Getting Started with Lens Studio and ML Enabled Templates

This guide is essential for anyone looking to start their journey in augmented reality development using Lens Studio, as it simplifies the process with user-friendly templates that foster creativity and efficiency. By leveraging these templates, users can save time, gain valuable insights into AR functionalities, and enhance their projects with personalized assets and designs. Additionally, the guide offers practical steps for customizing and publishing AR filters to Snapchat, making the entire experience accessible even for beginners. Overall, it empowers creators to confidently explore and innovate in the AR space.

Tasha Penwell
51 steps
5 minutes

Snapchat

Lens Studio is available for free download and use at <https://ar.snap.com/download?lang=en-US>

Open Lens Studio

Scroll down and open the templates provided by Lens Studio.

Using Lens Studio templates offers several benefits for creators just starting out in augmented reality development: - **Ease of Use**: Templates provide a structured starting point, allowing users to quickly grasp the basics of AR creation without needing extensive technical knowledge. - **Time-Saving**: By utilizing pre-built templates, creators can significantly reduce the time spent on setup and design, enabling them to focus on customizing their Lenses to fit their unique vision. - **Learning Opportunity**: Templates serve as practical examples that help new users understand how different features and functionalities work within Lens Studio, facilitating a smoother learning curve. - **Creative Inspiration**: With a variety of templates available, users can explore different styles and concepts, sparking creativity and encouraging experimentation with AR effects. - **Quick Prototyping**: Templates allow for rapid prototyping of ideas, making it easier to test and iterate on designs before finalizing a project. Overall, Lens Studio templates empower creators to dive into AR development with confidence and efficiency, making the process more accessible and enjoyable.

Find the **Team Celebrate** template and click on it to begin using it.

Add Assets

We will practiced uploading a two different files into the AR experience. You can use your own images (think of your school logo and colors) or you can use the ones used in this demo. <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kXOWPGtKGeyrhmbRT4XBYpH7kAZKHOaW?usp=sharing>

Click the Add New Resource button in the Asset section on the bottom left side of your screen.

Click "Import Asset"

Find the image to add. Repeat as needed until you have all the images uploaded. You can do this anytime so do not worry if you forget one

Customizing the Colors in the Template

This template includes face paint. If you look in the Scene Hierarchy on the left side, you will see under Face Effects the option for Face Paints with the tip of \[EDIT_ME\]. Click on this item.

In the Inspector panel, you will see the option to update the colors. Again you can choose your own colors or follow this demo. *Note: I am on a Mac, so there may be some slight differences in how the color options appear if you are using a PC.*

Select desired color and repeat this step until complete.

The Face Paint Type defaults to Vertical Three.

You can select it to expand the options and choose one based on your preference.

Update Logos

Click "Face Logos \[EDIT_ME\]"

Click the Choose Texture text field

Click "AI monster" or your preferred image.

Click "OK"

The logo will appear over the left eye by default. Explore the options and select the one based on your preference.

Click this slider to adjust the opacity.

Update the Confetti

Click "Confetti [EDIT_ME]"

Adjust the colors based on your preference.

Click this slider

Click "Screen Logos Controller [EDIT_ME]"

Update the Logo and Banner Image

Click the Choose Texture text field

Click "AI monster" or your preferred image

Click the Team Banner default image

Click "AI-in-LA" or your preferred image

Click "OK"

Publishing Your Filter to Snapchat

Click "Send to All Devices" to see the result on your device. *Note: This may create some changes in your preview panel. I believe this is a bug in Lens Studio. It does not affect the final product.*

Adjust your filter as needed and select **Publish** when done.

Update the name as appropriate

Click "Project Settings - General" to begin to customize the icon and preview screen Snapchat users will see.

Click this image

Click "Import" if you want to use an image on your computer.

Click **Save Changes**

Click "Project Settings - Lens Icon"

Select the Preview Screen of your choice.

Click "Publish"

You will need to login to your Snapchat account on your computer to finish the following steps. Your steps may differ slightly than what you see below if you have a newer developer account.

Choose at least one category to help your filter find its target audience.

Click here

Tags are also helpful to help gain views and find your target audience.

Click **Publish**

Click **Publish** after you have designated if you want your filter to be Public, Hidden, or Offline.

Dancing Panda is a good sign.

View Your Lenses

Click **Go to My Lenses**

Click **Insights**

Explore the metrics available and time frames.

Review the Audience and Engagement metrics

The Team Celebrate filter in Lens Studio is an excellent example of how AI and machine learning are being applied to create engaging augmented reality experiences: - It uses advanced face detection and tracking AI to accurately map users' faces in real-time. - Machine learning algorithms analyze facial features and expressions to apply appropriate celebratory effects. - AI enables the filter to work across diverse face shapes, skin tones, and lighting conditions.