Getting Started
What is PlayCanvas?
PlayCanvas is a ✨ web graphics creation platform ✨
PlayCanvas is a collection of open-source products that you can use to build interactive, graphical web applications:
🦾 PlayCanvas Engine - Open source JavaScript run-time that powers all PlayCanvas applications
⚛️ PlayCanvas React - Open source React-based declarative interface that wraps the PlayCanvas Engine
🧩 PlayCanvas Web Components - Open source Web Components-based declarative interface that wraps the PlayCanvas Engine
🛠️ PlayCanvas Editor - Real-time collaborative visual editing environment for building PlayCanvas applications
Which Product is Right For You?
Every developer is different, so picking the right entry point to PlayCanvas will depend on your background and skills. Let us help you choose:
🦾 PlayCanvas Engine - Full control development
Best for: Experienced programmers, performance-critical applications, custom workflows
Choose if you: Want maximum control, have specific architectural needs, or are building complex systems
⚛️ PlayCanvas React - React developers
Best for: React developers, component-based thinkers, existing React projects
Choose if you: Already use React, want declarative 3D scenes, or need to integrate 3D into React apps
🧩 PlayCanvas Web Components - Standards-based development
Best for: Vanilla JS developers, framework-agnostic projects, web standards enthusiasts
Choose if you: Prefer native web technologies, want framework independence, or like custom HTML elements
🛠️ PlayCanvas Editor - Visual-first development
Best for: Beginners, teams, rapid prototyping, visual learners
Choose if you: Want drag-and-drop scene building, real-time collaboration, or prefer visual tools over code
😕 Still Confused?
Consult this simple questionnaire:
New to 3D development? → Start with the PlayCanvas Editor
React developer? → Use PlayCanvas React
Prefer vanilla HTML and JavaScript? → Try PlayCanvas Web Components
A coder that needs maximum control? → Go with the PlayCanvas Engine
Working in a team? → The PlayCanvas Editor offers the best collaboration
Coming from Unity or Unreal? → The PlayCanvas Editor provides a similar end-user experience
Integrating into existing app or site? → Choose React or Web Components based on your existing stack
And if you still have questions, come and chat to us on Discord.