How to load a 3D model in Menori?

Use menori.glTFLoader.load with the file path to load glTF 2.0 models in JSON or binary format, then create a node tree with menori.NodeTreeBuilder.create, as shown in the usage example for attaching scenes.

Can Menori handle multiple cameras or scenes?

Yes, you can create multiple PerspectiveCamera instances and Environment objects, but management requires manual scene graph setup; the README example uses a single camera and root node for simplicity.

What are the system requirements for Menori?

Menori works on LÖVE 11.4 and higher, but performance depends on hardware and scene complexity; it's best tested on desktop systems due to LÖVE's limitations on mobile or web platforms.

How does Menori compare to using a separate 3D engine with LÖVE?

Menori integrates directly with LÖVE, avoiding external dependencies, but it may lack features of dedicated 3D engines; it's ideal for adding 3D elements to LÖVE projects without overhauling the codebase.

How to animate a model in Menori?

Load animations via menori.glTFAnimations from glTF files, set actions with set_action, and update them in love.update using animations:update(dt), as demonstrated in the example with skeletal animations.

Is Menori good for beginners in 3D graphics?

It requires familiarity with LÖVE and Lua, plus 3D concepts like scene graphs; the manual setup and sparse documentation might be challenging for those new to 3D development.

Menori — LÖVE 3D Rendering Library

What is Menori?

Menori is a 3D rendering library for the LÖVE game framework, enabling developers to create 3D scenes and animations within LÖVE's 2D environment. It solves the problem of limited native 3D support in LÖVE by providing a scene graph system and glTF 2.0 asset loading for modern 3D workflows.

Target Audience

LÖVE developers and Lua programmers looking to incorporate 3D graphics, animations, and model rendering into their 2D-focused games or applications.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Menori for its seamless integration with LÖVE, robust glTF 2.0 support, and scene graph architecture, offering a structured way to handle 3D rendering without leaving the LÖVE ecosystem.

Library for 3D rendering with LÖVE.

Use Cases

Best For

Adding 3D models and animations to LÖVE games
Creating 3D visualizations or demos within the LÖVE framework
Loading and rendering glTF 2.0 assets in Lua projects
Building scene-based 3D applications with hierarchical object management
Experimenting with 3D graphics in a lightweight, Lua-driven environment
Prototyping 3D game mechanics using LÖVE's familiar API

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring advanced 3D features like real-time physics simulations or VR support, as LÖVE's foundation is 2D-oriented.
Teams needing a full-fledged 3D game engine with built-in editors, asset pipelines, or extensive tooling.
Applications demanding high-performance 3D rendering for massive, dynamic scenes with complex shaders or post-processing effects.
Developers working primarily outside the Lua and LÖVE ecosystem, as integration requires familiarity with these technologies.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Modern Asset Compatibility

Supports glTF 2.0 format for loading 3D models with meshes, materials, textures, skins, skeletons, and animations, as shown in the README example using menori.glTFLoader.load.

Hierarchical Scene Management

Uses a scene graph architecture for organizing 3D objects in a node-based hierarchy, enabling efficient rendering and transformations through traversal functions like scene:render_nodes.

Seamless LÖVE Integration

Built specifically for LÖVE, allowing developers to add 3D capabilities to existing 2D projects without switching frameworks, as demonstrated in the love.load and love.update hooks.

Animation System

Includes support for skeletal animations from glTF files with action-based playback control, as seen in the animations:set_action and animations:update(dt) calls in the example.

Cons

Limited Ecosystem

As a niche library for LÖVE, it has a smaller community, fewer tutorials, and less third-party support compared to mainstream 3D engines, which can hinder problem-solving and collaboration.

Performance Overhead

Rendering 3D on top of LÖVE's 2D foundation may introduce performance bottlenecks for complex scenes, evidenced by the need for custom node sorting (node_sort_comp) in the rendering code.

Manual Configuration

Requires manual setup for loading assets, configuring scenes, and managing animations, lacking automated tools or simplified workflows, which increases initial development effort.

What is Menori?

Target Audience

LÖVE developers and Lua programmers looking to incorporate 3D graphics, animations, and model rendering into their 2D-focused games or applications.

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Adding 3D models and animations to LÖVE games
Creating 3D visualizations or demos within the LÖVE framework
Loading and rendering glTF 2.0 assets in Lua projects
Building scene-based 3D applications with hierarchical object management
Experimenting with 3D graphics in a lightweight, Lua-driven environment
Prototyping 3D game mechanics using LÖVE's familiar API

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring advanced 3D features like real-time physics simulations or VR support, as LÖVE's foundation is 2D-oriented.
Teams needing a full-fledged 3D game engine with built-in editors, asset pipelines, or extensive tooling.
Applications demanding high-performance 3D rendering for massive, dynamic scenes with complex shaders or post-processing effects.
Developers working primarily outside the Lua and LÖVE ecosystem, as integration requires familiarity with these technologies.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Modern Asset Compatibility

Supports glTF 2.0 format for loading 3D models with meshes, materials, textures, skins, skeletons, and animations, as shown in the README example using menori.glTFLoader.load.

Hierarchical Scene Management

Uses a scene graph architecture for organizing 3D objects in a node-based hierarchy, enabling efficient rendering and transformations through traversal functions like scene:render_nodes.

Seamless LÖVE Integration

Built specifically for LÖVE, allowing developers to add 3D capabilities to existing 2D projects without switching frameworks, as demonstrated in the love.load and love.update hooks.

Animation System

Includes support for skeletal animations from glTF files with action-based playback control, as seen in the animations:set_action and animations:update(dt) calls in the example.

Cons

Limited Ecosystem

As a niche library for LÖVE, it has a smaller community, fewer tutorials, and less third-party support compared to mainstream 3D engines, which can hinder problem-solving and collaboration.

Performance Overhead

Rendering 3D on top of LÖVE's 2D foundation may introduce performance bottlenecks for complex scenes, evidenced by the need for custom node sorting (node_sort_comp) in the rendering code.

Manual Configuration

Requires manual setup for loading assets, configuring scenes, and managing animations, lacking automated tools or simplified workflows, which increases initial development effort.

Menori

What is Menori?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Menori

What is Menori?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?