Build and Deploy an AI-Powered 3D Website Using React | 2024 Three JS Course Tutorial for Beginners

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to build and deploy an AI-powered 3D website using React and Three.js. This guide will cover essential steps, from setting up your development environment to deploying your project. By the end, you'll have a fully functional 3D product website enhanced with artificial intelligence features.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

1. Install Node.js and npm:
   • Download and install Node.js from the official website. This will also install npm (Node Package Manager).
2. Create a New React App:
   • Open your terminal and run:

     npx create-react-app my-3d-website
     

3. Navigate to Your Project Folder:
   • Change directory into your project:

     cd my-3d-website
     

4. Install Required Packages:
   • Install Three.js, React Three Fiber, TailwindCSS, and Framer Motion:

     npm install three @react-three/fiber tailwindcss framer-motion
     

5. Update Drei and Fiber:
   • If you encounter a "failed to load resource" error, update your dependencies to fix broken links:

     npm install @react-three/drei
     

Step 2: Build the Homepage

1. Create Components:
   • Set up your homepage layout by creating a Home component.
2. Add Basic Structure:
   • Use TailwindCSS for styling. Example structure:

     function Home() {
         return (
             <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center h-screen">
                 <h1 className="text-4xl font-bold">Welcome to My 3D Website</h1>
             </div>
         );
     }
     

3. Import the Home Component:
   • Make sure to import and render your Home component in App.js.

Step 3: Create the 3D Canvas

1. Set Up the Canvas:
   • Create a Canvas component using React Three Fiber:

     import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';
     
     function ThreeCanvas() {
         return (
             <Canvas>
                 {/* Add 3D elements here */}
             </Canvas>
         );
     }
     

2. Render the Canvas:
   • Include the ThreeCanvas in your main app component.

Step 4: Implement Three.js Camera

1. Add Camera Controls:
   • Use the orbitControls to allow users to navigate the 3D scene:

     import { OrbitControls } from '@react-three/drei';
     
     function ThreeCanvas() {
         return (
             <Canvas>
                 <OrbitControls />
                 {/* Add 3D elements here */}
             </Canvas>
         );
     }
     

Step 5: Configure Three.js Lighting

1. Add Lighting:
   • Use different light sources to enhance the 3D model visibility:

     function ThreeCanvas() {
         return (
             <Canvas>
                 <ambientLight intensity={0.5} />
                 <pointLight position={[10, 10, 10]} />
                 {/* Add 3D elements here */}
             </Canvas>
         );
     }
     

Step 6: Implement a Color Picker

1. Create a Color Picker Component:
   • Use a state management to handle color changes:

     function ColorPicker({ onChange }) {
         return (
             <input type="color" onChange={(e) => onChange(e.target.value)} />
         );
     }
     

2. Connect to 3D Model:
   • Update your 3D model's material color based on the color picker input.

Step 7: Enable File Upload

1. Create a File Picker:
   • Allow users to upload custom 3D models:

     function FilePicker({ onUpload }) {
         return (
             <input type="file" accept=".glb, .gltf" onChange={onUpload} />
         );
     }
     

Step 8: Integrate AI Backend

1. Set Up the AI Integration:
   • Use an AI service to generate images or models. You'll typically call the API when users make requests.
2. Use DALL-E for Image Generation:
   • Set up the DALL-E image generation through API calls:

     fetch('AI_API_URL', { method: 'POST', body: JSON.stringify(data) })
         .then(response => response.json())
         .then(data => {
             // Handle the generated image
         });
     

Step 9: Deploy Your Website

1. Choose a Hosting Service:
   • Use services like Vercel or Netlify for easy deployment.
2. Build Your App:
   • Run the build command:

     npm run build
     

3. Upload Build Folder:
   • Follow the hosting provider's instructions to deploy your project.

Conclusion

You have now created and deployed a 3D website using React and Three.js, equipped with AI features. Key takeaways include setting up your development environment, creating interactive 3D elements, and integrating AI functionalities. For next steps, consider exploring advanced features or optimizing performance for your website. Happy coding!