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The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Three.js for 3D

Development
What's in the guide?

Welcome to our Three.js cheat sheet! This guide provides a quick reference to the
fundamental concepts and techniques used in Three.js, a powerful JavaScript library for
creating 3D graphics and animations in the browser.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dev, this cheat sheet is designed to help you
quickly find and use the most commonly used Three.js features.

In this cheat sheet, you'll find code snippets and examples for setting up a scene , creating
and manipulating 3D objects , adding lighting and materials , using cameras , and more.

So, whether you're building a 3D game , a data visualization , or just experimenting with
Three.js, this cheat sheet is a valuable resource to have. Let's start...

What is Three.js?

Three.js is a powerful, open-source library for creating stunning 3D visuals on the web. It
provides developers with an easy-to-use set of tools and utilities for building interactive,
animated 3D graphics that can be rendered in any modern web browser.

With Three.js, developers can create a wide range of 3D objects and scenes, including
complex geometries, dynamic particle systems, and realistic lighting and shadow effects .

Whether you're building a game, a data visualization, or an interactive product demo, Three.js
offers the flexibility and power you need to bring your ideas to life.
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One of the key benefits of Three.js is its broad compatibility with different web technologies
and frameworks, including HTML5 , CSS , and JavaScript .

This means that you can easily integrate Three.js into your existing web projects or start from
scratch with a new project, using familiar web development tools and techniques.

With a vibrant and supportive community of developers and designers, Three.js is constantly
evolving and improving, making it an exciting and dynamic technology to explore and work
with.

Whether you're a seasoned 3D programmer or just starting out, It offers a world of creative
possibilities for building stunning, interactive web experiences.

Fundamentals

Before we get started let's try to give you an idea of the structure of a three.js app.

A three.js app requires you to create a bunch of objects and connect them together. Here's a
diagram that represents a small three.js app

Things to notice about the diagram above.

There is a Renderer. This is arguably the main object of Three.js. You pass a Scene and a
Camera to a Renderer and it renders (draws) the portion of the 3D scene that is inside the
frustum of the camera as a 2D image to a canvas.

That was quite difficult, don't you think?

Let me break it down for you in simpler terms with a brief explanation or introduction of each
term.

Renderer

A renderer is responsible for drawing the 3D scene onto the web page. In Three.js, the
WebGLRenderer class is used to create a renderer.

It uses WebGL , a graphics API based on OpenGL ES, to interact with the GPU and draw the
scene onto the web page.

Geometry

Geometry defines the shape and structure of an object in Three.js.

It is made up of vertices (points in 3D space) and faces (triangles that connect the vertices).

Three.js provides a number of built-in geometries, such as BoxGeometry , SphereGeometry ,

and PlaneGeometry , as well as the ability to create custom geometries.

Light

Lighting is used to simulate the way light interacts with objects in the scene. In Three.js, lights
are used to illuminate the scene and create shadows.

Three.js provides a number of built-in lights, such as AmbientLight , DirectionalLight , and

PointLight , as well as the ability to create custom lights.
Camera

A camera determines the perspective and position of the viewer in the scene.

The PerspectiveCamera and OrthographicCamera classes are used to create cameras.

The PerspectiveCamera simulates a perspective view, while the OrthographicCamera

simulates an isometric view.

Material

Material defines how an object appears in the scene, including its color, texture, and shading.
The materials are applied to geometries to define their appearance.

It provides a number of built-in materials, such as MeshBasicMaterial , MeshLambertMaterial

, and MeshPhongMaterial , as well as the ability to create custom materials using shaders.

Scene

A scene is the container that holds all of the objects, lights, and cameras in Three.js.

In order to render anything in Three.js, you must create a scene and add objects, lights, and
cameras to it.

Texture

A texture is an image applied to a material in Three.js.

Textures can be used to add detail to an object's surface, such as a wood grain pattern or a
marble texture.

In Three.js, textures are loaded using the TextureLoader class and applied to materials using
the texture property.
Animation

Animation is the process of creating movement or change in a 3D scene over time.

In Three.js, the animation is achieved using the requestAnimationFrame method to update the
position, rotation, or scale of objects in the scene.

Summary

In summary, Three.js provides a number of powerful tools for creating & rendering 3D graphics
on the web.

By understanding the basics of concepts such as renderer , geometry , texture , material ,

camera , light , scene , and animation , you can begin creating your own 3D scenes and
exploring more advanced features in Three.js.

Triangles

Everything in the 3D world is made of triangles . A cube might seem like it's made up of
squares, but in most 3D graphics systems (including Three.js), even squares are represented
using triangles.
The complexity of the shapes comes from the sheer number of triangles involved. It's common
for objects to be made up of millions of triangles, and in high-end visual effects or AAA movies,
intricate scenes can involve billions.

In some cases, the triangles are even smaller than a single pixel .

But why triangles? Why not squares or circles?

The reason is simple: triangles are the most efficient and unambiguous way to represent a
surface in 3D space. They can be seamlessly connected edge to edge without gaps or
overlaps, making them ideal for creating complex models.

While simple in form, triangles are versatile enough to represent any shape.

In 3D graphics, a triangle is defined by three points, each with an x, y, and z coordinate.

The order of these points determines the orientation of the triangle, indicating which side is
the outer, or front-facing, side of the surface. This orientation is often referred to as the
surface's normal .

Lighting and shading effects in 3D models also rely on triangles. By calculating how light
interacts with the surface of each triangle, the computer can create realistic lighting, shadows,
and textures.

This process is called rasterization , where the 3D scene is converted into a 2D image that
displays the final result on your screen.

Furthermore, modern graphics hardware , like GPUs, is optimized to handle triangles

efficiently.

GPUs are designed to process large numbers of triangles in parallel, making them ideal for
rendering real-time 3D environments, such as those found in video games or simulations .

Triangles are also central to techniques like texture mapping , where a 2D image is wrapped
around a 3D model, and bump mapping , which simulates small surface details.

In animation, the position and orientation of triangles can change frame by frame, creating
movement. A process called "rigging " attaches a skeleton to the model, vertices of the
triangles follow the movement of the skeleton to create realistic animation.
Ultimately, triangles are fundamental not just because of their geometric properties but also
because of their efficiency in computer calculations .

Without them, the rich, detailed 3D environments seen in today's movies , video games , and
simulations would not be possible.

Types of Lights
AmbientLight

Ambient light represents overall environmental illumination that comes from all directions,
simulating indirect or bounced light in a scene. It uniformly lights all objects in the scene
without any specific direction.

Ambient light helps to brighten dark areas and adds global illumination to the scene. You can
create an ambient light using the THREE.AmbientLight class.

DirectionalLight

DirectionalLight mimics the light emitted by a distant light source, such as the sun. It emits
light rays in parallel directions, casting parallel shadows and creating realistic daylight
simulations.

Directional lights have a position but no attenuation, and their intensity decreases with
distance. You can create this light using the THREE.DirectionalLight class.

PointLight

PointLight represents a light source that emits light in all directions from a single point in
space, creating omnidirectional illumination.

Point lights are useful for simulating light bulbs, lamps, or localized light sources. They cast
shadows and attenuate with distance, becoming weaker as the distance from the light source
increases. You can create a point light using the THREE.PointLight class.

SpotLight

SpotLight simulates a focused beam of light emitted from a specific point in space in a cone-
shaped direction. It casts shadows and can be used to create effects like flashlight beams or
spotlight effects.

Spotlights have properties such as position, direction, and cone angle. You can create a spot
light using the THREE.SpotLight class.

Types of Camera
PerspectiveCamera

The PerspectiveCamera is the most commonly used camera in Three.js. It mimics the way
human vision works, with objects appearing smaller as they move further away from the
camera.

It's ideal for creating scenes with depth & perspective, such as 3D environments or
architectural renderings.

OrthographicCamera

Unlike the PerspectiveCamera , the OrthographicCamera maintains the size of objects

regardless of their distance from the camera.

It's useful for creating 2D-like scenes or when precise measurements are required, such as in
CAD applications or 2D games.

Control over View Frustum

Both PerspectiveCamera and OrthographicCamera take parameters defining the view
frustum, which determines what is visible in the scene.

These parameters include the

field of view (fov)

aspect ratio (aspect)

near clipping plane (near)

far clipping plane (far)

Position and Orientation

You can set the position and orientation of the camera using its position and lookAt
methods.

The lookAt method makes the camera point towards a specific point in the scene.

Camera Controls

Three.js provides camera control libraries like OrbitControls or TrackballControls , which

allow users to interactively control the camera's position and orientation using mouse or touch
inputs.

These controls make it easier to navigate and explore 3D scenes.

1 const controls = new THREE.OrbitControls(camera, renderer.domElement);

2 controls.enableDamping = true; // Smoothly interpolate camera movement

By understanding these aspects of cameras in Three.js, you can effectively set up and control
the viewpoint of your 3D scenes to achieve the desired perspective and interactivity.
Geometries

In Three.js, geometries serve as the building blocks for creating 3D objects. Geometries define
the shape and structure of objects in a 3D scene by specifying their vertices, faces, and other
attributes.

Here's a breakdown of geometries in Three.js:

Types of Geometry
Basic Geometries

Three.js provides a set of built-in basic geometries that you can use to create common shapes
such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, planes, and toruses.

These geometries are accessible through constructors like THREE.BoxGeometry ,

THREE.SphereGeometry , THREE.CylinderGeometry , THREE.PlaneGeometry , and
THREE.TorusGeometry .

BoxGeometry

Creates a cube-shaped geometry with specified width, height, and depth.

SphereGeometry

Generates a spherical geometry with a specified radius and number of segments for
smoothness.

CylinderGeometry

Constructs a cylindrical geometry with specified radii, height, and segments for detail.
PlaneGeometry

Represents a flat, rectangular plane with specified width and height.

TorusGeometry

Creates a torus-shaped geometry (doughnut) with specified radius, tube radius, and segments
for detail.

Custom Geometries

In addition to basic geometries, you can create custom geometries by defining the vertices
and faces manually. This allows you to create more complex shapes and structures that are
not provided by the built-in geometries.

Materials

In Three.js, a material defines the visual appearance of 3D objects in a scene. It determines

how light interacts with the surface of an object, including aspects such as color ,
reflectivity , and transparency .

Materials play a crucial role in rendering realistic and visually appealing graphics by simulating
various surface properties and lighting effects.

Essentially, a material defines how an object looks when rendered in a 3D scene.

MeshBasicMaterial

This material provides simple shading unaffected by lights , suitable for objects with uniform
colors or basic textures. It's commonly used for wireframe objects or those requiring
flat colors .
You might use MeshBasicMaterial for creating wireframe objects or objects with flat colors .

MeshPhongMaterial

Implements Phong shading, simulating smooth surfaces and highlights. Ideal for surfaces
interacting with lights , such as shiny or reflective objects, like metals or plastics .

You could use MeshPhongMaterial for creating objects like metals , plastics , or glossy
surfaces that exhibit specular highlights and reflections.

MeshStandardMaterial

Employs physically-based rendering (PBR) for realistic materials. Suitable for a wide range of
materials including metals , plastics , and rough surfaces, providing a more realistic look.

You might use MeshStandardMaterial for creating objects in scenes where accurate material
properties and lighting interactions are essential, such as architectural visualizations or
product renderings.

React Three Fiber

React Three Fiber is a library that simplifies building 3D applications with Three.js and
React . It provides a declarative and component-based approach to building and managing 3D
scenes.

By using React Three Fiber, developers can use familiar React patterns to build and maintain
complex 3D applications with less code and fewer bugs.

The library also provides performance optimizations that ensure smooth performance, even
with complex scenes.

React Three Fiber's declarative and component-based approach can make it easier to reason
about and manage the state and lifecycle of 3D objects in the scene, resulting in a more
maintainable and scalable codebase.

React JS Setup

1. Create a new React project using a tool like Create React App.

2. Install the required dependencies using npm or yarn. These include react-three-fiber ,
three , and @types/three (if using TypeScript).

3. In your App.js or index.js file, import the necessary components from react-three-fiber
and three .

4. Set up a basic Three.js scene using the Canvas component from react-three-fiber .

5. Add objects to the scene using Three.js primitives or custom 3D models.

6. Use react-three-fiber hooks like useFrame or useLoader to interact with the Three.js
scene and update it as needed.

Here's an example of what your App.js file might look like →

1 import React from 'react';

2 import { Canvas } from 'react-three-fiber';
3 import { Box } from 'three';
4
5 function App() {
6 return (
7 <Canvas>
8 <ambientLight />
9 <pointLight position={[10, 10, 10]} />
10 <Box>
11 <meshStandardMaterial attach="material" color="hotpink" />
12 </Box>
13 </Canvas>
14 );
15 }
16
17 export default App;
This sets up a basic scene with ambient and point lighting , and a hot pink box in the center
of the scene.

Cheat Sheet
1. Importing Three.js and React libraries

1 import * as THREE from 'three';

2 import React, { useRef, useEffect } from 'react';
3 import { Canvas } from 'react-three-fiber';

2. Rendering the Three.js component using the Canvas

component from react-three-fiber

1 function App() {
2 return (
3 <Canvas>
4 <MyComponent />
5 </Canvas>
6 );
7 }

3. Creating a Three.js component using React hooks

1 function MyComponent() {
2 const meshRef = useRef();
3
4 useEffect(() => {
5 meshRef.current.rotation.x += 0.01;
6 meshRef.current.rotation.y += 0.01;
7 }
8
 9 });
10 }, []);
11
12 return (
13 <mesh ref={meshRef}>
14 <boxBufferGeometry />
15 <meshStandardMaterial />
16 </mesh>
17 );
18 }
19
export default MyComponent;

4. Adding interactivity with the mouse using the useThree and

useFrame hooks from react-three-fiber

1 import { useThree, useFrame } from 'react-three-fiber';

2
3 function MyComponent() {
4 const meshRef = useRef();
5 const { mouse } = useThree();
6
7 useFrame(() => {
8 meshRef.current.rotation.x = mouse.y * Math.PI;
9 meshRef.current.rotation.y = mouse.x * Math.PI;
10 });
11
12 return (
13 <mesh ref={meshRef}>
14 <boxBufferGeometry />
15 <meshStandardMaterial />
16 </mesh>
17 );
18 }
19
20 export default MyComponent;
5. Loading a 3D model using the useLoader hook from react-three-
fiber

1 import { useLoader } from 'react-three-fiber';

2 import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader';
3
4 function MyComponent() {
5 const gltf = useLoader(GLTFLoader, 'model.glb');
6
7 return (
8 <primitive object={gltf.scene} />
9 );
10 }
11
12 export default MyComponent;

Why react-three-fiber?

An example of a challenging aspect of building a 3D application with pure Three.js is

managing the state and lifecycle of 3D objects in the scene.

Three.js provides a lot of low-level control over the 3D objects in the scene, such as the ability
to add, remove, and update objects individually, but this can quickly become complex and hard
to manage as the scene grows in complexity.

For example, imagine a 3D product website that allows users to customize and interact with a
3D model of a product.

The model may have multiple parts, each with its own material and texture, and the user may
be able to change the color or texture of each part.

React Three Fiber was built to address this and other challenges by providing a declarative
and component-based approach to building 3D apps.
With React Three Fiber , developers can use familiar React patterns to manage the state and
lifecycle of 3D objects in the scene, making it easier to build and maintain complex 3D
applications.

Code Example

Here's an example of how managing state in Three.js can become complex and how
React Three Fiber simplifies the process:

Let's say we want to create a 3D cube that changes color when clicked on. Here's how we
might do it in pure Three.js :

1 // Create a scene, camera, and renderer

2 const scene = new THREE.Scene();
3 const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(
4 75,
5 window.innerWidth / window.innerHeight,
6 0.1,
7 1000
8 );
9 const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
10 renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
11 document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);
12
13 // Create a cube with a random color
14 const geometry = new THREE.BoxGeometry();
15 const material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({
16 color: Math.random() * 0xffffff
17 });
18 const cube = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);
19 scene.add(cube);
20
21 // Add a click event listener to the cube to change its color
22 cube.addEventListener('click', () => {
23 cube.material.color.setHex(Math.random() * 0xffffff);
24 });
25
26 // Render the scene
27 function animate() {
28 requestAnimationFrame(animate);
29 renderer.render(scene, camera);
 30 }
31
32 animate();

This code creates a cube with a random color and adds a click event listener to it to
change its color when clicked on.

However, as the scene grows in complexity and more objects are added, managing the state
and lifecycle of these objects can become challenging.

Here's how we could accomplish the same thing with React Three Fiber :

1 import { useState } from 'react';

2 import * as THREE from 'three';
3
4 function Cube(props) {
5 const { color, ...rest } = props;
6 const [cubeColor, setCubeColor] = useState(color);
7
8 const handleClick = () => {
9 setCubeColor(Math.random() * 0xffffff);
10 };
11
12 return (
13 <mesh {...rest} onClick={handleClick}>
14 <boxGeometry />
15 <meshBasicMaterial color={cubeColor} />
16 </mesh>
17 );
18 }
19
20 function Scene() {
21 return (
22 <Canvas>
23 <Cube position={[-1, 0, 0]} color={Math.random() * 0xffffff} />
24 <Cube position={[1, 0, 0]} color={Math.random() * 0xffffff} />
25 </Canvas>
26 );
 27 }
28
29 function App() {
30 return <Scene />;
31 }

In this code, we define a Cube component that manages its own state using the useState
hook.

The Cube component renders a Three.js mesh and material, and responds to click events to
change its own color.

We then use the Cube component twice in the Scene component to create two cubes with
different positions and random colors.

By using React Three Fiber's declarative and component-based approach, we can easily
manage the state & lifecycle of multiple 3D objects in the scene.

RTF Advantages over Pure

Declarative approach:

React Three Fiber uses a declarative approach to define 3D scenes, which can make it easier
to reason about and maintain the codebase over time. This is because the code describes
what should be displayed , rather than how it should be displayed .

Familiar syntax:

React Three Fiber uses a syntax that is similar to that of React , which makes it easier for
developers who are familiar with React to learn and use Three.js.

Component-based architecture:
It uses React's component-based architecture , which can make it easier to organize and
manage the state and lifecycle of 3D objects in a scene.

Optimized for React:

React Three Fiber is optimized for React's rendering engine and lifecycle methods, which
means that it can be used in large, complex applications without any performance issues.

Debugging tools:

It provides debugging tools such as a helpful error message and a built-in inspector, which
can make it easier to identify and fix issues in the 3D scene.

TypeScript support:

React Three Fiber has excellent TypeScript support , which means that you can write type-
safe Three.js code in React.

Hooks-based API:

React Three Fiber's hooks-based API makes it easy to manipulate Three.js objects, animate
them, and add event listeners to them.

Drei library:

Drei is a collection of useful Three.js components and helpers that are built on top of React
Three Fiber. Drei components make it easy to create things like 3D text, post-processing
effects, and particle systems.

Overall, React Three Fiber offers a more streamlined and efficient way to work with Three.js
in React, and is a great choice for developers who want to build 3D applications in React.
React Three Fiber Cheat Sheet
<Canvas>

A component that creates a Three.js scene and mounts it to the DOM.

<mesh>

A component that wraps a 3D object and its material .

<primitive>

A component that creates a Three.js primitive geometry , like a box or sphere.

<group>

A component that allows you to group objects together for easier manipulation.

useLoader()

A hook that loads external assets , like textures or 3D models.

useFrame()

A hook that runs on every frame of the animation loop , allowing you to update Three.js
objects over time.

useGraph()

Convenience hook that creates a memoized, named object/material collection from any
Object 3D.
<OrbitControls>

A component that adds mouse and touch controls to your Three.js scene.

<perspectiveCamera>

A component that defines a perspective camera for your scene.

Here's an example of using some of these features together to create a rotating cube:

1 import React, { useRef } from 'react';

2 import { Canvas, useFrame } from 'react-three-fiber';
3 import { Box } from '@react-three/drei';
4
5 function RotatingCube() {
6 const meshRef = useRef();
7
8 useFrame(() => {
9 meshRef.current.rotation.x += 0.01;
10 meshRef.current.rotation.y += 0.01;
11 });
12
13 return (
14 <Box ref={meshRef}>
15 <meshStandardMaterial attach="material" color="hotpink" />
16 </Box>
17 );
18 }
19
20 function App() {
21 return (
22 <Canvas>
23 <ambientLight />
24 <pointLight position={[10, 10, 10]} />
25 <RotatingCube />
26 </Canvas>
27 );
28 }
29
30
 30

export default App;

This creates a <Canvas> with ambient and point lighting , and a <RotatingCube>
component that uses useFrame() to rotate the cube on every frame.

The cube is created using the <Box> primitive, and its reference is stored in meshRef . Finally,
the <Box> is wrapped in a <mesh> with a hot pink material .

React Three Drei?

React Three Drei is a collection of useful helper components and hooks for building 3D
applications with React Three Fiber .

It is built on top of React Three Fiber and provides a higher-level API for common 3D tasks
such as camera controls , lighting , and loading 3D models .

React Three Drei offers a variety of pre-built components such as OrbitControls , Sky , Html ,
Model , shaderMaterial , Reflector , and Bloom that can be easily used in a React Three
Fiber scene.

These components can help streamline the process of building 3D applications by abstracting
away low-level Three.js code and providing a simpler and more intuitive interface.

React Three Drei also includes a number of hooks, such as useTexture , useGLTF , and
useAnimations , that make it easier to work with assets in a 3D scene.

Overall, React Three Drei can help developers save time and effort when building 3D
applications by providing pre-built components and hooks that abstract away low-level
Three.js code and simplify common 3D tasks.

Here are some code examples of React Three Drei components and hooks →
React Three Drei Code Example
1. OrbitControls component:

1 import React, { useRef } from 'react';

2 import { Canvas } from 'react-three-fiber';
3 import { OrbitControls } from '@react-three/drei';
4
5 function App() {
6 const cameraRef = useRef();
7
8 return (
9 <Canvas>
10 <OrbitControls ref={cameraRef} />
11 <mesh>
12 <boxBufferGeometry />
13 <meshStandardMaterial />
14 </mesh>
15 </Canvas>
16 );
17 }
18
19 export default App;

This code creates a simple 3D scene with a box mesh and an OrbitControls component for
controlling the camera position and rotation.

The OrbitControls component is imported from drei (short for "three"), which is a part of
React Three Drei .

2. useTexture hook:

1 import React from 'react';

2 import { useTexture } from '@react-three/drei';
3
4 function App() {
5 const texture = useTexture('/path/to/texture.jpg');
6
7
 7
return (
8
<mesh>
9
<boxBufferGeometry />
10
<meshStandardMaterial map={texture} />
11
</mesh>
12
);
13
}
14
15
export default App;

This code uses the useTexture hook from React Three Drei to load a texture image and
apply it to a mesh material.

The useTexture hook returns a Texture object, which can be used as the map property of a
mesh material.

3. Html component:

1 import React from 'react';

2 import { Html } from '@react-three/drei';
3
4 function App() {
5 return (
6 <Html>
7 <div style={{ color: 'white' }}>Hello, world!</div>
8 </Html>
9 );
10 }
11
12 export default App;

This code uses the Html component from React Three Drei to render an HTML element in
the 3D scene.

The Html component creates a separate HTML layer that is rendered on top of the 3D scene,
allowing developers to easily create interactive and dynamic user interfaces in their 3D
applications.
These are just a few examples of the many components and hooks provided by React Three
Drei.

By using these pre-built components and hooks, developers can simplify common 3D tasks
and create more complex 3D applications with less code.

Advantages
Simplified API:

React Three Drei provides a higher-level API for common 3D tasks, making it easier and
faster to build 3D scenes compared to writing raw Three.js code.

Component-based architecture:

Drei leverages React's component-based architecture , which helps organize and manage the
state and lifecycle of 3D objects in a scene.

Performance optimizations:

React Three Drei includes performance optimizations such as automatic batching of meshes
and pre-loading of assets, improving the overall performance of 3D applications.

Developer-friendly:

React Three Drei simplifies working with Three.js by offering a more familiar and developer-
friendly syntax, especially for developers already familiar with React.

Code reusability:
React Three Drei enhances code reusability and reduces complexity over pure Three.js,
making it easier to maintain and scale projects.

Overall, React Three Drei streamlines the process of building 3D applications with Three.js by
providing a simpler, more intuitive interface, performance optimizations, and a component-
based architecture.

React Three Drei Cheat Sheet

<Canvas>

The main component that renders a Three.js scene in a React app.

<OrbitControls>

A pre-built camera controller that allows users to pan, zoom, and orbit around the 3D scene.

<Html>

A component that allows you to render HTML elements in a Three.js scene.

<Text>

A component that allows you to render 3D text in a Three.js scene.

<Line>

A component that creates a 3D line mesh.

<Box>
A component that creates a 3D box mesh.

<Sphere>

A component that creates a 3D sphere mesh.

<Plane>

A component that creates a 3D plane mesh.

useTexture

A hook that loads a texture and returns a Three.js texture object.

useGLTF

A hook that loads a GLTF model and returns a Three.js object.

These are just a few examples of the many components and hooks available in
React Three Drei .

The library provides a wide range of pre-built components and hooks that can simplify
common 3D tasks and save developers time and effort.

Beginner Project Ideas

3D Cube

Create a 3D cube using Three.js and experiment with different materials, textures, and lighting
effects to make it visually appealing.
Solar System Model

Build a model of the solar system using Three.js and explore the different planets, moons, and
other celestial bodies in a 3D environment.

3D Text

Create 3D text using Three.js and experiment with different fonts, sizes, and colors to make it
visually interesting.

Interactive Gallery

Build an interactive gallery using Three.js that allows users to navigate through different 3D
objects or images.

Particle Effects

Create particle effects using Three.js and experiment with different settings to make visually
appealing effects, such as explosions, fire, or rain.

3D Terrain

Create a 3D terrain using Three.js and experiment with different textures, heights, and shapes
to create a dynamic landscape.

3D Maze

Build a 3D maze using Three.js and add interactive elements such as obstacles and rewards to
make it more challenging and engaging.

3D Card Flip
Create a simple card-flipping animation using Three.js to showcase your understanding of
basic 3D transformations and animations.

3D Interactive Dice

Build a 3D dice that users can roll and interact with using Three.js, using basic geometry and
materials to create a realistic effect.

Cool Full-Fledged Project Ideas

1. Interactive 3D Gallery

Build a virtual art gallery where users can walk around and explore various artworks in a 3D
environment. Add interactivity such as information about each artwork upon clicking.

2. 3D Data Visualization

Create immersive visualizations of complex data sets using Three.js. This could include
anything from financial data to scientific data, presented in a visually appealing and interactive
3D format.

3. Virtual Reality Tours

Develop virtual tours of real-world locations or fictional environments using Three.js and
WebVR. Users can explore these environments using VR headsets or simply their web
browsers.

4. 3D Games

Build simple to complex 3D games such as puzzles, platformers, or first-person shooters using
Three.js. You can incorporate physics engines like Ammo.js for realistic interactions.
5. Particle Effects

Experiment with particle systems in Three.js to create mesmerizing effects like fire, smoke,
water, or dynamic particle-based animations.

6. Educational Simulations

Develop interactive educational simulations for subjects like physics, chemistry, or biology. For
example, you could create a simulation demonstrating gravitational forces or molecular
structures.

7. Music Visualizations

Generate dynamic visualizations that respond to music or sound input. This could involve
creating abstract visualizations that pulse and change based on the rhythm and intensity of
the audio.

8. Interactive Storytelling

Combine 3D graphics with storytelling elements to create immersive interactive narratives.

Users can navigate through the story world, interact with characters, and make choices that
affect the outcome.

9. Educational Simulations

Develop interactive educational simulations for subjects like physics, chemistry, or biology. For
example, you could create a simulation demonstrating gravitational forces or molecular
structures.

10. Space Exploration Simulation

Develop a 3D simulation of outer space where users can explore planets, moons, and other
celestial bodies. Incorporate real astronomical data for accuracy and educational value.

11. Weather Visualization

Create a dynamic 3D visualization of weather patterns and phenomena such as clouds, rainfall,
and storms. Users can interact with the simulation to understand weather dynamics.

12. 3D Fractal Explorer

Implement a fractal explorer that allows users to navigate and interact with 3D fractal
structures in real-time. Fractals are visually stunning and provide endless exploration
possibilities.

13. Medical Visualization

Develop interactive 3D visualizations of human anatomy or medical procedures. This could be

used for educational purposes or to simulate surgical scenarios for training purposes.

14. Time Travel Exploration

Create a time-traveling experience where users can explore historical or futuristic

environments. They can witness historical events or futuristic cities in 3D.

15. City Building Simulation

Design a city-building simulation where users can construct and manage their own virtual
cities. Incorporate elements like zoning, infrastructure development, and economic simulation.

16. Robotic Arm Simulator

Build a simulator for controlling a robotic arm in 3D space. Users can manipulate the arm's
movements and interact with objects in the environment, simulating real-world robotics
applications.

17. Fantasy World Builder

Let your imagination run wild by creating a fantasy world with mythical creatures, magical
landscapes, and epic battles. Users can explore this world and uncover its secrets.

18. Language Learning Game

Develop a game that helps users learn new languages through immersive 3D environments.
Players can navigate through different scenarios and practice language skills in context.

19. Robotic Arm Simulator

Develop interactive infographics that use GSAP to animate data visualizations, charts, and
diagrams. Add user interactions such as hover effects or click-triggered animations to enhance
engagement.

20. Animated Product Showcase

Design an animated product showcase or portfolio website using GSAP to highlight key
features and details of products or projects. Incorporate smooth transitions and interactive
elements to engage visitors.

21. Scroll-Based Website Animations

Create a website with scroll-based animations powered by GSAP . Implement effects like
parallax scrolling, fade-ins, and transitions triggered as the user scrolls down the page for a
dynamic experience.
22. Character Animation

Explore character animation using GSAP to bring characters to life in web-based applications
or games. Create animations for character movements, expressions, and interactions with the
environment.

23. Interactive Map with Animations

Build an interactive map with GSAP -powered animations to visualize data, highlight locations,
and provide dynamic navigation features. Add animations for map markers, tooltips, and route
paths.

24. Animated Logo Design

Design animated logos or brand identities using GSAP to create memorable and visually
engaging brand experiences. Experiment with different animation techniques such as
morphing, scaling, and rotation.

Websites to Get 3D Models

Sketchfab

Sketchfab - 3D Models for

Designers and Developers
https://sketchfab.com/

Poly Pizza
 Poly Pizza - Free 3D Models for
Creatives
https://poly.pizza/

PMNDRS Market

PMNDRS Market - Advanced 3D

Models and Assets
https://market.pmnd.rs/

Congratulations!

You've completed The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Three.js for 3D Development . You now
have the tools and knowledge to bring your 3D ideas to life, from the fundamentals to
advanced techniques and exciting project ideas.

Keep practicing, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity. Three.js offers
endless possibilities, and the more you build, the more you'll discover its potential.

Happy coding, and enjoy creating immersive 3D experiences! 🌟🎮

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