Immersive Websites: How Do You Make Them 3D?

The web is no longer a flat, static space. Today, immersive websites are redefining digital experiences, transporting users into interactive 3D worlds, animated product showcases, and even virtual showrooms. From architects visualizing buildings in real time to brands like Nike and Apple using scroll-driven animations to tell stories, the demand for depth and engagement is skyrocketing. But how do you build these experiences? Two tools dominate the conversation: Three.js, the coding powerhouse, and Spline, the no-code designer’s playground. Let’s break down which one fits your project—and why the choice matters more than ever.

The Age of Immersive Web Experiences

Imagine scrolling through a website where products rotate at your cursor’s touch, where parallax effects make you feel like you’re floating through layers of content, or where entire landscapes load seamlessly in your browser. This is the promise of immersive web design—a blend of storytelling, interactivity, and technical wizardry that keeps users hooked.

Driven by advances in WebGL (which renders 3D graphics in browsers) and WebXR (for augmented and virtual reality), immersive websites are no longer niche experiments. They’re becoming the gold standard for industries like:

• E-commerce: Virtual try-ons for fashion or furniture.
• Education: Interactive simulations for complex concepts.
• Entertainment: Browser-based games and VR galleries.

But building these experiences requires the right tools. Enter Three.js and Spline—two approaches to immersion, each with its own philosophy.

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ThreeJS: Crafting Immersive Worlds with Code

Three.js is an open-source JavaScript library that has served as the foundation for web-based 3D experiences since its release in 2010. Powering viral projects like Bruno Simon’s portfolio—where visitors navigate a whimsical 3D world in a virtual car—and Google’s 3D Animals, which brings creatures like pandas and sharks to life in augmented reality, Three.js is the go-to tool for developers aiming to craft immersive, interactive web content. What makes it beloved among coders is its unparalleled flexibility: it grants total creative control, allowing users to write custom shaders, fine-tune physics engines, or even build virtual reality (VR) experiences from scratch. Coupled with its robust performance optimizations, Three.js effortlessly handles everything from intricate particle systems to lifelike lighting, making it ideal for complex scenes.

But the library’s greatest strength—its depth—is also its biggest hurdle. Developers rave about its thriving community, which has spent over a decade amassing tutorials, plugins (like React Three Fiber for React integration), and GitHub repositories to solve nearly any problem. Yet, mastering Three.js demands strong JavaScript skills and patience to unravel the intricacies of WebGL. For newcomers, even a simple 3D button could take days to perfect. Beyond the learning curve, maintenance can be daunting, as developers must manually manage updates, dependencies, and cross-browser compatibility.

Ultimately, Three.js is tailored for coders, indie developers, and technically adept teams who prioritize creative freedom over convenience. It’s a tool for those unafraid to dive into matrices and raycasting to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the web—whether that’s building a browser-based game, a data visualization masterpiece, or an architectural walkthrough that feels as real as the physical world.

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Spline: The Designer's Gateway to 3D Web

Launched in 2020, Spline has quickly become the go-to tool for designers seeking to create 3D experiences without writing a single line of code. Think of it as “Figma for 3D”—a visually intuitive platform where users drag, drop, and animate objects in real time, crafting everything from sleek product showcases to interactive landing pages. Its accessibility has made it a favorite behind Awwwards-winning portfolios and startup websites, where speed and aesthetics are paramount. Designers adore Spline for its frictionless workflow: the ability to prototype a 3D product configurator in hours (not weeks), collaborate with teammates through real-time editing and comments, and export scenes effortlessly—whether embedding via URL or generating clean React/Next.js code for developers.

But Spline’s simplicity comes with trade-offs. While it democratizes 3D design, advanced features like custom shaders or complex physics simulations remain out of reach, limiting its use for high-end projects. Additionally, reliance on Spline’s runtime for embedded scenes can pose long-term flexibility risks, and its streamlined workflow, while perfect for small to medium projects, buckles under the weight of AAA-level complexity.

Ultimately, Spline is tailored for designers, marketers, and fast-moving startups that prioritize rapid iteration and visual appeal over granular technical control. It’s the tool for teams who want to dazzle users with 3D interactions today, not months from now—no coding expertise required.

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ThreeJS VS Spline: The Ultimate Showdown

Let’s pit these tools against critical factors for immersive web projects:

1. Customization & Complexity

Three.js wins hands-down for bespoke projects. Building a procedurally generated forest with dynamic weather? Three.js is your tool. While Spline is ideal for pre-built templates (e.g., rotating product models) but can’t compete with raw code for unique logic.

2. Learning Curve

Three.js requires months to master. You’ll wrestle with matrices, raycasting, and GLSL shaders. Meanwhile, withSpline you can learn the basics in a weekend. The interface feels familiar to Figma or Canva users.

3. Collaboration

With Three.js: Developers often work in silos, merging code via Git. Designers may feel left out. However, designers and developers can co-edit scenes in real time on Spline, bridging the workflow gap.

4. Performance & Scalability

Three.js is optimized for heavy lifting. Properly coded, it can handle thousands of 3D objects. While Spline is lightweight, scenes run smoothly, but complex projects may lag without code tweaks.

5. Cost

Lastly, Three.js is free and open-source (but developer hours aren’t). Spline is free for public projects; paid plans unlock privacy and advanced features.

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Skip the Learning Curve—Leave It to the Experts

Choosing between Three.js and Spline is just the first step. The real challenge lies in execution: Do you invest months mastering Three.js’s complexities? Or compromise on creativity with Spline’s simplicity? There’s a third option.

At Brim Digital, we specialize in turning immersive ideas into reality—no matter the tool. Our team of developers and designers handles everything: from coding custom Three.js animations that push browsers to their limits, to polishing Spline prototypes into pixel-perfect experiences. Why wrestle with WebGL shaders or platform constraints when you could focus on your vision while we handle the technical heavy lifting?

Brim Digital bridges the gap between ambition and execution. Whether you need a Spline-powered MVP in days or a Three.js masterpiece built to scale, we’ll ensure your site captivates users without draining your resources. Ready to skip the headaches? Let’s talk about your project—we’ll handle the code, so you can focus on what matters.

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