Get the app

How to Convert Video to Virtual Reality (VR) with 3D Effect

Created
Feb 10, 2025 03:11 AM
notion image
Struggling to make your videos more immersive? With the right VR video converter, you can transform your VR videos into an even more captivating experience with a 3D effect. Learn how to convert videos in VR format with 3D effects step by step and unlock new possibilities!

What is VR Video?

Virtual Reality (VR) video is a technology that immerses viewers in a computer-generated environment, allowing them to experience and interact with a simulated world. Unlike traditional videos, VR videos provide a 180-degree or 360-degree perspective, enabling users to look around and feel as if they are part of the scene. This immersive experience is achieved through specialized equipment and software that create a sense of presence in a virtual space.
To experience VR videos, viewers typically use head-mounted displays (HMDs) such as VR headsets, which provide stereoscopic 3D views of the virtual environment. These headsets often include motion sensors to track the user's movements, allowing for real-time interaction within the virtual space. Additional input devices, like motion controllers or haptic feedback gloves, can enhance the level of interaction by enabling users to manipulate virtual objects more naturally.

Normal Video vs. VR Video

The primary distinction between VR videos and traditional videos lies in the level of viewer immersion and interaction.
  • Perspective: Traditional videos offer a fixed viewpoint, limiting viewers to the director's chosen angles. In contrast, VR videos can provide a 180 or 360-degree field of view, allowing users to explore the environment from multiple angles.
  • Interaction: Normal videos are passive; viewers cannot influence the content. VR videos, however, often allow for interaction with the virtual environment, enhancing engagement and personalization.
  • Equipment: Watching traditional videos typically requires only a screen, such as a TV or computer monitor. Experiencing VR videos necessitates specialized equipment like VR headsets and, in some cases, additional input devices.
  • Production: Traditional videos are usually shot with standard cameras and require conventional editing software for post-production. Making a VR video, on the other hand, demands a certain camera, like a VR or 360 camera, capable of capturing 360-degree or 180-degree footage. The editing process involves stitching, aligning stereoscopic views, and applying spatial audio using specialized VR video editing software. This additional complexity is necessary to create a fully immersive experience.
Feature
VR Video
Normal Video
Perspective
360° or 180°, viewers can explore the environment freely
Fixed viewpoint chosen by the director
Interaction
Interactive, allows engagement with the virtual world
Passive, no interaction
Equipment Needed
VR headset, VR camera, motion controllers (optional)
Screen (TV, monitor, smartphone)
How to Make the Video
Capture with VR cameras, edit with specialized software
Use standard cameras, edit with general software
A young boy wearing a virtual reality headset with earphones, standing in a bright indoor setting.
A young boy wearing a virtual reality headset with earphones, standing in a bright indoor setting.

Why Should You Convert Video in VR Format?

Have you ever watched a video and wished you could step inside it? That’s the magic of VR. Converting your videos into VR format unlocks a world of possibilities, giving viewers an experience that feels personal, immersive, and unforgettable. Let’s explore why making the leap to VR is worth it.

Education Like Never Before

Imagine a history class where students don’t just read about ancient civilizations but walk through their ruins, exploring the grandeur of the Colosseum or the pyramids of Egypt. Or picture a science lesson where learners explore the solar system as astronauts, gliding past planets and witnessing cosmic wonders up close.
VR transforms education into an engaging experience, turning abstract concepts into tangible adventures. By immersing students in dynamic environments, VR also accelerates learning, enabling them to grasp complex ideas faster and retain knowledge longer. From conducting virtual experiments to mastering technical skills, VR sparks curiosity and revolutionizes how students learn.

Revolutionizing Medicine

For medical professionals, VR isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. By converting instructional videos into VR with 3D effects, doctors can practice surgeries with lifelike accuracy, improving their skills and getting ready for future challenging clinical settings. This approach leads to safer, more effective medical procedures and ultimately improves patient outcomes.
Beyond training, VR has also made a significant impact on therapeutic treatments. It is increasingly used for pain management, rehabilitation, and mental health therapy. By immersing patients in distraction-free environments, VR therapy helps manage chronic pain, accelerate recovery from physical injuries, and treat psychological challenges like anxiety, phobias, and PTSD.

Entertainment That Puts You in the Action

When it comes to entertainment, nothing beats the thrill of being part of the story. Converting your favorite videos into VR can transport you from the couch to the middle of a concert, a movie, or even a fantastical world. The sense of depth makes every moment pop, pulling you deeper into the experience and creating memories that feel real.
Virtual reality has also revolutionized the gaming industry, delivering an unparalleled level of immersion and interactivity. Unlike traditional games, VR gaming allows players to move physically, duck, dodge, and interact with the environment, bringing realism and excitement to a whole new level. This hands-on interaction creates an emotional connection, keeping players invested for hours.

The magic of VR is its ability to pull you into another world, but it’s the 3D effect that makes it feel real. Imagine walking through ancient ruins and feeling the depth of every arch, or performing a virtual surgery where every detail stands out. Whether it’s education, medicine, or entertainment, adding 3D takes VR to a whole new level—turning impressive experiences into unforgettable ones. It’s the extra layer of realism that makes you not just watch, but truly feel. Now, get ready to take your VR videos to the next level—let’s unlock stunning 3D effects and transform your content like never before!

How to Convert Video to VR with 3D Effect: Using Owl3D as Example

Converting your videos into a VR format with impressive 3D effects has never been easier! With Owl3D, you can transform 2D 360 videos or 180 videos into immersive 3D content, unlocking a richer and more engaging VR viewing experience.
While Owl3D does not convert regular 2D videos into VR formats like 180° or 360°, it specializes in enhancing existing VR and 360 content with lifelike 3D depth. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started!

Step 1. Install the Converter

Installing Owl3D, the 3D video converter.
Installing Owl3D, the 3D video converter.
First, download and install Owl3D on your Mac or Windows device. The installation process is quick and easy. Once installed, launch the software to begin your video conversion journey.

Step 2. Choose Video Files

An interface image for uploading video for 3D conversion on Owl3D software.
An interface image for uploading video for 3D conversion on Owl3D software.
To begin converting a 2D video or photo to 3D, click on the central area or the Convert button in the top-right corner. Select the media file you wish to transform into 3D.

Step 3. Start the Conversion

An interface showing all the 3D output formats Owl3D provides.
An interface showing all the 3D output formats Owl3D provides.
Owl3D offers a wide range of 3D output formats tailored for different devices:
  • Side-by-Side (SBS): Default format for VR headsets like Meta Quest.
  • Spatial Video/Photo (MV-HEVC): Best for Apple Vision Pro.
  • RGB-Depth: Perfect for holographic displays like Looking Glass.
  • YouTube VR: Upload directly to YouTube as a VR video.
  • Anaglyph: Use with red-blue 3D glasses.
  • Half Side-By-Side: Ideal for Bigscreen streaming.
  • Split-Left-Right: Outputs separate left and right eye images.
  • Top-Bottom / Half Top-Bottom: Stacks views vertically, like SBS but flipped.
  • Cross-Eye: Similar to SBS, but left and right views are swapped.
  • Depth-Only: Outputs only the depth map, useful for advanced editing.
Optional: Adjust the output settings (codec, quality, or lossless image sequence) and configure depth settings with these models:
  • Balanced Model for speed and quality.
  • Precision Model for more detailed 3D.
  • Ultra Model for maximum detail, ideal for photos.
You can also enable features like augmentation for realistic depth, temporal stability to smooth 3D transitions, and black bar detection to optimize depth calculations.
Customize render mode to balance processing speed and quality, and fine-tune the 3D effect strength to adjust depth and pop-out intensity.
When you're ready, simply click the Start button to begin the conversion. The process will kick off automatically, and in no time, your 3D video will be ready!

Step 4. Enjoy Your 3D Content

To fully enjoy your newly converted 3D video, you’ll need a compatible device. Popular options include VR headsets like Meta Quest, Valve Index, Pico, and HTC Vive, or glasses-free devices like the Looking Glass holographic display and Lume Pad 3D tablet. For budget-friendly viewing, anaglyph glasses with red-blue lenses are a great choice. Apple Vision Pro is ideal for spatial videos and photos.
Check our tutorial for more details on the Owl3D conversion process.

Owl3D is the Best Video to VR Converter in 3D for Your Need

Creating VR content with a 3D effect opens up a whole new level of immersion. It’s not just about watching—it’s about stepping into the experience. With Owl3D, you can turn your existing VR videos into stunning 3D masterpieces, unlocking an unforgettable viewing experience.
Our powerful VR video converter with 3D effects uses advanced AI technology to add realistic depth and provide custom 3D controls, so you can fine-tune effects for the perfect balance of immersion and comfort. Whether you want a dramatic 3D pop-out effect or subtle, lifelike depth, this software gives you the flexibility to craft your ideal experience.
We support a wide range of 3D formats, including side-by-side, top-bottom, anaglyph, and RGB-Depth, ensuring compatibility with VR headsets, holographic displays, and even 3D TVs. Its unlimited conversion feature lets you process as many videos as you want, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned creators. For anyone looking to create breathtaking 3D VR content or convert videos into 3D, Owl3D is the go-to tool.
Ready to transform your videos? Download Owl3D for Mac/Windows and dive into the world of immersive VR today. Check out the tutorial for 3D video conversion for more details and start creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.