Learn PIXIJS with Real Code Examples

PixiJS abstracts WebGL rendering into an easy-to-use 2D graphics framework.

Supports sprites, textures, graphics, text, and filters.

Provides animation and ticker systems for smooth updates.

Runs efficiently across devices and browsers with automatic WebGL fallback to Canvas.

Integrates with other libraries like GSAP for advanced animations.

Sprites and textures

Graphics primitives (lines, shapes, polygons)

Text and bitmap fonts

Filters and custom shaders

Interaction manager (mouse/touch events)

Application - manages renderer, stage, and ticker

Container - groups display objects

Sprite - textured images or animations

Graphics - vector shapes, lines, polygons

Filters - apply visual effects to objects

index.html - main HTML file with canvas

main.js - PixiJS application code

assets/ - textures, images, spritesheets

modules/ - reusable graphics/animation code

styles/ - optional CSS for layout

Initialize the PixiJS application

Load textures and assets

Create sprites, graphics, or text objects

Add objects to containers or stage

Animate using ticker or integrate GSAP timelines

Beginner: render a single sprite on canvas

Intermediate: animate multiple sprites using ticker

Advanced: apply filters and shaders

Expert: create a full 2D game with physics and collisions

Architect: build interactive dashboards or creative experiences with custom rendering pipelines

PixiJS vs Canvas API: easier and faster for complex scenes

PixiJS vs Phaser: PixiJS focuses on rendering; Phaser adds game engine features

PixiJS vs Three.js: 2D vs 3D rendering

PixiJS vs GSAP: PixiJS renders, GSAP animates properties

PixiJS vs Konva.js: PixiJS more performance-oriented and GPU-accelerated

2013 - PixiJS created by Mat Groves

2015 - Major performance improvements and WebGL support

2018 - PixiJS v5 with modern ES modules

2020 - PixiJS v6 with enhanced filters and interactions

2025 - Latest stable release with full plugin ecosystem

Application - main PixiJS instance managing stage and renderer

Stage/Container - hierarchy for display objects

Sprite - textured image object

Ticker - animation loop

Filter - visual effect applied to objects