Learn PLAYCANVAS with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 26, 2025

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Installation Setup

Create a new project in the cloud editor

Upload assets (models, textures, audio)

Add scripts and components to entities

Run and test directly in browser or embed via iframe

Environment Setup

Modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)

HTTPS for WebXR

PlayCanvas cloud editor account

Optional local dev server

Optional Node.js build tools

Config Files

index.html - container for embedded project

main.js - game logic entry

assets/ - models, textures, audio

scenes/ - scene definitions

scripts/ - custom behaviors

Cli Commands

playcanvas-server start -> local preview

npm run build -> build project bundle

pc-cli asset upload -> cloud upload

pc-cli scene deploy -> publish scene

playcanvas-stats -> debug performance

Internationalization

Text via HTML/JS layer

Assets can be localized externally

Script-driven localization

No engine-enforced language

Global-ready deployment

Accessibility

HTML UI elements for controls

ARIA labels for buttons/menus

Keyboard navigation for interactive scenes

Motion preference respect for animations

Browser accessibility applies to overlays

Ui Styling

HTML/CSS overlays

Canvas renders 3D content

UI elements managed via DOM

In-game UI can be 3D or 2D

PlayCanvas handles visuals, not HTML styling

State Management

Entity/component system manages local state

Scripts handle game logic

Physics engine computes dynamic state

Input events update entity behavior

Scene graph reflects visual state

Data Management

Assets loaded via asset registry

Textures, models, and audio managed centrally

Streaming large assets via CDN

Cache frequently used assets

Minimize runtime asset duplication