The web is no longer just about text and images. Today, users want rich, interactive experiences. One way to create these exciting features is by adding 3D graphics to your websites and apps. With the help of Three.js, a popular JavaScript library, you can build 3D objects, scenes, and animations right in the browser.
If you’re learning through full stack developer classes, working with Three.js can help you build amazing projects and improve your skills. In this blog, we’ll explain what Three.js is, how it works, and how you can use it in your full stack apps. We’ll keep the language simple and the steps easy to follow.
What Is Three.js?
Three.js is a JavaScript library that lets you build and show 3D graphics in a web browser. It uses a technology called WebGL, which runs directly in the browser without needing extra plugins.
With Three.js, you can create:
- 3D models and shapes
- Lights and shadows
- Cameras and controls
- Animations and effects
You can use it to make interactive 3D websites, games, product demos, or even virtual tours — all using JavaScript.
Why Use Three.js in Full Stack Apps?
Full stack apps usually focus on data, APIs, and user interactions. But by adding 3D elements, you can make your app stand out. Here’s why using Three.js is useful:
- Better user experience – Make your app fun and interactive
- Great for portfolios – Show off your skills with cool visuals
- Supports real-world use cases – Like 3D product views, maps, or learning tools
- Easy to add – Works well with other frontend tools like React
If you’ve taken full stack developer classes, using Three.js is a great way to combine creative design with code.
What You Can Build with Three.js
Here are a few ideas for 3D features in a full stack app:
- A 3D product viewer for an online store
- A virtual art gallery with clickable paintings
- A learning platform with 3D models (like planets or machines)
- A portfolio site with spinning cubes that open projects
- A data dashboard with animated 3D charts
Now let’s see how to use Three.js step by step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Project
You can start with a simple HTML file and add Three.js through a CDN (content delivery network):
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Three.js Example</title>
<style>
body { margin: 0; }
canvas { display: block; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<script src=”https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/three@0.150.1/build/three.min.js”></script>
<script>
// Your 3D code will go here
</script>
</body>
</html>
You can also use frameworks like React and install Three.js using npm:
npm install three
Then import and use it in your component.
Step 2: Create a Basic Scene
Here’s a simple example to create a scene with a spinning cube.
const scene = new THREE.Scene();
const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth/window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);
const geometry = new THREE.BoxGeometry();
const material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ color: 0x00ff00 });
const cube = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);
scene.add(cube);
camera.position.z = 5;
function animate() {
requestAnimationFrame(animate);
cube.rotation.x += 0.01;
cube.rotation.y += 0.01;
renderer.render(scene, camera);
}
animate();
When you open this in a browser, you’ll see a green spinning cube. You just built your first 3D object!
Step 3: Add to a Full Stack App
Let’s say you are building a product catalog. On the backend, you store product data (name, price, image, and maybe 3D model info).
Backend Example (Node.js + Express)
app.get(‘/api/products’, (req, res) => {
res.json([
{ id: 1, name: “Shoe”, model: “shoeModel.glb” },
{ id: 2, name: “Watch”, model: “watchModel.glb” }
]);
});
Frontend Example (React + Three.js)
You can use a 3D model loader like GLTFLoader to display the models.
import { useEffect } from ‘react’;
import * as THREE from ‘three’;
import { GLTFLoader } from ‘three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader’;
function ProductViewer({ modelPath }) {
useEffect(() => {
const scene = new THREE.Scene();
const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth/window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);
const loader = new GLTFLoader();
loader.load(modelPath, function (gltf) {
scene.add(gltf.scene);
});
camera.position.z = 5;
function animate() {
requestAnimationFrame(animate);
renderer.render(scene, camera);
}
animate();
}, [modelPath]);
return null;
}
Now you can load a 3D model from your backend and display it on your frontend. That’s full stack development with 3D!
Step 4: Make It Interactive
You can add buttons, sliders, or mouse controls to let users:
- Rotate or zoom the 3D model
- Change the color or size of the object
- Switch between different models
Use controls like OrbitControls from Three.js to allow mouse interaction.
import { OrbitControls } from ‘three/examples/jsm/controls/OrbitControls’;
const controls = new OrbitControls(camera, renderer.domElement);
controls.enableZoom = true;
Now users can drag and zoom around the 3D model easily.
Step 5: Add It to Your Portfolio or Final Project
If you’re working on your final project in a full stack developer course, adding 3D will impress both teachers and employers. Make sure your app:
- Has clear instructions for users
- Loads quickly (optimize your models)
- Works well on desktop and mobile
You can also host your app on platforms like Vercel (for frontend) and Render or Railway (for backend).
Tips for Working with Three.js
- Keep your models small and simple to load faster
- Test your app on different screen sizes
- Learn basic 3D concepts: lights, materials, geometry
- Explore tools like Blender to create or export 3D models
- Don’t overload the page with too many effects
The more you play with Three.js, the more fun and creative your apps can become.
Real World Uses of 3D in Web Apps
Many companies use Three.js to make their websites more engaging:
- Nike shows 3D shoes you can rotate and zoom
- Architecture firms display virtual buildings
- Education platforms use 3D science models
- E-commerce sites offer 3D product views
You can build similar features with your skills and share them as portfolio projects.
Conclusion
Three.js is a powerful tool that brings 3D graphics to the browser. When you use it in a full stack app, you can build fun, useful, and creative web experiences. Whether you’re creating a product viewer, a portfolio, or a learning tool, 3D can make your app stand out.
Start small with a simple cube, then try adding models and controls. Combine it with a backend that serves data or models. Deploy your app so others can see your work.
If you’re studying in developer classes, this is a perfect project to practice everything — frontend, backend, and creativity. And if you’re near the end of your full stack developer course, showing a 3D project is a great way to stand out.
With Three.js, the only limit is your imagination. So open up your editor, write some code, and start building in 3D!
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Name: ExcelR – Full Stack Developer Course in Hyderabad
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