Beginner Guide to HTML5 3D HDR Image Slideshows Using Three.js

Creating immersive 3D experiences on the web is now easier than ever thanks to HTML5 and Three.js. In this beginner level tutorial we will explore how you can build a simple 3D HDR image slideshow that runs directly in the browser. This post is designed for developers who are new to 3D graphics but already have basic knowledge of HTML and JavaScript.

What Is an HTML5 3D HDR Image Slideshow

An HDR image slideshow uses high quality images with realistic lighting and reflections. When combined with Three.js you can

• Display images inside a 3D environment
• Add smooth camera movement and transitions
• Create depth lighting and realism using WebGL
• Run everything directly in modern browsers

This makes it perfect for portfolios product showcases virtual galleries and interactive storytelling.

Why Use Three.js

Three.js is a popular JavaScript library that simplifies working with WebGL. Instead of writing complex shader code Three.js gives you easy to use objects like

• Scenes
• Cameras
• Lights
• Textures
• Meshes

License: Three.js is open source and released under the MIT License which means you can freely use it in personal and commercial projects.

Basic Concept Behind the Slideshow

At a high level a 3D HDR slideshow using Three.js follows these steps

1. Create a scene and camera
2. Load HDR or high quality images as textures
3. Apply images to planes or 3D objects
4. Animate transitions between images
5. Render everything in real time

Even with minimal code you can achieve impressive visual results.

Beginner Level Three.js HDR Image Slideshow Code

Copy

<!-- Include Three.js from CDN -->
<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/three.js/r152/three.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/three@0.152.0/examples/js/loaders/RGBELoader.js"></script>

<div id="slideshow" style="width:100%; height:500px;"></div>

<script>
  // Step 1: Setup scene, camera, and renderer
  const scene = new THREE.Scene();

  const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(
    75, 
    window.innerWidth / 500, 
    0.1, 
    1000
  );
  camera.position.z = 5;

  const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer({ antialias: true });
  renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, 500);
  document.getElementById("slideshow").appendChild(renderer.domElement);

  // Step 2: Load HDR image textures
  const hdrLoader = new THREE.RGBELoader();

  const images = [
    'path/to/your-image1.hdr',
    'path/to/your-image2.hdr',
    'path/to/your-image3.hdr'
  ];

  let currentImageIndex = 0;
  let material, mesh;

  function loadImage(index) {
    hdrLoader.load(images[index], function(texture) {
      texture.mapping = THREE.EquirectangularReflectionMapping;

      // Remove previous mesh if exists
      if (mesh) scene.remove(mesh);

      material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ map: texture });
      const geometry = new THREE.PlaneGeometry(5, 3);
      mesh = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);
      scene.add(mesh);
    });
  }

  loadImage(currentImageIndex);

  // Step 3: Animate slideshow
  function animate() {
    requestAnimationFrame(animate);
    renderer.render(scene, camera);
  }

  animate();

  // Step 4: Change image every 5 seconds
  setInterval(() => {
    currentImageIndex = (currentImageIndex + 1) % images.length;
    loadImage(currentImageIndex);
  }, 5000);

  // Step 5: Handle window resize
  window.addEventListener('resize', () => {
    camera.aspect = window.innerWidth / 500;
    camera.updateProjectionMatrix();
    renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, 500);
  });
</script>

Consolidated Demo

Screenshot

Live Screencast

Learning JavaScript for 3D Web Development

If you want to strengthen your JavaScript foundation before diving deeper into Three.js I recommend my book

Learning JavaScript

JavaScript Course for Beginners

You can also enroll in my step by step course

Learning JavaScript Online Course

One on One Programming Tutorials

Need personalized help or want to build a custom 3D project

I am available for one on one programming tutorials including JavaScript and web development

Contact Me

Final Thoughts

HTML5 and Three.js open the door to powerful 3D visuals on the web. A 3D HDR image slideshow is a great beginner project that helps you learn

• JavaScript animation
• WebGL concepts
• 3D scene structure
• Interactive design

With consistent practice you will soon be creating advanced 3D web experiences.

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