In order to protect and promote traditional publications in the digital age, this paper analyzes the two dimensions of the traditional digitalization of traditional publications and the application of augmented reality technology, and studies the possibility of empowering traditional publications with augmented reality technology. The book of the history of modern design is a representative of the augmented reality empowerment of traditional books. The program better integrates paper books and digital content, reduces the cost of promotion and purchase, and explores a new augmented reality solution for the digitization of future traditional publications, intended to preserve the traditional book fragrance in the digital age.