PlayCanvas Editor
The PlayCanvas Editor is a powerful, browser-based development environment for creating stunning 3D applications. No downloads, no installations—just open your browser and start building.
Why Choose the PlayCanvas Editor?
🌐 Accessible Anywhere
The entire Editor runs in your web browser. Whether you're at your desk, on a laptop, or borrowing a friend's computer, your projects are just a login away. Your work is automatically saved to the cloud, so you never lose progress.
👁️ What You See Is What You Get
The Editor uses the same PlayCanvas Engine that powers your published applications. Every material, every light, every shadow you see in the Editor is exactly what your users will experience. No surprises at runtime.
⚡ Instant Iteration
Make a change, see it instantly. With live editing, you can tweak materials, adjust positions, and even modify scripts while your application runs. Hit the Launch button and your project opens in a new tab, ready to test. The feedback loop between idea and implementation has never been shorter.
Built for Teams
Real-time Collaboration
Work together with your team in real-time. See where others are looking, what they're selecting, and chat directly within the Editor. Multiple developers, artists, and designers can build the same scene simultaneously—no merge conflicts, no stepping on each other's toes. Learn more about collaboration →
Professional Version Control
PlayCanvas includes a complete version control system designed specifically for 3D projects:
- Checkpoints — Snapshot your project at any point and roll back if needed
- Branches — Develop features in isolation without affecting the main project
- Merging — Combine work from multiple branches with visual conflict resolution
- History — Track every change to every asset and entity over time
Complete Development Toolkit
Visual Scene Building
Construct your 3D worlds using intuitive transform gizmos, a hierarchical entity tree, and a comprehensive property inspector. Drag and drop assets directly into your scene, parent entities with a click, and fine-tune every detail.
Integrated Code Editor
Write scripts without leaving your browser. The built-in code editor features syntax highlighting, intelligent autocomplete, and real-time error checking. For larger projects, use the VS Code extension and develop locally with full IDE power.
Powerful Asset Pipeline
Import models, textures, audio, and more with a streamlined asset pipeline. The Editor automatically optimizes your assets and handles format conversions. Organize everything in the Assets Panel with folders, search, and filtering.
Component-Based Architecture
Build complex behaviors by combining components—camera, light, physics, audio, scripts, and more. This modular approach keeps your project organized and your code reusable.
Publish Everywhere
When you're ready to share your creation, PlayCanvas has you covered:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Web | Deploy to PlayCanvas hosting or self-host anywhere |
| Mobile | Package as native iOS and Android apps |
| Desktop | Build standalone applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux |
| Playable Ads | Export optimized builds for Facebook, Snapchat, and more |
Getting Started
Ready to dive in? Here's your path forward:
- Create Your First App — Build a simple 3D scene in minutes
- Explore the Interface — Master the Editor's tools and panels
- Learn Scripting — Add interactivity with JavaScript
- Publish Your Project — Share your creation with the world
Extend and Customize
For advanced workflows, the Editor API lets you build custom tools, automate repetitive tasks, and integrate with external systems. If you can imagine it, you can build it.
The Editor evolves alongside the PlayCanvas Engine. If you're upgrading an older project or experiencing issues, check the engine compatibility guide or visit troubleshooting for solutions.