# Getting Started

Welcome to PlayCanvas React! This section will guide you through setting up your first 3D React application and teach you the fundamental concepts you need to build interactive 3D experiences.

## What You'll Learn

In this getting started guide, you'll learn how to:

- [Install and set up](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/react/getting-started/installation.md) PlayCanvas React in your project
- [Create your first 3D scene](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/react/building-a-scene.md) with cameras, entities, and 3D models
- [Load and manage 3D assets](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/react/guide/loading-assets.md) efficiently in your application

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

- **Node.js** 22.23.2 or later installed on your system
- Basic familiarity with **React** - if you're new to React, check out the [React documentation](https://react.dev/learn)
- A text editor or IDE (we recommend [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/))

## Quick Start

The fastest way to get started is with [`create-playcanvas`](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/getting-started/start-with-create-playcanvas.md):

```bash
npm create playcanvas@latest my-app -- -f react
```

Choose one of the 12 runnable starters when prompted. The generated project includes [PlayCanvas Skills](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/getting-started/use-playcanvas-skills.md) for compatible AI coding agents. You can also try our [online playground](https://playcanvas-react.vercel.app/new) without installing anything locally.

## Next Steps

Ready to dive in? Start with the [installation guide](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/react/getting-started/installation.md) to set up your development environment, then follow the [building a scene](https://developer.playcanvas.com/user-manual/react/building-a-scene.md) tutorial to build your first 3D application.

For more advanced topics and examples, explore the complete [PlayCanvas React documentation](https://playcanvas-react.vercel.app/docs) and [example gallery](https://playcanvas-react.vercel.app/examples).