How to integrate threepp with Dear ImGui for UI?

The README mentions easy integration by linking against the bundled imgui in examples. Use CMake to add the external directory, then include the ImguiContext header to combine 3D rendering with immediate-mode GUI elements.

Threepp vs OpenSceneGraph for C++ 3D graphics?

Threepp offers a simpler, three.js-like API ideal for rapid prototyping and web deployment via Emscripten, while OpenSceneGraph is more mature and feature-rich for complex, performance-critical applications but has a steeper learning curve.

Can threepp run in a web browser?

Yes, it supports Emscripten for WebAssembly compilation. Pass the Emscripten toolchain file to CMake to build examples as HTML files, enabling deployment of C++ 3D applications directly in browsers.

How to load a GLTF model in threepp?

Use the built-in AssimpLoader by including the appropriate header and linking against Assimp. The loader supports GLTF among other formats, allowing you to import complex models with materials and animations as shown in the examples.

Is threepp good for game development?

It's suitable for prototypes and simple 3D games due to its intuitive API and cross-platform support. However, for AAA games requiring advanced rendering or physics, you might need to supplement it with other libraries or consider engines like Unreal.

What are the system requirements for threepp?

Requires a C++20 compatible compiler, CMake for building, and OpenGL support. Optional dependencies like Assimp and ImGui are needed for specific features, but the core library bundles essentials like GLFW.

Open-Awesome

Threepp

MITC++

A cross-platform C++20 port of the three.js library, enabling 3D graphics rendering in C++ applications.

GitHub

781 stars91 forks0 contributors

What is Threepp?

threepp is a C++20 port of the three.js library, providing a comprehensive 3D graphics framework for C++ developers. It enables the creation of interactive 3D applications, visualizations, and simulations with a scene graph API similar to three.js, solving the need for a modern, high-level 3D library in the C++ ecosystem.

Target Audience

C++ developers working on 3D graphics applications, simulations, game prototypes, or scientific visualizations who prefer a three.js-like API. It's also suitable for ROS2 users needing visualization tools and developers targeting cross-platform or web deployment via Emscripten.

Value Proposition

Developers choose threepp because it brings the proven, intuitive API of three.js to C++, eliminating the need to build a 3D engine from scratch. Its cross-platform support, integration with tools like Dear ImGui and Assimp, and smart pointer-based memory management make it both powerful and easy to use.

Overview

C++20 port of three.js (r129+)

Use Cases

Best For

Creating 3D visualizations for robotics or simulation in C++
Building cross-platform 3D applications that can also run in browsers via WebAssembly
Prototyping 3D games or interactive experiences with a three.js-like workflow
Developing scientific or engineering simulations requiring real-time 3D rendering
Integrating 3D graphics into existing C++ applications with minimal boilerplate
Visualizing complex data or models in applications using ROS2

Not Ideal For

Teams relying on the latest three.js features and updates
Projects requiring advanced animation systems like skeletal rigging or complex keyframing
Environments where minimal dependencies and header-only libraries are preferred

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cross-Platform Deployment

Builds on Windows, Linux, macOS, and even web via Emscripten, enabling seamless porting of C++ 3D applications to browsers with minimal code changes.

Three.js Familiarity

The API closely mirrors three.js, allowing developers experienced with the JavaScript library to quickly leverage scene graphs, materials, and controls without learning a new paradigm.

Integrated Loaders and Tools

Includes built-in support for formats like GLTF and OBJ via Assimp, plus text rendering and audio, reducing the need for external dependencies in common 3D workflows.

Smart Memory Management

Uses std::shared_ptr with static create functions for geometries and materials, automating disposal and simplifying resource handling in C++.

Cons

Incomplete Feature Set

The port is still a work in progress, with animations limited to transforms and other advanced three.js capabilities potentially missing or partially implemented.

Outdated Base Version

Based on three.js r129, it lacks updates, bug fixes, and new APIs from more recent releases, which may limit compatibility with modern assets or tools.

CMake and Dependency Overhead

Requires CMake for building and bundles dependencies like GLFW, adding complexity for developers not versed in modern C++ toolchains or seeking lightweight setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Threepp

MITC++

A cross-platform C++20 port of the three.js library, enabling 3D graphics rendering in C++ applications.

GitHub

781 stars91 forks0 contributors

What is Threepp?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Overview

C++20 port of three.js (r129+)

Use Cases

Best For

Creating 3D visualizations for robotics or simulation in C++
Building cross-platform 3D applications that can also run in browsers via WebAssembly
Prototyping 3D games or interactive experiences with a three.js-like workflow
Developing scientific or engineering simulations requiring real-time 3D rendering
Integrating 3D graphics into existing C++ applications with minimal boilerplate
Visualizing complex data or models in applications using ROS2

Not Ideal For

Teams relying on the latest three.js features and updates
Projects requiring advanced animation systems like skeletal rigging or complex keyframing
Environments where minimal dependencies and header-only libraries are preferred

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cross-Platform Deployment

Builds on Windows, Linux, macOS, and even web via Emscripten, enabling seamless porting of C++ 3D applications to browsers with minimal code changes.

Three.js Familiarity

The API closely mirrors three.js, allowing developers experienced with the JavaScript library to quickly leverage scene graphs, materials, and controls without learning a new paradigm.

Integrated Loaders and Tools

Includes built-in support for formats like GLTF and OBJ via Assimp, plus text rendering and audio, reducing the need for external dependencies in common 3D workflows.

Smart Memory Management

Uses std::shared_ptr with static create functions for geometries and materials, automating disposal and simplifying resource handling in C++.

Cons

Incomplete Feature Set

The port is still a work in progress, with animations limited to transforms and other advanced three.js capabilities potentially missing or partially implemented.

Outdated Base Version

Based on three.js r129, it lacks updates, bug fixes, and new APIs from more recent releases, which may limit compatibility with modern assets or tools.

CMake and Dependency Overhead

Requires CMake for building and bundles dependencies like GLFW, adding complexity for developers not versed in modern C++ toolchains or seeking lightweight setups.