help!).

Step 1: Pick The Type Of Ar App You Want To Build

Before you start to create an AR app, you must know what kind of AR apps there are. There are 5 main types of AR apps:

Marker-Based AR

This type of AR needs a special picture or object called a marker. Your phone camera looks at the marker, and then the app shows something on top of it, like a 3D object or animation.

For example, you scan a picture in a book, and a 3D car appears on it. It is suitable for showing digital things on printed images or QR codes.

Markerless AR

This type of AR does not need any picture or marker. It uses your phone’s camera and sensors to find flat places like the floor or a table. Then it puts digital objects on them.

For instance, you point your phone at the floor, and a virtual chair appears. This is great if your AR app involves putting digital things anywhere in the real world.

Projection-Based AR

This type of AR shines light or pictures onto real surfaces, like a wall or table. Sometimes, it can even let you touch the surface to control things.

Examples of this AR type would be a table showing you a menu with light, and you can tap the table to choose food. This is good for places like restaurants or museums with special setups.

Superimposition-Based AR

This AR changes how real things look. It covers or replaces real objects with digital ones.

An example would be a medical app that shows the inside of your arm by changing how it looks on the screen. This is great for learning or training apps that show more details.

Location-Based AR

This AR type uses your phone’s GPS and sensors to show digital things based on where you are in the real world.

For example, in a game like Pokémon Go, different game characters would show up in different places. Like, if you are in a park, then different characters would show up. Similarly, if you are in a mall, some other characters would show up. This is for games or apps that work outdoors or in real locations.

Step 2: Decide What Features You Want

Now, think about what your app will do. The features you choose for your AR app should fulfill your purpose of making an AR app.

Here are some features most AR apps need:

• Camera access – so users can scan or see their space
• GPS and maps – for location-based AR apps
• Object detection – for recognizing faces, spaces, or QR codes
• 3D object library – your app should have cool visuals or animations
• Login and sharing options – like sign-up, guest mode, or social media sharing

Pro tip: Don’t add too many features at once. Start simple and add more features later as your AR app grows.

Step 3: Pick The Right Tools And Technology

To build an AR app, you need the right tools and software. These tools help your app understand the real world and add digital objects to it. Devs use something called a tech stack. This means the group of tools and programming languages needed to make the app work.

SDKs (Software Development Kits)

These are special tools that help add AR features to your app. Here are some popular ones:

• Vuforia – It is easy to start with but also powerful. It is good for both simple and complex AR apps.
• Wikitude – This is often used for business or shopping apps. It is good for showing products in AR.
• ARCore – Google made this. It works well on Android phones.
• ARKit – Apple made this. It works comfortably on all iOS devices.
• Unity 3D + AR Foundation – This is suitable for making AR games and 3D experiences.

Programming Languages

It refers to the languages that the computer understands. They are used to write the application’s code. And, different tools use different programming languages.

• C++ or C# – These are used mostly with Unity, especially for games or 3D apps.
• Java or Kotlin – They are used to build Android apps.
• Swift – This language is used to build iPhone and iPad apps.
• Python – This programming language is not used for AR itself, but is sometimes used for the backend (like servers or data storage).

Step 4: Build The App (Or Hire A Team To Do It)

Now it’s time to finally build your AR app. Here is where the real stuff begins: coding, designing, and testing.

If you are looking for how to make an AR app, you have three options:

DIY It

If you know coding and AR tools, you can build it yourself using SDKs like Unity, ARKit, or ARCore.

Hire Freelancers

You can hire individual AR devs, designers, and testers. This gives you more control but takes some time to manage all things of your AR app team.

Partner with an AR App Development Company

If you want expert help, then hiring a company that knows exactly how to create an AR app from start to finish is the way to go. They’ll handle everything. Be it design, testing, or launch, an expert AR app dev company is a real lifesaver when you are looking to create AR app.

Step 5: Test Your App And Launch It

Once your app is finally built, you don’t launch it right away. First, test it on different phones and in different places. But what exactly are we testing? We are testing:

• Does the app crash or lag?
• Does the camera scan and show things correctly?
• Is the GPS working (if it’s location-based)?
• Is it easy for people to use?

After thorough testing with real users, you can publish your app on either Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

Voila, you’ve learned how to make an AR app in 5 simple steps.

How Much Does It Cost To Create Ar App?

You are probably wondering how much it would cost you to build an AR app. Well, it depends on numerous factors like the type of app, how many features, is the app design simple and who is building it etc.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown of what you can expect from an expert mobile app dev company:

So, Can You Really Create An AR App?

Yes, you absolutely can. Whether it’s an AR game app or an AR app for your local glasses shop, now you know how to make an AR app without all the tech noise.

This is a quick reminder for you:

• Choose the right AR type
• Start simple with only most important features
• Build an AR app with the relevant skills, expertise, and budget required
• Use the right and suitable tools to create AR app
• Always test before and after launch

Remember Snapchat and Pokémon Go? They also started as an innovative and simple idea with minimal features. What’s stopping your app from being the next AR app sensation?

Reach out to our expert team of devs, and we will help you create AR app that people will love!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to create an augmented reality app?

Start by choosing the AR type (marker-based or location-based), plan the features, pick the right tools like ARKit or ARCore, then build and test your app before launching it.

2. Can I build an AR app without any coding?

Yes, you can but it doesn’t mean you should. Although there are drag-and-drop platforms like ZapWorks and Unity with AR templates. But for advanced features, it’s best to work with a developer or an experienced app dev company.

3. How long does it take to create an AR app?

It usually takes 3 to even an year. This depends on the app’s size, features, and how complex is it to build an AR app.

4. What tools do I need to create an AR app?

You’ll need an AR SDK like ARCore, ARKit, or Vuforia, a programming language (like C# or Swift). You would also require a platform like Unity or Android Studio.

5. Is it costly to build an AR app?

Basic apps start around $30,000. More advanced AR apps with 3D models, AI, or real-time maps can cost over $300,000.