Media and documents · Comparison
Canvas API vs Fabric.js vs Three.js
All three draw into a canvas element. The difference is how much they do for you: raw pixels, editable 2D objects, or complete 3D scenes.
3 options · 8 questions side by side · updated
| Compare | Canvas API | Fabric.js | Three.js |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A drawing API built into browsers | A 2D object library on top of canvas | A 3D library on WebGL and WebGPU |
| Dimensions | 2D (3D through WebGL) | 2D | 3D |
| Remembers shapes | No, only pixels | Yes, every object stays editable | Yes, in a scene graph |
| User editing | Build it yourself | Select, drag, resize and rotate built in | Camera controls; editing is custom |
| Save and load | Export as an image | JSON and SVG | glTF models and JSON scenes |
| Download size | Nothing extra, it is in the browser | A moderate library | A larger library, plus 3D assets |
| Best for | Charts, games, filters, signatures | Design tools and product customisers | Product viewers, 3D scenes and games |
| Learning curve | Easy start, grows with features | Gentle for editing features | Steeper: cameras, lights, materials |
How to choose between Canvas API, Fabric.js and Three.js
- Use the Canvas API directly for simple drawing, charts or games where you control every frame.
- Pick Fabric.js when users need to add, move and edit shapes, text and images.
- Pick Three.js for anything that needs depth, lighting or 3D models.
The options
- Canvas APIA browser feature that gives a web page a blank drawing surface, where code paints shapes, images, text and animation pixel by pixel.
- Fabric.jsA JavaScript library that turns an HTML canvas into an editable drawing board, where shapes, text and images can be selected, moved, resized and rotated.
- Three.jsA popular JavaScript library for interactive 3D graphics in the browser, from product viewers and games to animated website backgrounds.
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