---
name: ck-threejs
description: Build 3D web apps with Three.js (WebGL/WebGPU). Use for 3D scenes, GLTF model loading, animations, physics, VR/XR experiences, particle effects, custom shaders, post-processing, and compute shaders.
---

# Three.js Development

High-performance 3D web applications using Three.js with 556 searchable examples, 60 API classes, and 20 use-case templates.

## When to Use

- Building 3D scenes, games, or data visualizations
- Loading 3D models (GLTF, FBX, OBJ)
- Implementing animations, physics, or VR/AR (WebXR)
- Creating particle effects or custom GLSL shaders
- Optimizing WebGL/WebGPU rendering performance

## Don't Use When

- Simple CSS/SVG animations suffice
- 2D canvas work without 3D requirements (use plain Canvas API)

## Search Examples and API

```bash
python3 $HOME/.claude/skills/threejs/scripts/search.py "<query>" [--domain <domain>] [-n <max>]

# Examples
python3 $HOME/.claude/skills/threejs/scripts/search.py "particle compute webgpu"
python3 $HOME/.claude/skills/threejs/scripts/search.py "camera" --domain api
python3 $HOME/.claude/skills/threejs/scripts/search.py "product configurator" --use-case
python3 $HOME/.claude/skills/threejs/scripts/search.py --category webgpu -n 10
```

**Domains:** `examples` (code), `api` (classes), `use-cases` (project types), `categories` (browse)

## Quick Start

```javascript
const scene = new THREE.Scene();
const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth/window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer({ antialias: true });
renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);

scene.add(new THREE.AmbientLight(0x404040));
const dirLight = new THREE.DirectionalLight(0xffffff, 1);
dirLight.position.set(5, 5, 5);
scene.add(dirLight);

import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/addons/loaders/GLTFLoader.js';
new GLTFLoader().load('model.glb', (gltf) => scene.add(gltf.scene));

function animate() { requestAnimationFrame(animate); renderer.render(scene, camera); }
animate();
```

## Common Use Cases

| Use Case | Key Tools | Complexity |
|----------|-----------|------------|
| Product Configurator | GLTF, PBR, EnvMaps | Medium |
| Game Development | Animation, Physics, Controls | High |
| Data Visualization | BufferGeometry, Points | Medium |
| 360 Panorama | Equirectangular, WebXR | Low |
| Architectural Viz | GLTF, HDR, CSM Shadows | High |

## Progressive Reference Files

- `references/00-fundamentals.md` — core concepts, scene graph
- `references/01-getting-started.md` — setup, basic rendering
- `references/02-loaders.md` — GLTF, FBX, OBJ loaders
- `references/03-textures.md` — texture types, mapping
- `references/04-cameras.md` — camera types, controls
- `references/05-lights.md` — light types, shadows
- `references/06-animations.md` — AnimationMixer, clips
- `references/08-interaction.md` — raycasting, picking
- `references/09-postprocessing.md` — bloom, SSAO, SSR
- `references/11-materials.md` — PBR, standard materials
- `references/12-performance.md` — instancing, LOD, batching
- `references/13-node-materials.md` — TSL shader graphs
- `references/14-physics-vr.md` — physics, WebXR
- `references/16-webgpu.md` — WebGPU, compute shaders
- `references/17-shader.md` — custom GLSL shaders

## Resources

- Docs: https://threejs.org/docs/
- Examples: https://threejs.org/examples/
- Discord: https://discord.gg/56GBJwAnUS