three.js
Open-source JavaScript library for 3D graphics in the browser using WebGL and WebGPU.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web
Is three.js free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- MIT
Checked on three.js's site Nov 4, 2026
Switch from three.js to
All 4
p5.jsOpen source
ProcessingOpen source
SplineStarting price: $12 per seat/month billed annually (Hobby), $15 monthly
- Verified facts
- 3 of 3
- Alternatives ranked
- 4
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
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About three.js
three.js is the most widely used JavaScript library for drawing 3D scenes on a web page. You create a scene, a camera, meshes, lights and materials in code, and it handles rendering through WebGL or WebGPU, with SVG and CSS3D renderers available as add-ons. It loads common 3D formats such as glTF, includes post-processing effects, physically based materials, animation and VR/AR support, and has a large set of official examples to copy from. Creative coders use it for generative art, music visualisers, data visualisation and interactive installations that need real 3D and shaders; product teams use it for configurators and 3D landing pages. It is free and open source under the MIT licence and runs in any modern browser. Compared with p5.js it asks for more setup and more knowledge of 3D concepts, and its API changes between releases, so older tutorials sometimes need updating.
Best for: Creative coders and web developers who need real 3D scenes, shaders and models in the browser..
Pros and cons
What works
- WebGL and WebGPU renderers in one library
- Huge set of official examples
- Loads glTF and other 3D model formats
- Free under the MIT licence
Why people leave
- Steeper learning curve than p5.js for beginners
- API changes between releases break older tutorials
- No built-in editor or sketchbook like Processing
three.js vs p5.js, Processing and Spline
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | three.js | p5.js | Processing | Spline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Open source | Free plan + paid |
| Verified price | — | — | — | $12 per seat/month billed annually (Hobby), $15 monthly |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Yes, limited personal files |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web | macOS, Windows, Linux | Web, macOS, Windows |
Top three.js alternatives
See all 4- 1p5.js68.8
Simpler sketch-style API with a web editor, for 2D and light 3D work without scene graphs.
- 2Processing64.8
Desktop sketchbook with a built-in IDE, for installations that don't need to run in a browser.
- 3Spline62.7
Design interactive 3D scenes in a visual editor and embed them on a website, without writing three.js code.
- 4ToTouchDesigner61.8
Node-based real-time visuals for live shows and installations, with less code to write.
Why people left three.js
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three.js: common questions
What is three.js?
three.js: Open-source JavaScript library for 3D graphics in the browser using WebGL and WebGPU. Best for creative coders and web developers who need real 3D scenes, shaders and models in the browser. Available for Web.
Is three.js free?
Yes. three.js is free, open-source software.
Is three.js open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at mrdoob/three.js.
What platforms does three.js run on?
three.js is available for Web.
What are the best alternatives to three.js?
The highest-ranked three.js alternatives right now are p5.js, Processing and Spline. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
three.js vs p5.js: what's the difference?
Both three.js and p5.js are free and open source. Both run on Web.