Learn PLAYCANVAS with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 26, 2025
Explain
PlayCanvas provides a full 3D engine with rendering, physics, materials, animations, and scene management.
It runs entirely in the browser leveraging WebGL (and optionally WebGPU) for high-performance graphics.
Includes a cloud-based editor for collaborative 3D development and asset management.
Supports WebXR for immersive AR/VR experiences.
Lightweight and highly optimized, enabling deployment to web, mobile, and embedded platforms.
Core Features
Entity-component system architecture
WebGL 1/2 and WebGPU rendering backend
Scripting via JavaScript
Physics engine integration (Ammo.js, Cannon.js)
Post-processing and camera effects
Basic Concepts Overview
Entity - core object in the scene
Component - behavior or feature added to entity
Script - JS code controlling entities/components
Scene - collection of entities forming a level
Asset - model, texture, audio, or script resource
Project Structure
index.html - optional HTML container for embedding
main.js - entry script for game logic
assets/ - models, textures, audio, scripts
scenes/ - scene definitions
scripts/ - custom behaviors and components
Building Workflow
Set up a new project in the PlayCanvas editor
Create scene and add entities
Attach components (render, camera, lights, physics)
Write scripts for interactivity
Publish and embed project online
Difficulty Use Cases
Beginner: simple 3D scene with a spinning cube
Intermediate: interactive 3D game with input controls
Advanced: physics-based simulation or PBR materials
Expert: WebXR AR/VR experience
Architect: multi-scene collaborative 3D application
Comparisons
PlayCanvas vs Three.js: full engine + editor vs library only
PlayCanvas vs Babylon.js: cloud collaboration vs desktop-first
PlayCanvas vs Unity WebGL: lightweight browser-first vs large runtime
PlayCanvas vs Godot HTML5 export: commercial support vs open-source desktop
PlayCanvas vs WebGPU directly: abstraction + tools vs low-level API
Versioning Timeline
2011 - PlayCanvas founded by Will Eastcott & Dave Evans
2012 - Open-sourced engine and WebGL support
2015 - Cloud editor launched
2017 - PBR and post-processing added
2024–2025 - WebGPU support experimental and expanding
Glossary
Entity - object in 3D scene
Component - behavior or feature attached to entity
Script - JavaScript controlling entity behavior
Asset - model, texture, sound, or script resource
Scene - collection of entities forming a level