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SteamVR Support

VertoXR provides OpenVR/SteamVR driver support, allowing you to use your AR glasses for head tracking in SteamVR-compatible games and applications.

Overview​

VertoXR is collaborating with VrTo3d to provide SteamVR driver support. The VrTo3d driver enables 3DOF (three degrees of freedom) head tracking by translating your glasses' orientation into SteamVR's tracking system. This allows you to experience VR content using your AR glasses instead of traditional VR headsets.

Learn more about VrTo3d

Prerequisites​

Before setting up SteamVR with VertoXR, ensure you have:

  • SteamVR installed and updated
  • VertoXR application installed and your glasses connected
  • A compatible AR glasses device
  • Windows operating system (driver support for other platforms coming soon)

Setup Instructions​

Follow these steps to set up SteamVR with VrTo3d drivers:

Display Configuration

A Single Display configuration is recommended for the best experience, but you can also use a multi-display configuration if desired.

Step 1: Install SteamVR​

Install SteamVR from Steam if you haven't already.

Step 2: Install VrTo3d Driver​

  1. Download the Latest/Pre-release VrTo3d driver (version V3.4.0 or higher)
  2. Extract the downloaded file and locate the vrto3d folder
  3. Copy the vrto3d folder to your SteamVR drivers directory: 
    Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR\drivers\
  4. Learn More

Step 3: Initial Launch and Configuration​

  1. Launch VertoXR and connect your glasses
  2. Navigate to Game Mode and configure SteamVR settings
  3. Once configured, a default_config.json file will be automatically generated in: 
    Documents\My Games\vrto3d\default_config.json
  4. You can edit the configurations within VertoXR before launching SteamVR
Manual Configuration Changes

If you manually edit the default_config.json file, ensure that:

  • use_open_track is set to true
  • The open_track port matches the port configured in VertoXR

VertoXR communicates with VrTo3d using openTrack UDP protocols, so these settings must be synchronized.

  1. Learn more about configuration options

Step 4: Configure Display Settings​

Configure your display settings according to your glasses:

  1. Window Resolution: Set to match your fullscreen resolution:

    • 3840x1080 for Full-SbS (Side-by-Side)
    • 1920x1080 for Half-SbS

  2. Display Priority:

    • Your 3D display MUST BE YOUR PRIMARY DISPLAY
    • The window resolution MUST MATCH your full desktop resolution to avoid issues

  3. Render Resolution:

    • Set per-eye render resolution based on your performance needs
    • Reducing this can improve performance
    • If your display is half-SbS or half-TaB (Top-and-Bottom), try setting this to the half-resolution

  4. Virtual Key Codes: Configure any Virtual-Key Code settings to use your preferred keys

Step 5: Download Game Profiles​

Download the latest VRto3D profiles for games and extract them to your Documents\My Games\vrto3d\ folder.

These profiles contain optimized settings for various SteamVR games and applications.

Step 6: Verify Setup​

  1. Run SteamVR from Game Mode in VertoXR
  2. Launch the SteamVR app to verify that you see the Headset window covering your entire display
    • Note: This verification step is usually not needed before running games
  3. Important: The Headset window must be on your primary 3D display
  4. Dismiss the Headset Notice about "Enable Direct Display Mode" as this does nothing

Step 7: Launch a Game​

Try launching a VR game to test your setup! Start with a simple VR experience to ensure everything is working correctly.

Controller Options​

Since AR glasses provide head tracking but not hand controllers, you'll need a solution for input. Here are your options:

Software-Based Solutions​

Option 1: Mouse and Keyboard Emulation​

Use the Half-Life Alyx NoVR driver to emulate Mouse and Keyboard as SteamVR controllers. This allows you to play and explore SteamVR games with Mouse/Keyboard input.

Option 2: Driver4VR​

Use a paid software like Driver4VR to emulate VR controllers using multiple strategies, including:

  • Motion controllers
  • Webcam-based hand tracking
  • Other input devices

Hardware Controllers​

eteeController SteamVR Kit​

For an enhanced SteamVR experience, we recommend the eteeController SteamVR Kit. The eteeController is a first-of-its-kind full-finger tracking controller that provides intuitive VR control without gloves, cameras, or other excess equipment.

eteeController

Key Features:

  • Full-finger sensing technology
  • 6 degrees of freedom tracking
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design (5 oz / 142 g)
  • SteamVR compatible
  • 6 hours playtime
  • Default gestures: Point/Pinch/Grip

The eteeController works seamlessly with SteamVR base stations and provides a natural, unobtrusive way to interact in VR experiences.

Learn more and purchase: eteeController SteamVR Kit

Other VR Controllers​

You can also use other third-party VR controllers that are compatible with SteamVR, such as:

  • Controllers from other VR headset manufacturers (if compatible)
  • Third-party motion controllers with SteamVR support

Please let us know on Discord community if you found other working solutions

Troubleshooting​

Headset Window Not Appearing Correctly​

  • Ensure your 3D display is set as the primary display
  • Verify that the window resolution matches your full desktop resolution
  • Check that SteamVR is running from VertoXR's Game Mode

Tracking Issues​

  • Calibrate your glasses on a flat surface before launching SteamVR
  • Ensure VertoXR is running and connected to your glasses
  • Check that the openTrack port in default_config.json matches VertoXR's configuration

Performance Issues​

  • Reduce the render resolution per eye in the configuration
  • Close unnecessary applications
  • Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date

Configuration Not Saving​

  • Make sure you have write permissions to Documents\My Games\vrto3d\
  • If manually editing default_config.json, ensure proper JSON formatting

Additional Resources​