Top Tools I Use to Create AR/3D/AI Art in 2026
augmented reality
In 2026, my practice sits at the intersection of AR, 3D sculpture, and AI-assisted ideatio: with a focus on mobile-first, real-time experiences. My visual language is Space Metamodern: high contrast, saturated accents, digital textures, “gloss + glitch,” and everyday-life narratives told through a heroine in a helmet.
Below is my real, working toolbox:
both software tools and mindset tools that help me ship consistently.
Below is my real, working toolbox:
both software tools and mindset tools that help me ship consistently.
AR Platforms and Publishing
Prototype → Ship
Reality Composer Pro (visionOS)
A fast way to prototype spatial scenes for Apple’s ecosystem and test interactions with RealityKit workflows useful for early staging and scene composition.
WebAR.Studio ★
My go-to when the goal is AR in the browser: quick deployment, robust WebAR capabilities, and flexible JS workflows. Great for brand activations, campaigns, and interactive pages
A fast way to prototype spatial scenes for Apple’s ecosystem and test interactions with RealityKit workflows useful for early staging and scene composition.
WebAR.Studio ★
My go-to when the goal is AR in the browser: quick deployment, robust WebAR capabilities, and flexible JS workflows. Great for brand activations, campaigns, and interactive pages
3D Creation:
Modeling, Sculpting, and Texturing
Blender (desktop)
My main production hub for modeling, animation, geometry nodes, and clean export prep for real-time formats.
Nomad Sculpt (iPad)★
The best “create anywhere” sculpting tool for me: quick forms, fast iteration, and concept sculpting that can later be cleaned up in Blender.
Substance 3D Painter
My standard for PBR texturing: smart materials, masking workflows, and reliable output that reads beautifully in AR (where materials must stay clear on small screens).
My main production hub for modeling, animation, geometry nodes, and clean export prep for real-time formats.
Nomad Sculpt (iPad)★
The best “create anywhere” sculpting tool for me: quick forms, fast iteration, and concept sculpting that can later be cleaned up in Blender.
Substance 3D Painter
My standard for PBR texturing: smart materials, masking workflows, and reliable output that reads beautifully in AR (where materials must stay clear on small screens).
Scanning and Reality Capture
Including Gaussian Splats
Polycam★
For capturing real-world texture and spatial presence—especially helpful when I need a scene to feel “anchored” in a real location. Gaussian splats can produce a striking sense of realism and atmosphere for certain use cases.
For capturing real-world texture and spatial presence—especially helpful when I need a scene to feel “anchored” in a real location. Gaussian splats can produce a striking sense of realism and atmosphere for certain use cases.
AI Tools for Ideation, Visual Research, and Previs
Runway★
My favorite for quick video previs: testing pacing, camera language, mood, and transformation ideas before I commit to heavy 3D production.
Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL)★ (via ComfyUI / Diffusers)
For controlled, iterative image research: composition studies, styling, poster directions, texture ideas, and early exploration.
Note: For commercial work, I keep licensing/usage constraints in mind and treat AI outputs as a sketch layer—then rebuild and finalize the deliverable cleanly in 3D.
My favorite for quick video previs: testing pacing, camera language, mood, and transformation ideas before I commit to heavy 3D production.
Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL)★ (via ComfyUI / Diffusers)
For controlled, iterative image research: composition studies, styling, poster directions, texture ideas, and early exploration.
Note: For commercial work, I keep licensing/usage constraints in mind and treat AI outputs as a sketch layer—then rebuild and finalize the deliverable cleanly in 3D.
Delivery Formats That Actually Work
WebAR + Mobile
For AR and real-time delivery, formats matter as much as aesthetics:
- glTF/GLB my default for real-time pipelines
- USDZ essential for Apple ecosystems
- Mobile-first constraints: polycount budgets, texture sizes (often ≤2K), LODs, baking, and material claritycan
“Mindset Tools”
The Stuff That Saves Weeks
These are the quiet heroes behind consistent output:
- Notion★ pipelines, export checklists, reference boards, client notes
- CleanShot X / Loom★ fast visual updates and approvals
- Raycast / Alfred★ shortcuts, snippets, prompt templates
- Pinterest / reference libraries composition, lighting, and styling research
My 2026 Workflow
Practical Pipeline
- Idea → moodboard: SDXL + Pinterest, organized in Notion
- Form sketching: Nomad Sculpt on iPad for speed
- Production modeling + prep: Blender for topology, rigging, animation, export
- Optional capture: Polycam for real-world elements / location vibe
- Texturing: Substance 3D Painter for PBR clarity
- Previs: Runway to test camera, pacing, mood
- Optimization: baking, atlasing, texture sizing, LODs
- Publishing: WebAR or social AR (Lens/Effect House) or visionOS prototyping (Reality Composer Pro)
Why This Stack Fits My Style
Space Metamodern
My work needs tools that support:
- High-contrast material readability on mobile screens
- Fast iteration (from idea to demo)
- Real-time constraints without losing “gallery-level” feel
- Everyday-life storytelling, translated into futuristic aesthetics
Links
- Blender → https://www.blender.org
- Reality Composer Pro (Apple docs) → https://developer.apple.com/documentation/realitykit/creating-immersive-experiences-with-reality-composer-pro
- WebAR Studio★ → https://web-ar.studio/en/
- Lens Studio → https://lensstudio.snapchat.com
- Effect House → https://effecthouse.tiktok.com
- Polycam★ → https://poly.cam
- Substance 3D Painter → https://www.adobe.com/products/substance3d-painter.html
- Runway★ → https://runwayml.com
- SDXL / Diffusers (Hugging Face) → https://huggingface.co/docs/diffusers/index
Want to Build Something Like This?
I create WebAR, social AR, and experimental 3D/AI-driven digital artworks—from concept to optimized real-time delivery.
Email: annapolani.art@gmail.com
Telegram: @anna_polani
Telegram: @anna_polani