PDF.js vs three.js: What are the differences?

Introduction:

PDF.js and three.js are both popular libraries used in web development. While PDF.js is specifically designed for rendering and interacting with PDF files, three.js is a JavaScript 3D library used for creating and displaying 3D computer graphics on a web browser. Despite some similarities, there are several key differences between PDF.js and three.js.

1. Rendering Capabilities: PDF.js is primarily focused on rendering PDF files with support for various PDF features such as text extraction, annotations, and forms. On the other hand, three.js is dedicated to rendering 3D graphics, including models, animations, and lighting effects. PDF.js provides a comprehensive solution for handling PDF documents, whereas three.js offers powerful tools for creating immersive 3D visualizations.

2. File Formats: PDF.js specifically targets PDF format and provides extensive support for it. It can render all types of PDF files including those with complex layouts and embedded objects. In contrast, three.js supports various file formats commonly used in 3D graphics, such as OBJ, STL, Collada, and more. While PDF.js is optimized for PDF files, three.js enables developers to work with a wider range of 3D models.

3. Interactivity: PDF.js allows users to interact with PDF documents by providing features like page navigation, text selection, and form submission. It enables zooming, panning, and printing of PDF files. On the other hand, three.js focuses more on interactive 3D experiences. It enables user-controlled camera movement, object manipulation, and interaction with 3D models through mouse and keyboard input. While PDF.js provides interactivity within a PDF document, three.js provides interactivity within a 3D environment.

4. Level of Abstraction: PDF.js is a lower-level library that directly works with the internal structure of PDF files. It provides granular control over individual elements present in a PDF document, such as text positioning and font properties. On the other hand, three.js operates at a higher level of abstraction, providing developers with simplified interfaces for creating and manipulating 3D scenes. It handles tasks like object rendering, scene composition, and camera positioning, abstracting away low-level graphics programming.

5. Purpose: PDF.js is primarily used for displaying and working with PDF documents in a web browser. It is commonly used in applications that require PDF rendering and manipulation, such as document viewers and editors. On the other hand, three.js is widely used for building interactive 3D visualizations, games, and virtual reality experiences on the web. It is commonly employed in architecture, design, entertainment, and educational domains to create immersive 3D content.

6. Community and Adoption: PDF.js has gained significant community support and is widely used for handling PDF files in web applications. It is backed by Mozilla, a well-known organization that develops Firefox browser. three.js, on the other hand, has a strong community of developers and artists who contribute to its development and usage. It has become a popular choice for creating 3D graphics on the web, with numerous examples, tutorials, and resources available.

In Summary, PDF.js is focused on rendering and interacting with PDF files, while three.js is dedicated to creating and displaying 3D graphics on the web. PDF.js primarily targets PDF format, providing comprehensive rendering capabilities and interactivity within PDF documents. On the other hand, three.js supports various file formats and enables the creation of interactive 3D environments and visualizations.