Web AR vs App AR

With Artivive, you can do both - Web AR and App AR - or only one of the two... You decide, what matches best for you.
With Artivive, you can do both
- WebAR and App AR -
or only one of the two... You decide, what matches best for you.
To help you finding the best solution, first let us tell you, what Web AR is - and also let us explain the differences between this and App AR.

What is Web AR - and why should creatives care?

Web AR is the magic trick you never knew you needed. No apps. No downloads. Just a browser, a QR code, and boom - your art leaps off the wall. Your design starts to move. Your story unfolds in the palm of someone’s hand.
Imagine it:
Someone pauses in front of your poster. They lift their phone, and suddenly - a dancer pirouettes into view, a voice whispers secrets through a painting, or a 3D-model rises from a sketch. No buttons. No waiting. Just pure wonder.
Whether you're a painter, architect, performer, or storyteller, Web AR turns static into cinematic. Add video to your print, turn sculptures into portals, let your building plans breathe.
It works everywhere. Across devices. Across borders. And when you want to change something - you just do. Update it live, no code required.
It’s quick, it’s light, it’s instant - like a spark of inspiration you can actually share.
Web AR isn’t just tech. It’s a living brushstroke in the real world.

What is App AR - and why should creatives consider it?

App AR is where you go when your imagination spills past the page and needs a world of its own.
Sure, it asks your audience to download an app - but what they step into is yours entirely. Custom. Branded. Limitless.
Now picture this:
Someone launches the Artivive app. Within seconds, they’re standing inside your painting. A sculpture transforms into an instrument they can play. A building reveals its bones, phase by phase, with a touch. This isn’t an overlay - this is immersion.
AppAR lets you build entire experiences:
Layered soundscapes. Interactive storytelling. Real-time physics. Motion tracking. Multiplayer performances. If you can dream it, you can design it - just the way you want.
Now picture this:
Someone launches the Artivive app. Within seconds, they’re standing inside your painting. A sculpture transforms into an instrument they can play. A building reveals its bones, phase by phase, with a touch. This isn’t an overlay - this is immersion.
App AR lets you build entire experiences:
Layered soundscapes. Interactive storytelling. Real-time physics. Motion tracking. Multiplayer performances. If you can dream it, you can design it - just the way you want.
It’s built for deep engagement. Perfect for galleries, stage pieces, architectural showcases, or AR projects that evolve overtime.
Yes, the entry is higher. But so is the ceiling.
App AR isn’t just a tool - it’s your entire stage, set, and spotlight.

Web AR or App AR?
What fits your vision?

Web AR is instant. No app, no download - just scan and experience. Perfect for posters, packaging, exhibitions, and quick bursts of creativity. Fast to launch. Easy to update. Frictionless for your audience.
App AR is immersive. Build rich, interactive AR worlds with sound, touch, motion, and full creative control - all inside your own branded app. Ideal for museums, tours, games, or evolving installations.
Quick decision?
→ Choose Web AR for speed and access.
→ Choose App AR for depth and longevity.
→ Or combine both: Web AR invites, App AR immerses.

The main differences between Web AR and App AR:

Installation requirement

User Engagement

Hardware Access

Cross-Platform Support

Performance

Content Complexity

Web AR

App AR

No installation required

App must be installed

Lower retention and re-engagement

Higher retention via notifications

Limited access to device sensors

Full access to device capabilities

Works on most modern browser

Platform-specific (iOS/Android)

Moderate (browser-limited)

High performance

Simple AR experience only

Supports complex AR

Now it's up to you!

With this in mind, it's clear: both Web AR and App AR offer powerful creative potential. The right choice depends on your audience, your goals, and the experience you want to build.
If you're aiming for broad reach and instant engagement - think print ads, packaging, pop-ups - Web AR is your go-to.
If you’re building something interactive, branded, and long-lasting - like AR games, guided tours, or educational tools - App AR is the path forward.
And here’s the best part: with Artivive, you don’t have to choose just one.  You can launch a Web AR experience for spontaneous engagement and complement it with deeper app-based features for long-term impact. You decide what fits your vision best - or even combine both to meet users wherever they are.
And here’s the best part:
with Artivive, you don’t have to choose just one.
You can launch a WebAR experience for spontaneous engagement and complement it with deeper app-based features for long-term impact. You decide what fits your vision best - or even combine both to meet users wherever they are.
So whether you’re an artist, museum curator, educator, brand manager, creative agency, or simply want to develop your creativity to a new level - we’ve got the tools to make your AR idea a reality.
Ready to create something unforgettable?

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