Book Image

Learn Three.js - Fourth Edition

By : Jos Dirksen
5 (1)
Book Image

Learn Three.js - Fourth Edition

5 (1)
By: Jos Dirksen

Overview of this book

Three.js has become the industry standard for creating stunning 3D WebGL content. In this edition, you’ll learn about all the features of Three.js and understand how to integrate it with the newest physics engines. You'll also develop a strong grip on creating and animating immersive 3D scenes directly in your browser, reaping the full potential of WebGL and modern browsers. The book starts with the basic concepts and building blocks used in Three.js and helps you explore these essential topics in detail through extensive examples and code samples. You'll learn how to create realistic-looking 3D objects using textures and materials and how to load existing models from an external source. Next, you'll understand how to control the camera using the Three.js built-in camera controls, which will enable you to fly or walk around the 3D scene you've created. Later chapters will cover the use of HTML5 video and canvas elements as materials for your 3D objects to animate your models. You’ll learn how to use morph targets and skeleton-based animation, before understanding how to add physics, such as gravity and collision detection, to your scene. Finally, you’ll master combining Blender with Three.js and creating VR and AR scenes. By the end of this book, you'll be well-equipped to create 3D-animated graphics using Three.js.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1: Getting Up and Running
5
Part 2: Working with the Three.js Core Components
7
Chapter 5: Learning to Work with Geometries
10
Part 3: Particle Clouds, Loading and Animating Models
14
Part 4: Post-Processing, Physics, and Sounds

What lighting types are provided in Three.js?

Several different lights are available in Three.js that all have specific behavior and usages. In this chapter, we’ll discuss the following set of lights:

  • THREE.AmbientLight: This is a basic light, the color of which is added to the current color of the objects in the scene.
  • THREE.PointLight: This is a single point in space from which light spreads in all directions. This light can be used to create shadows.
  • THREE.SpotLight: This light source has a cone-like effect like that of a desk lamp, a spotlight in the ceiling, or a torch. This light can cast shadows.
  • THREE.DirectionalLight: This is also called infinite light. The light rays from this light can be seen as parallel, similar to the light from the Sun. This light can also be used to create shadows.
  • THREE.HemisphereLight: This is a special light and can be used to create more natural-looking outdoor lighting by simulating a reflective surface and a faintly...