8th Wall
8th Wall is a powerful web-based augmented reality platform that allows you to create and publish interactive AR experiences that run directly in mobile browsers without requiring an app download.
Primer
Primer is an augmented reality tool for artists and galleries that lets you visualize life-sized artwork on any wall using just an iPhone or iPad to close sales faster.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 8th Wall | Primer |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 8thwall.com | primer-art.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2016 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, USA | Oakland, USA |
Overview
8th Wall
8th Wall provides you with a complete professional toolkit for building augmented reality experiences that live entirely on the web. Instead of forcing your customers to download bulky apps, you can reach them instantly through their mobile browser. You can create world-tracked AR, image targets, and even face effects using standard web technologies like JavaScript and WebGL.
The platform includes a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) so you can code, test, and publish your projects from a single interface. Whether you are building a virtual try-on for retail or an immersive scavenger hunt for a marketing campaign, it handles the complex computer vision math so you can focus on the creative experience. It is designed for agencies and developers who need to deploy high-quality AR at scale across iOS and Android devices.
Primer
Primer helps you bridge the gap between digital browsing and physical ownership by letting your clients see exactly how artwork looks in their own space. You can upload your entire portfolio and view pieces at their true scale on any wall using advanced augmented reality. This eliminates the guesswork for collectors and interior designers, helping them feel confident in their purchase decisions without needing physical trials or shipping samples.
You can manage your inventory directly from your mobile device and share immersive previews with your audience. Whether you are an independent artist or a high-end gallery, the platform provides a professional way to showcase work in a real-world context. By integrating these AR previews into your sales process, you reduce the friction of 'will it fit' and focus on the emotional connection of the art.
Overview
8th Wall Features
- World Tracking Place digital objects in physical spaces with high precision using SLAM technology that tracks surfaces and movement in real-time.
- Image Targets Turn flat images like posters, packaging, or business cards into interactive digital triggers that launch 3D animations and videos.
- Face Effects Create custom filters and virtual try-on experiences for glasses or jewelry that map perfectly to your user's facial features.
- Cloud Editor Write and debug your code in a specialized web-based IDE that includes built-in version control and instant deployment.
- Sky Effects Replace the real-world sky with custom digital environments to create immersive, large-scale outdoor augmented reality scenes.
- Light Estimation Match your digital objects to the real-world lighting conditions of your user's environment for a more realistic visual experience.
Primer Features
- Life-Sized Visualization. View your artwork at its exact physical dimensions on any wall to ensure a perfect fit for your clients' spaces.
- Lighting Simulation. Adjust how light interacts with your art in real-time to match the specific ambiance of any room or gallery setting.
- Portfolio Management. Upload and organize your entire collection of paintings or prints in one place for quick access during sales consultations.
- Instant Sharing. Send AR-enabled links to your prospective buyers so they can view the artwork on their own walls from home.
- Frame Customization. Toggle between different framing options and styles to help your clients visualize the finished look of a piece.
- High-Res Textures. Showcase the fine details of your work with high-resolution textures that maintain clarity even when viewing up close in AR.
Pricing Comparison
8th Wall Pricing
- Non-commercial use only
- Access to Cloud Editor
- Unlimited project drafts
- Community support access
- Basic AR engine features
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Commercial publishing rights
- Direct email support
- Custom domain hosting
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Increased monthly view limits
Primer Pricing
- Up to 50 active artworks
- Unlimited AR views
- Basic lighting controls
- Standard framing options
- Email support
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Unlimited artwork uploads
- Advanced lighting and shadows
- Custom branding options
- Priority customer support
- Analytics and view tracking
Pros & Cons
8th Wall
Pros
- Eliminates the friction of app store downloads
- Works consistently across both iOS and Android
- Excellent documentation and active developer community
- Powerful computer vision for web-based tracking
Cons
- Monthly subscription costs can be high
- Requires strong JavaScript and coding knowledge
- Performance depends heavily on mobile browser speed
Primer
Pros
- Extremely accurate scaling helps clients visualize size
- Simple interface makes it easy to use during live shows
- High-quality rendering makes art look realistic on walls
- Reduces the need for expensive physical art trials
Cons
- Currently limited to iOS and iPadOS devices only
- Requires high-quality photos for the best AR results
- Subscription cost may be high for emerging artists