Quick Summary
This guide covers 3 practical methods for converting standard 2D videos into VR format on Windows and Mac. Method 1 - AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate (recommended, dedicated 3D Maker, simplest for beginners). Method 2 - VideoProc Converter (GPU-accelerated, good for power users). Method 3 - Wondershare Uniconverter (quick VR output, free tier available). We tested all three on the same source files—see results below.
VR is still a frontier technology in vision today. If you have ever experienced virtual reality, you would fall in love with the immersive world. Now, you can find VR channels on YouTube, Netflix, and more, where you can enjoy 360-degree animation. However, not all VR videos require a 360° camera since you can convert existing 2D videos into 3D using the right software. In this article, we will identify and review the best ways to convert regular videos to VR, helping our readers enjoy their videos in a modern 3D experience.
When testing our featured video on VR converters, we made sure our testing setup met modern standards. The Windows desktop we used runs on Windows 11 Pro and an Intel i7 processor. On the other hand, our macOS device runs macOS Sonoma on an M3 chip. Both desktops run under 16GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the video files we tested are saved at 1080p and 4K resolutions. They have a file size of 5GB and 20GB, respectively.
| 3D Maker Tool | Price | VR Modes | Speed | Output Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate | Free - $18.75 | 3D Stereoscopic Mode (Anaglyph, Side-by-Side, Top-and-Bottom) | Very Fast (GPU Acceleration) | Excellent (Ai Video Enhancement, 4K Output, Resolution Upscaling) | Users looking for a simple-to-use, reliable 3D-maker for beginners. |
| VideoProc Converter | $45.95/year $78.90 (One-time payment) |
180° VR 360° VR Basic 2D and 3D |
Very Fast (GPU Acceleration) | Good (Quality Preservation, AI Enhancement, and Upscaling) | Users with powerful computers who want advanced editing for their 3D projects. |
| Wondershare Uniconverter | $49.99/year $79.99 (Perpetual license) |
2D 360° 3D 180° Top 3D 180° Bottom 3D 360° Top 3D 360° Bottom |
Very Fast (GPU Acceleration) | Good (Minimal Quality Loss, High Resolution Exports) | Users who prioritize quick VR output and rapid conversions. |
Who Should Choose Which Tool: AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is highly recommended for users looking for a simple-to-use, reliable 3D maker for beginners. Meanwhile, VideoProc Converter is optimised for users with powerful computers who want to add advanced editing to their 3D projects. Finally, Wondershare Uniconverter has a niche in producing quick VR output, making it the most reliable for rapid conversions.
We will start this guide by featuring the 3D Maker feature in the Toolbox tab of AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate. Among the options on this list, this program offers the most beginner-friendly option for its users. Since the program already has two 3D models, all users need to do is select a model and adjust the depth.
If you are a beginner 3D maker or an experienced user looking for a quick alternative, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is the perfect option to get the job done. To learn how to use the program, make sure to read our step-by-step guide on how to use it below.
To make it easier to follow our guide, make sure to watch our tutorial on using its 3D Maker tool.
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1. Open the Video
Install the best 3D movie maker and launch it when you intend to create a 3D animation from a 2D video. Go to the Toolbox tab from the top ribbon of the home interface, and choose 3D Maker. Click the Add button to trigger the open-file dialogue, find and select the target video, and open it directly.
2. Convert 2D to VR
You can edit the video before converting using the buttons beneath the media player. To convert the 2D video into a 3D animation, you can select the Anaglyph or Split Screen model. Then pull down the list next to the selected model and choose the appropriate option. Move the Depth slider until you get the desired video effect. During the process, you can monitor the result in the built-in media player.
3. Save VR video
Once you are satisfied with the result, move to the right side, pull down the Format option, and choose a proper video format. Select your favorite video quality from the Quality menu. Hit the Folder button and select a specific path to save the VR video. Finally, click the Generate 3D button to confirm the 2D-to-VR conversion.
As one of the best VR movie converter software, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is a great option for beginners and ordinary people. It offers many pro-level features that anyone can learn in a few seconds. Plus, the interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Most importantly, the Anaglyph and Split Screen 3D options greatly enhance the program’s versatility for 3D effects.
VideoProc is another versatile video conversion and editing program that includes a 3D VR video converter. It enables you to quickly turn normal videos into VR or 3D animation. Plus, you can get a lot of bonus features.
Alternatively, the software can convert 3D videos to 2D to improve the accessibility of your media file. This makes the program one of the best solutions for users who want to make their 3D files viewable as regular videos.
To learn the basics of using the GPU-accelerated performance of VideoProc when handling 3D media, make sure to read our quick guide on how to use it below.
1. Open VideoProc and select Video in the taskbar to upload the file you want to convert. Then, go to the Toolbox tab and select the 3D -> 2D option.
2. Once the video has been added, adjust the Format under the Input Format and Output Format options.
3. With both Formats now set, select Run to begin the conversion process.
Since VideoProc is a multimedia editing software, it is equipped with versatile options made exclusively for handling video files. Some of these options include basic annotation tools, screen recording features, basic editing tools, and other AI-powered editing features.
This versatility is both the program's main asset and a reason most beginners become overwhelmed by the software.
Wondershare Uniconverter is a free VR video converter for Mac and PCs. Of course, you have to purchase the full version if you need advanced VR-making features, which costs $45.95 per year. This makes the software one of the more reliable solutions to add 3D effects to TikTok videos.
To use Wondershare for 3D media creation, you need their Ani3D software, designed exclusively for split-depth and VR 3D videos. This makes the program one of the more reliable solutions for making advanced 3D media.
To learn the basics of using Wondershare Ani3D, you may refer to our tutorial below.
1. Open Wondershare Ani3D and select Add Files. Then, choose the 3D making mode you want to use from Split Depth 3D and VR 3D Video.
2. Once you have selected the 3D mode you want to use, select Preview to watch how your 3D media file will look.
3. When you are satisfied with the media preview results, select Export. Then, adjust the Output Format, Resolution, Bitrate, and Frame Rate. With these options now edited, select Export again to begin producing the 3D video.
If you plan to use Wondershare's 3D software to convert regular media files into VR-compatible 3D video, you should remember that Ani3D is freemium. With the free version, you won’t be able to access local exports after converting video files. Moreover, you will be able to preview only the first 10 seconds of your 3D file. With that in mind, the free version of the software functions more like a trial version. You will be able to view the results, but saving them locally will not work.
Does 2D-to-VR conversion reduce video quality?
No, it does not. However, minor quality loss may still occur. Despite that, there will be no drastic quality reduction in your file.
What equipment do I need to watch VR videos?
You can use VR headsets to watch virtual reality videos. Some good examples include Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, or any generic VR headset compatible with your computer. However, you can still watch VR video without this equipment, but it will be in a split screen.
Can I upload converted VR videos to YouTube?
Yes, YouTube supports VR videos. It can support both 360° and stereoscopic formats. For YouTube videos, stereoscopic formats are commonly used.
What's the difference between anaglyph and split-screen VR?
They are both 3D modeling options. However, they differ in appearance. Anaglyph red-and-cyan filters, which require basic 3D glasses. Meanwhile, split-screen VRs require modern 3D headsets.
Is there a free video-to-VR converter?
Yes, there are. Among the options on this list, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate supports free conversions. Its free version can handle media files up to 5 minutes.
Now that you have learned how to use three of the most reliable tools to convert video to VR for PC and Mac, we hope you can select the program that best meets your needs. If you want the simplest conversion option, make sure to use AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate. If you need 3D-to-2D flexibility, VideoProc should be your main choice. Finally, for performance and quality, the paid version of WonderShare Ani3D may be the best.