OpenAR
openar.tech
What it is
OpenAR is a free, open-source web resource for building lightweight browser-based augmented reality experiences. It provides customizable templates, trainings, and tutorials aimed at digital humanities practitioners, including people with limited coding knowledge. The project uses the free browser-based AR.js library. OpenAR describes projects connected to physical spaces, historical narratives, and cultural objects, with applications in research, teaching, and public work. Its intended audience is scholars, educators, and public practitioners using digital technologies in the humanities. The DWELL Lab at the University of Rhode Island brings the project to visitors from Kingston, Rhode Island. The project says specialized training modules and public workshops are planned with the DWELL Lab at URI. OpenAR is under development in 2025 and asks visitors to check back for updates. Its Free plan costs nothing, with all resources available online. Lesson authoring is supported, and web is the listed platform.
Spec sheet
- Audience
- OpenAR is designed for scholars, educators, and public practitioners who use digital technologies in the humanities.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Platforms
- OpenAR describes its experiences as web-based and says they do not require app-based platforms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Headquarters
- Kingston, Rhode Island, USARead 28 Sep 2026 · openar.tech
- Maker
- The site says OpenAR is brought to visitors by the Digital Writing Environments, Location, and Localization (DWELL) Lab at the University of Rhode Island.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Core features
- Its customizable AR templates and tutorials are intended to help people with limited coding knowledge create interactive AR experiences.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Project status
- The site says the project is under development in 2025 and asks visitors to check back for updates.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Toolkit
- The project offers trainings, templates, and tutorials for digital humanities practitioners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Training
- The project says it will offer specialized training modules and public workshops in partnership with the DWELL Lab at URI.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Underlying library
- The project uses the free, browser-based AR.js library.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- Use cases
- The site describes using OpenAR for research, teaching, and public projects involving physical spaces, historical narratives, and cultural objects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
- What it is
- OpenAR is a free, open source resource for building lightweight browser-based augmented reality experiences.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openar.tech
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open source
- Browser-based AR.js foundation
- Templates support limited coding experience
- Trainings and tutorials for digital humanities
- Resources available online
Limits
- Project is under development in 2025
- Web is the only listed platform
- Specialized training modules and workshops are planned
Who it suits
OpenAR suits scholars, educators, and public practitioners creating browser-based AR for humanities research, teaching, or public projects. It also fits users seeking templates and tutorials with limited coding experience.
Verdict
OpenAR provides free web resources for creating lightweight AR in humanities contexts. Its developing status and web-only delivery are important considerations for planning projects.
Where Specifiction places it
- Augmented Reality Learning Apps#22 of 257.1