3D Snapchat Filter - Cat Mask

Apr 27, 2025
3 min read

Project Overview

In this project, I created a 3D Snapchat filter using Lens Studio that allows users to wear a 3D cat mask in AR. The filter integrates a dynamic 3D model, which interacts with the user’s face in real-time, providing an immersive and fun experience for Snapchat users.

Objective

The goal was to create a fun and engaging 3D AR experience where users could wear a cat mask in the Snapchat environment. By incorporating interactive 3D content, I aimed to create a filter that users would enjoy and share with friends on Snapchat.

Process

Research and Inspiration
- Inspiration: I wanted to create a playful and interactive AR experience. After browsing for potential models, I came across a cat mask on Sketchfab that I felt would work well with the facial tracking in Lens Studio.
- Lens Studio Exploration: I then familiarized myself with Lens Studio, particularly its 3D asset handling and face tracking capabilities. This filter would use the cat mask as a headpiece that reacts to the user’s face.
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of Lens Studio interface showing the workspace] Image showing the Lens Studio workspace where the 3D model is being imported and manipulated.
Design and Asset Creation
- Selecting the 3D Model: The 3D cat mask was sourced from Sketchfab, where I found a suitable model to use for the filter.
  - Model Link: Cat Mask from Sketchfab
- Model Download and Preparation: I downloaded the model in FBX format (as per Sketchfab’s offering) and made sure it was compatible with Lens Studio.
  - The model came with detailed textures and was in the correct format for importing into Lens Studio.
- Texturing and Adjustments: The textures on the mask were fine-tuned in Blender to ensure it looked realistic on a user’s face. I adjusted the scale and proportions to fit properly on a face in the Snapchat AR environment.
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the cat mask model in Blender] Image showing the texture adjustments made to the 3D cat mask model in Blender.
Development in Lens Studio
- Creating a New Project: I created a new project in Lens Studio and selected a template that supported 3D content.
- Importing the 3D Model: The FBX model of the cat mask was imported into Lens Studio.
  - After importing, I adjusted the scale and position of the model, so it would fit properly on the user's face.
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the 3D model being imported into Lens Studio] Image showing the cat mask model in the Lens Studio interface after import.
- Face Tracking and Placement: Using Lens Studio’s face tracking feature, I positioned the cat mask over the user’s face.
  - The mask was attached to the user’s head and would move in sync with their facial expressions and head movements.
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot showing face tracking working with the 3D model] Image showing how the cat mask reacts to head movements in the preview mode.
Adding Animations and Interactivity
- Facial Expressions: I set up simple facial expressions to trigger certain animations. For instance, the cat mask could blink or wiggle its ears when the user smiled or moved their head.
- User Interaction: The mask was set to follow the user’s head movements, so it would react naturally as the user tilted their head or moved around.
- Animation Details: I used Lens Studio’s animation editor to create subtle movements, like a head tilting effect or ear flicker to make the mask feel more lifelike.
[Image Placeholder: GIF of the cat mask animation reacting to user movement] Image or GIF demonstrating how the cat mask moves or reacts to the user's facial expressions or head movements.
Testing and Refining
- Preview Testing: I used Lens Studio’s preview mode to test how the cat mask performed on real faces. This helped me verify that the face tracking worked as expected and that the mask was placed accurately on various face types.
- Refinement: I made adjustments to the model’s size, positioning, and interaction speed based on testing feedback to ensure the best possible user experience.
[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the cat mask in preview mode] Image showing how the 3D mask appears on a real user in Lens Studio preview.

Outcome

The filter successfully integrates a 3D cat mask into the Snapchat environment, offering a fun and immersive AR experience for users. With over 25,000 plays and hundreds of shares, the filter received positive feedback for its interactive features and realistic movement.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of analytics with filter performance stats] Image showing the filter’s performance stats, like number of plays, shares, etc., if applicable.

Conclusion

This project showcases my ability to create a 3D Snapchat filter with interactive and dynamic elements. By combining Lens Studio’s face tracking with a custom 3D model, I was able to create an engaging AR experience that users could enjoy and share.

Project Overview

In this project, I created a 3D Snapchat filter using Lens Studio that allows users to wear a 3D cat mask in AR. The filter integrates a dynamic 3D model, which interacts with the user’s face in real-time, providing an immersive and fun experience for Snapchat users.

Objective

The goal was to create a fun and engaging 3D AR experience where users could wear a cat mask in the Snapchat environment. By incorporating interactive 3D content, I aimed to create a filter that users would enjoy and share with friends on Snapchat.

Process

Research and Inspiration

Inspiration: I wanted to create a playful and interactive AR experience. After browsing for potential models, I came across a cat mask on Sketchfab that I felt would work well with the facial tracking in Lens Studio.

Lens Studio Exploration: I then familiarized myself with Lens Studio, particularly its 3D asset handling and face tracking capabilities. This filter would use the cat mask as a headpiece that reacts to the user’s face.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of Lens Studio interface showing the workspace] Image showing the Lens Studio workspace where the 3D model is being imported and manipulated.

Design and Asset Creation

Selecting the 3D Model: The 3D cat mask was sourced from Sketchfab, where I found a suitable model to use for the filter.

Model Link: Cat Mask from Sketchfab

Model Download and Preparation: I downloaded the model in FBX format (as per Sketchfab’s offering) and made sure it was compatible with Lens Studio.

The model came with detailed textures and was in the correct format for importing into Lens Studio.

Texturing and Adjustments: The textures on the mask were fine-tuned in Blender to ensure it looked realistic on a user’s face. I adjusted the scale and proportions to fit properly on a face in the Snapchat AR environment.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the cat mask model in Blender] Image showing the texture adjustments made to the 3D cat mask model in Blender.

Development in Lens Studio

Creating a New Project: I created a new project in Lens Studio and selected a template that supported 3D content.

Importing the 3D Model: The FBX model of the cat mask was imported into Lens Studio.

After importing, I adjusted the scale and position of the model, so it would fit properly on the user's face.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the 3D model being imported into Lens Studio] Image showing the cat mask model in the Lens Studio interface after import.

Face Tracking and Placement: Using Lens Studio’s face tracking feature, I positioned the cat mask over the user’s face.

The mask was attached to the user’s head and would move in sync with their facial expressions and head movements.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot showing face tracking working with the 3D model] Image showing how the cat mask reacts to head movements in the preview mode.

Adding Animations and Interactivity

Facial Expressions: I set up simple facial expressions to trigger certain animations. For instance, the cat mask could blink or wiggle its ears when the user smiled or moved their head.

User Interaction: The mask was set to follow the user’s head movements, so it would react naturally as the user tilted their head or moved around.

Animation Details: I used Lens Studio’s animation editor to create subtle movements, like a head tilting effect or ear flicker to make the mask feel more lifelike.

[Image Placeholder: GIF of the cat mask animation reacting to user movement] Image or GIF demonstrating how the cat mask moves or reacts to the user's facial expressions or head movements.

Testing and Refining

Preview Testing: I used Lens Studio’s preview mode to test how the cat mask performed on real faces. This helped me verify that the face tracking worked as expected and that the mask was placed accurately on various face types.

Refinement: I made adjustments to the model’s size, positioning, and interaction speed based on testing feedback to ensure the best possible user experience.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the cat mask in preview mode] Image showing how the 3D mask appears on a real user in Lens Studio preview.

Outcome

The filter successfully integrates a 3D cat mask into the Snapchat environment, offering a fun and immersive AR experience for users. With over 25,000 plays and hundreds of shares, the filter received positive feedback for its interactive features and realistic movement.

[Image Placeholder: Screenshot of analytics with filter performance stats] Image showing the filter’s performance stats, like number of plays, shares, etc., if applicable.

Conclusion

This project showcases my ability to create a 3D Snapchat filter with interactive and dynamic elements. By combining Lens Studio’s face tracking with a custom 3D model, I was able to create an engaging AR experience that users could enjoy and share.

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