---
title: "Mobile AR Development"
content_type: pathway
url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development?language=en"
language: en
difficulty: foundational
duration_weeks: 8
unity_version:
  - "2022.3"
supported_unity_versions:
  - name: "2022.3"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development.md?language=en&version=2022.3"
  - name: "2021.3"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development.md?language=en&version=2021.3"
available_languages:
  - name: "en"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development.md?language=en"
  - name: "es"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development.md?language=es"
  - name: "ko"
    url: "https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development.md?language=ko"
last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:21:10.000Z"
---

# Mobile AR Development

Welcome to AR Development! In this learning Pathway, you'll create Augmented Reality (AR) applications that are compatible with iOS and Android devices. You’ll use Visual Scripting and Unity’s AR tools to develop a wide variety of engaging AR experiences. This pathway assumes a basic knowledge of Unity.

## For educators

Below you can download a CSV outline and a Common Cartridge file for this pathway.

**CSV Outline**
Open the CSV outline in spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) for a summary of all content in the pathway, with links to each tutorial, exercise, and quiz.

**Common Cartridge**
Use the Common Cartridge file to import the pathway content into your Learning Management System (such as Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, etc.). See instructions from your LMS provider for importing Common Cartridge files.

- [Mobile AR Development v2022.3 Common Cartridge File](https://storage.googleapis.com/learn-platform-bucket-production/pathway/8eb1aeff-a104-48e1-8ba6-27e2ca77792f/educatorMaterials.materials%5B_key==%22c41a0d51a921%22%5D.file/Mobile_AR_Development_CommonCartridge_20251024_192007.imscc)

## [Get started with AR](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar?language=en&version=2022.3)

In these tutorials, you'll get ready for AR development. First, you'll learn about the field of AR and hear from established creators in the AR industry. Next, you'll download all required software to get started and configure a Unity project for AR development. Finally, you'll deploy a test project to your mobile device to make sure everything is working as it should.

- [Welcome to AR Development](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/welcome-to-the-course-2?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/welcome-to-the-course-2.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Get an overview of augmented reality, what this AR learning path covers, and the tools you need to begin developing.
- [Configure your AR development environment](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/configure-your-ar-development-environment?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/configure-your-ar-development-environment.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Ensure your computer and mobile device are ready for AR development, then explore a Unity project configured specifically for AR.
- [Deploy your project to iOS or Android](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/deploy-your-project-to-ios-or-android?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/tutorial/deploy-your-project-to-ios-or-android.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Deploy your AR project to an iOS or Android device and view a spinning cube in your real-world environment.
- [Welcome to AR Development Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/quiz/welcome-to-ar-development-quiz?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/get-started-with-ar/quiz/welcome-to-ar-development-quiz.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Use this quiz to check your understanding of core augmented reality concepts and how to begin AR development.

## [Create a basic face filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials?language=en&version=2022.3)

In this mission you'll create your own custom face filter app that includes a wide variety of digital content. The face filter will include interesting textures, animated 3D models, dynamic particles, and post-processing effects. You'll also complete a challenge where you design a custom filter for an ice cream shop.

- [Set up a face tracking project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/set-up-a-face-tracking-project?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/set-up-a-face-tracking-project.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Configure your AR face filter project for face detection, tracking, and testing using the provided assets.
- [Add a face texture](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-a-face-texture?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-a-face-texture.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Build an AR face effect by adding a 3D mesh overlay and applying both color tints and detailed textures to the user’s face.
- [Add accessories to your filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-accessories-to-your-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-accessories-to-your-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Attach and position 3D accessories on a tracked face, optimize meshes and custom assets, then build and test the app.
- [Add animations to your filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-animations-to-your-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-animations-to-your-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Discover and apply animations in the Unity Editor to bring face filter accessories to life.
- [Add particle effects to your filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-particle-effects-to-your-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-particle-effects-to-your-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Attach and customize a particle system on a face filter to enhance AR visuals, then build and test your updated app.
- [Add post-processing to your filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-post-processing-to-your-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/add-post-processing-to-your-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Practice setting up a post-processing volume, adding effects, then building and testing your updated app.
- [Submission: Ice cream company filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/submission-ice-cream-company-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-basic-face-filter-tutorials/tutorial/submission-ice-cream-company-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3))

## [Create an interactive face filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter?language=en&version=2022.3)

Now that you’ve created a basic face filter, you’re ready to develop your skills and work on a filter that involves interactivity. In this project, you will create your own interactive app that allows a user to select, customize, and visualize different pairs of glasses on their face.You will also complete a challenge where you design an interactive underwater scuba filter for an aquarium.

- [Build a new scene with glasses](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/build-a-new-scene-with-glasses?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/build-a-new-scene-with-glasses.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — In this project, you build a face-tracking app where users choose and recolor glasses filters through a simple UI.
- [Set up the UI](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/set-up-the-ui?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/set-up-the-ui.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Add on-screen buttons to your UI and customize their appearance so users can choose and style glasses.
- [Create a visual script to detect a button press](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/create-a-visual-script-to-detect-a-button-press?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/create-a-visual-script-to-detect-a-button-press.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Build your first visual script graph to handle button presses and explore the Visual Scripting editor.
- [Turn on the glasses with buttons](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/turn-on-the-glasses-with-buttons?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/turn-on-the-glasses-with-buttons.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Use script graphs and tags to let UI buttons toggle the visibility of multiple pairs of glasses.
- [Update your graph to switch between glasses](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/update-your-graph-to-switch-between-glasses?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/update-your-graph-to-switch-between-glasses.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Extend your visual scripting graph so only one pair of glasses shows at a time and use custom events to make your scripts more efficient.
- [Configure one color button](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/configure-one-color-button?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/configure-one-color-button.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Create a script graph and material variables to apply one material to all glasses with a button click.
- [Complete the color switching functionality](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/complete-the-color-switching-functionality?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/complete-the-color-switching-functionality.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Create a custom event with arguments to efficiently complete color button functionality across multiple buttons.
- [Save and load the glasses](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/save-and-load-the-glasses?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/save-and-load-the-glasses.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Learn to store a user’s selection and automatically restore AR glasses when their face returns to the camera view.
- [Submission: Ocean-themed face filter](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/submission-ocean-themed-face-filter?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/tutorial/submission-ocean-themed-face-filter.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Create an interactive AR face filter for a fictional client campaign focused on promoting ocean conservation.
- [Create with AR: Face Filters Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/quiz/create-with-ar-face-filters-quiz?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/interactive-face-filter/quiz/create-with-ar-face-filters-quiz.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Take this quiz to confirm your grasp of facial tracking workflows and other augmented reality development basics.

## [Create a marker-based AR app](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app?language=en&version=2022.3)

A **marker-based** app is an application that can recognize images (called markers) in the real world and then make content appear in the app. You may have seen applications that use this kind of technology to make AR content for movie posters, product labels, card games, and even business cards.

In this project, you’ll make a marker-based app with a user interface that lets the user control a 3D model, text, and audio.

- [Create a new project for marker-based AR](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/create-a-new-project-for-marker-based-ar?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/create-a-new-project-for-marker-based-ar.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Set up a marker-based augmented reality project in Unity and test it with a 3D model you choose.
- [Spawn an object on an AR Marker](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/spawn-an-object-on-an-ar-marker?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/spawn-an-object-on-an-ar-marker.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Configure an augmented reality marker so your selected model appears only when the marker is detected in the scene.
- [Add a UI with rotation buttons](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-a-ui-with-rotation-buttons?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-a-ui-with-rotation-buttons.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Add a user interface with buttons to your scene so users can rotate a placed model and prepare for future UI features.
- [Add world space UI to your marker-based app](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-world-space-ui-to-your-marker-based-app?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-world-space-ui-to-your-marker-based-app.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Build an AR world space canvas with a hover label and toggle button that follows a model in the scene.
- [Add spatial audio to your marker-based app](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-spatial-audio-to-your-marker-based-app?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/add-spatial-audio-to-your-marker-based-app.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Set up spatial audio so your 3D model plays immersive sound when a button is clicked.
- [Submission: Bring art to life with AR](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/submission-bringing-art-to-life-with-ar?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-marker-based-ar-app/tutorial/submission-bringing-art-to-life-with-ar.md?language=en&version=2022.3))

## [Create a plane detection AR app](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app?language=en&version=2022.3)

In this project, you’ll create an AR app that makes use of plane detection technology. iOS and Android devices have the ability to detect flat surfaces — or planes — in your physical environment. This includes horizontal planes like the floor or a table, and vertical planes like the walls.

You will create an app where the user will be able to tap on a plane in order to place a portal onto it. This portal will be a window into a virtual 3D environment that the user can peer into and explore.

You will also complete a challenge where you design an app that allows the user to place a character on a table and interact with it.

- [Set up a scene with plane detection](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/set-up-a-scene-with-plane-detection?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/set-up-a-scene-with-plane-detection.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Start an AR project by creating a new scene and configuring it to detect planes in the environment.
- [Detect the user’s touch](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/detect-the-user-s-touch?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/detect-the-user-s-touch.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Use Visual Scripting to detect screen taps, track touch positions, and present touch details in a user interface.
- [Detect when the user touches a plane](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/detect-when-the-user-touches-a-plane?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/detect-when-the-user-touches-a-plane.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Implement raycasting to detect user touches on planes and trigger a portal when a valid plane is tapped.
- [Instantiate the portal on a plane](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/instantiate-the-portal-on-a-plane?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/instantiate-the-portal-on-a-plane.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Learn to instantiate your portal GameObject onto a detected plane after setting up touch input and ray casts.
- [Test the frame rate of the portal world](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/test-the-frame-rate-of-the-portal-world?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/test-the-frame-rate-of-the-portal-world.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Design the portal’s digital world, see it placed on detected planes, and explore key mobile performance and optimization needs.
- [Limit the visibility of the portal world](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/limit-the-visibility-of-the-portal-world?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/limit-the-visibility-of-the-portal-world.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Refine your portal effect by restricting the inner world view to the portal window for stronger visual impact.
- [Submission: AR friend](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/submission-ar-friend?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/tutorial/submission-ar-friend.md?language=en&version=2022.3))
- [Create with AR: markers and planes Quiz](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/quiz/create-with-ar-markers-and-planes-quiz?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/create-a-plane-detection-ar-app/quiz/create-with-ar-markers-and-planes-quiz.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Check your understanding of AR basics focused on AR markers and AR plane detection.

## [AR experience design](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design?language=en&version=2022.3)

In this learning experience, you’ll port an existing desktop game to mobile and redesign it to be a fully functioning (and fun!) AR experience. You’ll conduct research, create a design document, modify visual scripts, and regularly playtest your app. At the conclusion of this project, you’ll also design and create your own fully realized AR application.

- [UFO project overview](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/ufo-project-overview?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/ufo-project-overview.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Begin planning an AR port by reviewing the UFO game, exploring the project, researching AR, and starting a design document.
- [Explore the Unity project](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/explore-the-unity-project?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/explore-the-unity-project.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Review the game’s technical design document, scenes, and key script machines and script graphs in the Unity project.
- [Begin the AR port](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/begin-the-ar-port?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/begin-the-ar-port.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Create a new AR project, import existing game assets, and build an initial mobile test version of your AR port.
- [Selecting an orientation for your AR game](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/selecting-an-orientation-for-your-ar-game?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/selecting-an-orientation-for-your-ar-game.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Choose an optimal mobile screen orientation for the UFO game and update the game UI to match it.
- [Enable the play area](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/enable-the-play-area?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/enable-the-play-area.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Choose an AR anchoring approach, use AR Foundation to instantiate assets, and refine your mobile app through testing.
- [Develop the AR UFO movement](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/develop-the-ar-ufo-movement?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/develop-the-ar-ufo-movement.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Redesign the UFO movement visual script to create and apply AR-friendly touch controls for mobile devices.
- [Develop the AR UFO abduction action](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/develop-the-ar-ufo-abduction-action?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/develop-the-ar-ufo-abduction-action.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Redesign the UFO abduction mechanic for mobile by updating its UI and Visual Script.
- [Other AR considerations](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/other-ar-considerations?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/other-ar-considerations.md?language=en&version=2022.3)) — Evaluate your mobile AR UFO game’s design and refine key elements to improve the overall AR experience.
- [Design your own AR app](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/design-your-own-ar-app?language=en&version=2022.3) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/pathway/mobile-ar-development/unit/ar-experience-design/tutorial/design-your-own-ar-app.md?language=en&version=2022.3))