Your First Splat App
Welcome to building your first Gaussian splat application! This section provides step-by-step tutorials to create a simple application that loads a splat of a cute toy cat that users can orbit around, pan, and zoom.
Choose Your Path
We offer four different approaches to build the same app. Pick the one that matches your background and project needs:
🔧 Using the Engine API
Best for: Experienced JavaScript developers who want full control
- What: Direct PlayCanvas Engine API usage with ES6 modules
- Files:
index.html
+main.js
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, full engine access, smallest footprint
- Cons: More code to write, requires engine knowledge
🌐 Using Web Components
Best for: Web developers familiar with HTML and modern standards
- What: Declarative HTML using
<pc-app>
,<pc-entity>
,<pc-splat>
tags - Files: Single HTML file
- Pros: No build tools needed, familiar HTML syntax, quick prototyping
- Cons: Limited to web component capabilities
⚛️ Using PlayCanvas React
Best for: React developers and teams using React ecosystems
- What: JSX components that map to PlayCanvas entities and components
- Files: React component
- Pros: React integration, state management, TypeScript support, component composition
- Cons: Requires React knowledge and build setup
🎨 Using the Editor
Best for: Designers, artists, and visual learners
- What: Point-and-click interface with Asset Store integration
- Files: PlayCanvas project (cloud-based)
- Pros: No coding required, visual tools, team collaboration, publishing features
- Cons: Requires PlayCanvas account, less programmatic control