May 13, 2024
Updated July 20, 2025
14 minute read
Three.js is a JavaScript library used to create and display 3D graphics in web browsers. Originally developed to create interactive 3D graphics, Three.js has since been used to create games, virtual reality experiences, and data visualizations.
What is Three.js?
Three.js is an open-source library powered by WebGL, a JavaScript API that enables web browsers to render 3D graphics. It provides a set of tools and functions for creating and manipulating 3D objects, scenes, and cameras. Three.js is well-suited for creating interactive 3D experiences that can be viewed and manipulated in real-time within a web browser.
Why learn Three.js?
There are several reasons why individuals may want to learn Three.js:
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Find a path to becoming a Three.JS. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/qan2ua/three
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Three.JS.
This comprehensive and up-to-date guide, ideal for gaining a broad understanding and deepening your knowledge of Three.js. It covers core concepts, advanced techniques like shaders and physics, and integration with modern web technologies such as React and TypeScript, making it highly relevant to contemporary topics. serves as an excellent reference for both beginners and those looking to enhance their skills.
Dives into the contemporary topics of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality development using the WebXR API, with significant coverage of Three.js and A-Frame. It's a must-read for those interested in creating immersive web experiences, directly addressing key areas mentioned in the course titles. The project-based approach solidifies understanding of these modern applications.
This foundational book on WebGL provides essential knowledge of the underlying technology that powers Three.js. Understanding WebGL is crucial for advanced Three.js development, including writing custom shaders and optimizing performance. It's a classic and highly valuable resource for developers who want to deepen their understanding of 3D web graphics at a lower level.
This cookbook provides practical recipes and solutions for implementing various techniques in Three.js, focusing on specific tasks and effects. It's excellent for deepening your understanding by exploring advanced topics and serves as a valuable reference tool for developers looking to implement particular features or overcome common challenges.
Focused specifically on leveraging Three.js for building 3D web games, this book is highly relevant for courses covering game development with the library. It guides readers through creating interactive 3D game environments and implementing game mechanics. While an older title, the principles of applying Three.js to game development are still insightful.
Provides a collection of projects that demonstrate how to use Three.js to create various types of 3D experiences, including games, visualizations, and interactive art installations. It great resource for developers who want to learn how to use Three.js to create their own projects.
An earlier edition of a popular Three.js learning resource. While some of the content may be slightly dated compared to the latest version of the library, it still provides a solid foundation in Three.js principles and practices. It is useful for understanding the evolution of the library and core concepts, serving as valuable additional reading or a reference for features in that version.
Focuses on the design and implementation of 3D web games using Three.js, HTML5, and WebGL. It's relevant for game development courses and provides insights into the design considerations specific to 3D web environments. It helps apply Three.js knowledge within a game development context.
Delves into WebGL 2, the successor to WebGL 1. While Three.js abstracts WebGL details, understanding WebGL 2 can be beneficial for advanced users focused on shaders, performance, and leveraging the latest graphics hardware capabilities. It's a resource for deepening understanding of the underlying graphics pipeline.
Provides a step-by-step guide to learning Three.js. It covers the basics of Three.js, such as geometry, materials, lighting, and cameras.
Offers a concise and example-driven introduction to the fundamental features of Three.js. It's a good starting point for beginners to quickly grasp the core concepts of creating 3D scenes in the browser. While an older publication, the essential building blocks covered remain relevant for gaining a broad understanding of the library.
An older but classic textbook on interactive 3D graphics, using OpenGL for examples. While the API is different from WebGL, the fundamental principles of 3D rendering, transformations, lighting, and shaders are highly relevant and well-explained. Provides essential theoretical background for anyone serious about 3D graphics programming, including with Three.js.
Specifically tailored to the mathematical concepts used in 3D game programming and computer graphics. covers topics like vectors, matrices, transformations, and physics, which are directly applicable to developing with Three.js, particularly for games or simulations. It's a valuable resource for solidifying the mathematical foundation.
An introductory book to WebGL, focusing on getting up and running with creating 3D graphics in the browser. It provides foundational knowledge in the WebGL API, which prerequisite for a deep understanding of Three.js. Useful for developers who want to see what Three.js is abstracting away.
Focuses on the mathematical concepts underlying 3D computer graphics, using OpenGL to illustrate principles. A strong grasp of linear algebra, geometry, and calculus is beneficial for advanced 3D programming with Three.js, especially for custom transformations, physics, or complex animations. It provides essential mathematical background.
Provides a broader perspective on building 3D applications for the web using HTML5 and WebGL, including discussions on Three.js. It helps contextualize Three.js within the larger landscape of web-based 3D graphics development. While an older title, it offers valuable insights into the evolution of the field.
A highly comprehensive and foundational textbook in the field of computer graphics. While not specific to WebGL or Three.js, it provides a deep theoretical understanding of graphics pipelines, algorithms, and data structures. This classic reference for anyone seeking a rigorous academic understanding of the principles behind 3D graphics.
Covers the principles of physics relevant to game development, such as motion, collision detection, and simulations. While not Three.js specific, the concepts are directly applicable when implementing physics within a Three.js game or simulation using a physics engine library. Useful supplementary reading for game development courses.
Explores artificial intelligence techniques used in game development, such as pathfinding, decision making, and behavioral AI. While not directly a Three.js book, the concepts are relevant for adding intelligent behavior to characters or elements within a Three.js powered game environment. Useful as additional reading for game development aspects.
Focuses on animation principles and techniques using JavaScript and HTML5 Canvas. While not Three.js specific, the concepts of animation, timing, and object manipulation are directly transferable to creating animated scenes with Three.js. Useful for gaining background knowledge in web animation.
Covers drawing and manipulating graphics using the HTML5 Canvas element and JavaScript. provides fundamental knowledge in programmatic drawing on the web, which can be a helpful precursor to understanding how Three.js renders to a canvas element. It's a good resource for basic web graphics programming.
While not directly about Three.js (which uses WebGL), this book covers foundational 2D graphics concepts using HTML5 Canvas and CSS3. A solid understanding of 2D graphics and web drawing APIs can be beneficial prerequisite knowledge for working with 3D graphics in Three.js, especially for overlays or textures.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/qan2ua/three
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