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IPD definition and explanation

IPD is short for inter-pupillary distance, the distance between your pupils, or the centres between your eyes. It is a key term for VR usage.

What is IPD?

IPD (interpupillary distance) is the distance between the centers of your pupils. In XR/VR, correct IPD alignment ensures optimal clarity, comfort, and field of view by matching the headset’s lenses to your eyes. 

IPD in VR/XR

When the lenses are centered to your pupils, you get:

  • Maximum visual clarity:  sharper imagery with less blur and chromatic fringing.
  • Comfort and immersion: reduced eye strain and lower risk of cybersickness.
  • Accurate depth perception: stereo overlap and vergence are aligned as intended.
  • Full field of view: you see the image where the optics are sharpest.

Because IPD varies by person, headsets should be adjusted to the wearer rather than the other way around.

Auto-IPD on Varjo headsets

All Varjo headsets feature automatic interpupillary distance adjustment (or “auto-IPD”).  This means that the device automatically tailors the IPD for different users without them having to adjust it manually. The headset will automatically move the lenses left or right to match the distance between the wearer’s eyes. This is a lot more reliable method of adjusting the distance and ensures that the VR/XR experience is optimal for each user.


For example, the XR-4 Series headsets automatically adjusts between 56–72 mm.

Note: In uncommon cases—such as wearing varifocal (progressive) lenses—manual fine-tuning may yield a better result. You can set IPD manually in Varjo Base if needed.

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