Book Image

Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL

By : Jos Dirksen
Book Image

Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL

By: Jos Dirksen

Overview of this book

<p>Three.js is a JavaScript 3D library that offers a wide range of features for creating and displaying stunning 3D computer graphics on a web browser in an intuitive manner using JavaScript without having to deal with the complexity of a WebGL low-level API. Even though WebGL makes it possible to create 3D graphics in the browser without having to use plugins, programming WebGL, however, is hard and complex. This book shows you how Three.js allows you to be independent of browser plugins.</p> <p>If you are an experienced web designer who wants to set the tone for an immersive design environment in your applications then this book is for you.<br /><br />"Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL" is a practical, example-rich book that will help you to master all the features of Three.js. With this book, you’ll learn how to create and animate gorgeous looking 3D scenes directly in your browser utilizing the full potential of WebGL and modern browsers without having to learn WebGL.<br /><br />"Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL" starts by going over the basic concepts and building blocks used in Three.js. From there on, it will expand on these subjects using extensive examples and code samples. This will allow you to learn everything you need to know about Three.js in an easy and interactive manner.</p> <p>Besides the basic concepts, this book will show you how you can create realistic looking 3D objects using materials and textures as well as how to load them from externally created models. You’ll learn how to easily control the camera using the Three.js build-in camera controls so you can fly or walk around the 3D scene you have created. You will also learn how to use morph and bones-based animation and how to add physics to your scene.</p> <p>After reading Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL and playing around with the extensive set of examples, you’ll know everything that is required to create 3D animating graphics using Three.js that run in any browser.</p>
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
Learning Three.js: The JavaScript 3D Library for WebGL
Credits
About the Author
Acknowledgement
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
8
Creating and Loading Advanced Meshes and Geometries
Index

Morphing and skeletal animation


When you create animations in external programs (for instance Blender) you usually have two main options for defining animations:

  • Morph targets: With morph targets you define a deformed version, a key position, of the mesh. For this deformed target, all vertex positions are stored. All you need to do to animate the shape is, move all the vertices from one position to a key position and repeat that process. The following screenshot shows various morph targets used to express facial expressions (image provided by the Blender foundation).

  • Skeletal animation: An alternative is using skeletal animation. With skeletal animation you define the skeleton, the bones of the mesh, and attach vertices to the specific bones. Now when you move a bone, any connected bone is also moved appropriately, and the attached vertices are moved and deformed based on the position, movement, and scaling of the bone. The following screenshot, once again provided by the Blender foundation...