Three.js vs Blender: Which 3d Engine Should You Choose?

While both Three.js and Blender facilitate 3D graphics, they exhibit clear distinctions. Three.js, a cross-browser JavaScript library, excels in accelerating 3D animations in a web browser without plugins. It’s a go-to choice for code-based 3D modeling and animation, underpinned by WebGL and GLSL. On the other hand, Blender is a robust, open-source toolset designed for a wider spectrum of applications like animated films and virtual reality. Notably, its prowess is seen in 3D modeling, UV mapping, rigging, and rendering.

Key Differences between Three.js and Blender

• Three.js is a JavaScript library, Blender is a software tool set.
• Blender supports wide applications like animated films, visual effects, whereas Three.js focuses on 3D animations in browsers.
• Blender’s programming languages include C, C++, Python, while Three.js uses JavaScript, GLSL.
• Three.js is GPU-accelerated, making it highly efficient in rendering 3D animations.

What Is Three.js and Who’s It For?

Brought to life by the unrivalled Ricardo Cabello in 2010, Three.js is a JavaScript library transforming the world one 3D model at a time. With a key focus on creating and displaying animated 3D graphics in browsers, Three.js eliminates the prerequisite of browser plugins. It’s a blessing in disguise for animating enthusiasts and developers who dream of crafting GPU-accelerated 3D animations.

Three.js is a treasure trove of features, making it the first choice for those keen on developing complex 3D animations. High-level libraries, diverse scenes, multiple effects – you name it, Three.js has got it covered. The platform thrives by putting futuristic tech like WebGL 2.0, WebXR, and GLSL into everyday development language for AR/VR.

Pros of Three.js

• Rich, high-level libraries make it easier to create intricate 3D animations
• No need for browser plugins
• Robust community with over 1700 contributors on Github
• Supports AR/VR via WebXR

Cons of Three.js

• Initial learning curve can be steep for beginners

What Is Blender and Who’s It For?

Blender, born in 1994 from the wisdom of Ton Roosendaal’s team at Dutch studio NeoGeo, is a 3D computer graphics software tool set. It’s a one-stop-shop tool for everything from 3D modelling, digital drawing, animation, rendering to video editing. Artists, 3D printing enthusiasts, motion graphics creators, and VR developers can find a generous ally in Blender.

This free, open-source titan has come a long way from its shareware beginnings. Every modern feature in Blender – be it fluid simulation, UV mapping, or compositing, stems from the commitment and skills of a global community. Proudly supported by the Blender Foundation, this toolset is ever-evolving, keeping abreast with the latest industry trends.

Pros of Blender

• Comprehensive feature set that accommodates a wide range of 3D modeling needs
• Open-source and free for users
• Vast user community and resources for learning

Cons of Blender

• User interface might seem complex for beginners

Three.js vs Blender: Pricing

Three.js is an open-source JavaScript library hosted on GitHub under the MIT license, meanwhile Blender is free and open-source software developed by a global community, under the GPL-2.0 or later license.

Three.js

As an open-source JavaScript library, Three.js is available free of cost. Its MIT License permits reuse within proprietary software provided all copies of the licensed software include a copy of the MIT License terms and the copyright notice.

Blender

Blender, similarly, is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set. It is primarily developed by the global community and managed by the Blender Institute. The software is released under the GPL-2.0 or later license, promoting the freedom to run, edit, and distribute the software.

Code Examples for Three.js & Blender

Three.js – Interactive Cube Illusion

This example illustrates a rotating cube with a dynamic texture. The prerequisites are a basic understanding of 3D geometry, texture mapping, and the WebGL context accessible in modern browsers.

// Initialize WebGL renderer, scene, camera, and geometry.
var renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
var scene = new THREE.Scene();
var camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth / window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
var geometry = new THREE.BoxGeometry(1, 1, 1);

// Apply texture
var material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({
 map: THREE.ImageUtils.loadTexture('your/texture/path.jpg')
});
// Construction of the cube
var cube = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);

scene.add(cube);
camera.position.z = 3;

function animate() {
  // Rendering cycle - cube rotation
  requestAnimationFrame(animate);
  cube.rotation.x += 0.01;
  cube.rotation.y += 0.01;
  renderer.render(scene, camera);
};
animate();

Blender – Basic Object Animation

This script demonstrates how to create a simple object animation in Blender. It requires Blender 2.93 LTS and the Bpy module to operate efficiently.

import bpy

#Create object, assign it to a variable
obj = bpy.data.objects.new('Obj1', bpy.data.meshes['Cube'])

#Inserting keyframes
bpy.context.scene.frame_set(1)
obj.location = (0, 0, 0)
obj.keyframe_insert(data_path="location", frame=1)

bpy.context.scene.frame_set(50)
obj.location = (0, 10, 0)
obj.keyframe_insert(data_path="location", frame=50)

bpy.context.scene.frame_set(100)
obj.location = (0, 0, 0)
obj.keyframe_insert(data_path="location", frame=100)

Copy & Modifications Disclosure

Please note that all code snippets require some setup and prerequisites to function optimally. They are designed to inspire and give you a head start on your projects. Feel free to modify, enhance and incorporate them into your initiatives as you see fit.

Remember to test each snippet thoroughly and debug as needed in your respective environments.

Three.js or Blender: The Ideal Verdict?

Proposing a verdict between Three.js and Blender anchors on an understanding of your unique technical and application requirements. Given their distinct capabilities, the question of superiority pivots on the specific use-case context rather than a generic one-size-fits-all.

AR/VR Creators and Enthusiasts

Three.js flourishes in this domain, powered by its advanced WebXR support. Unlike Blender which has discontinued its game engine, Three.js offers seamless, accelerated 3D animations using JavaScript and WebGL, free from the necessity of browser plugins. AR/VR creations gain speed, efficiency, and cross-browser accessibility.

Game Developers

Blender, with its extensive modelling, texturing, rigging, and animation features, emerges as the preferred choice for game makers. The nuance and level of detail enabled by Blender yield unrivalled game art, assets, and animations that resonate more richly on high-spec game platforms than Three.js.

Web Developers

The preference skews towards Three.js here. Its cross-browser uniformity, simplicity, JavaScript-native nature, animated 3D capabilities, and GPU-supported speed make it the choice asset for Web Developers seeking 3D animation integrations into their web app builds.

3D Artists and Freelancers

Causewayed by its breathtaking array of 3D creation tools, Blender is a haven for 3D artists and freelancers. Offering modelling, rigging, sculpting, rendering, and more, it enables sophisticated constructs, exceeding Three.js’s more Web-centric capabilities.

In a concise summary, your choice between Three.js and Blender is guided by your line of work, your application scope, and your operational constraints. Evaluate wisely!