Browser graphics just got a massive upgrade. WebGL examples showcase how modern web browsers can render stunning 3D graphics, interactive animations, and GPU-accelerated visuals without plugins or downloads.
Most developers know WebGL exists but struggle to see its practical applications. The gap between theory and implementation stops countless projects before they start.
This guide presents real WebGL code examples that solve actual problems. You’ll discover interactive 3D demos, shader programming tutorials, and performance optimization techniques that work across all major browsers.
From basic Three.js implementations to advanced fragment shaders and texture mapping, these examples cover everything from simple geometric shapes to complex particle systems.
Each example includes complete source code, step-by-step explanations, and tips for cross-browser compatibility. Whether you’re building data visualizations, games, or interactive websites, you’ll find practical solutions that actually work.
What is WebGL
WebGL is a subsidiary of OpenGL and is based on OpenGL Embedded Systems. This JavaScript API uses in-browser HTML5 to draw 2D and 3D graphics.
It does not rely on any external plugins.
A major reason to include virtual reality on a website is the attraction it holds for visitors. A website that features virtual reality will attract more people and they will spend more time on it.
That, in turn, increases the website’s rating in search results. VR then has important SEO advantages.
WebGL continues to grow and it works on all modern browsers, like Safari and Mozilla. It is possible to make it work on older browsers too.
During the preparation of this article, it became clear that there are many WebGL examples. Looking at these examples will increase your understanding of this exciting technology.
So, take your time and enjoy some of the most beautiful applications of virtual reality. At the end of this article, you will find some tips on how you can use it.
WebGL Examples
Portal Effect Hero Slider
This slider module serves well as a dramatic landing page.
Make a lasting impression with it on a WordPress website. Visitors will remember this thrilling product presentation.
Creative Hero Collection
This intro presentation will make a splendid impression on any kind of website. It features a modern frosted glass effect.
Cyber Particle Effect
Website visitors will be amazed by this cyber particle effect by Slider Revolution.
Isometric Slider
The alluring Isometric Slider template is very colorful. It gives you complete control over the color palette and screen content.
Tech Showcase Slider
This slick slider component has some cool device animations. Scrolling down will reveal a smooth but subtle parallax effect.
Cube Animation Slider
This slider contains cube animations and text modules. There’s also an eye-catching call-to-action button.
Sponza Palace
Sponza Palace uses the Babylon.js framework. This results in a lightweight element that is still able to bring a website to life.
This example shows the Sponza Palace in Croatia. It gives a 3D in-browser view without the need to download any third-party plugins.
City
Next on this list of WebGL examples is City.
Although this demo is not finished, it looks great. It draws inspiration from Pixel City.
WebGL Bookcase
This bookcase is an alternative way of accessing Google Books. Books are virtually arranged in a helix and sorted by subject.
Clicking one of the books will redirect users to the Google Books entry.
Motion Blur Portfolio Showcase
A showcase slider that has the option of showing videos as well. This simple showcase uses a fantastic motion blur transition.
It also has a logo and menu. Motion Blur Portfolio Showcase is flexible and perfect for any kind of project.
3D Web model with customization options
The list continues with a 3D model of a shoe. The model is completely customizable.
It uses Babylon.js and is a great tool for showing models of new technology.
Collectibles
Just a Reflektor
Google and Arcade Fire worked together to produce this music video. Viewers can make adjustments in real-time to various filters and effects.
This video application requires either a webcam or a mouse.
Aquarium
Another of the best WebGL examples is Aquarium. This WebGL shows the potential of VR by simulating an aquarium.
The 3D graphics are superb when it comes to textures, animations, reflections, and refractions.
Google Maps Terrain View
Google Maps terrain view is the best-known example of a WebGL application. Topographical maps become more informative with 3D representations.
Lights
Powered by three.js, Lights provides visitors with a memorable visual experience. It synchronizes music with shapes and colors.
You can initiate additional interactions by clicking the scene. Use headphones for the optimal experience.
HelloRacer
HelloRacer is the next great WebGL example. It visualizes a Formula 1 race car.
The reflections and shadows are very life-like. You can experience what it feels like to drive a racing car using the WASD keys.
Cyber Glitch Effect Slider
Cyber Glitch Effect Slider presents a neon cyber world. Glitch transition and typewriter effects make this slider very special.
Using it is very straightforward thanks to the easy customization.
Mozilla VR blaster game
The popular browser Mozilla Firefox offers a simple VR shooter game.
The objective is simple. Shoot with the spacebar, avoid enemies, and stay alive as long as possible.
The mechanics and the artwork of the game make it fascinating to look at.
Dynamic Cubemap
WebGL Earth
WebGL Earth is open source and allows viewers to explore, zoom, and play around with a 3D globe. The project has support from a community of web developers.
Attractors Trip
This is a great place to get started with 3D experiences. The mesmerizing graphics apply Barry Martin’s Hopalong formula.
360 Car Visualizer
This experimental visualizer depicts cars.
The viewer can change the color and model of the cars. In response, the software dynamically changes the textures.
Save the Rainforest
It’s a big step from cars to environmental protection. Save the Rainforest is a joint project by the Norwegian Rainforest Foundation and public television station NRK.
Visitors can take a virtual trip through a rainforest with 360° images.
HexGL
This fast racing game uses HTML5, JavaScript, Three.js, and WebGL. It pays tribute to early games, like F-Zero and Wipeout.
In terms of graphics, it is very similar to desktop games. For smooth running, you can lower the detail level.
Plasmatic Isosurface
This WebGL/GLSL plasma simulation is very pretty. It runs on the graphics processing unit (GPU).
That is a major advantage of WebGL. It uses the graphics processor that is common to all computers.
Cyber Carousel With Lightbox
Continuing the list of WebGL examples is Cyber Carousel.
The Cyber Carousel fills the entire screen and editing the content is very easy. The user can change the lightbox color with a simple click in the editor.
Viewers can navigate the carousel with the vertical navigation tabs.
Konterball WebGL
Table tennis is a fun game and you can play it in your browser. This game offers a single or multiplayer mode.
Konterball uses the cannon.js, deepstream.js, and three.js libraries.
Electricflower
WebGL Rubik’s Cube
Werner Randelshofer developed this Rubik’s cube applet.
In part, it uses code from the WebGL repository. Some of the code comes from Google and Apple and is used with their permission.
WebGL Cars
Need for Speed has been a famous name in the field of racing games for decades. In the future, these games may be played in web browsers.
That sounds impossible but have a look at the edition of these cars. They display realistic dynamic cube maps, shadows, and post-processing effects.
Nodosaur dinosaur fossil
Readers of National Geographic magazine encounter 3D graphics on a regular basis. This link shows the Nodosaur dinosaur fossil.
There are different camera angles and annotations that provide extra information. The fossils can be further explored at the end of the article.
Obsidian
This demo synchronizes music and floating shapes in different colors. It generates the effects in real-time, despite what the slider at the bottom may indicate.
CSS3D Periodic Table
This 3D periodic table does not use WebGL. Instead, it uses CSS3D to render the boxes with chemical elements.
CSS3D Periodic Table offers four different layouts – Grid, Helix, Sphere, and Table.
Planeto Web
Planeto Web displays the entire solar system in a browser. It simulates the solar system at an accelerated speed.
It is very gratifying to leave the browser open and watch the simulation. You can watch anything, for example, Mars’ orbit in 2291.
Background Effect Hero Collection
A stunning slider that shows meditative gradients and transition. Visitors will love it and return to it.
VR gallery in your browser
During the last couple of months, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, going to different places was very difficult. That does not mean that people lost their need for art and culture.
This virtual reality gallery takes visitors on an exploration of new, upcoming artists. This is all possible within an internet browser.
The textures and materials of the gallery are of high quality. Again, this is a WebGL example.
Angry Birds
Everybody knows the Angry Birds games.
Rovio created a web version of it. This is a low-resolution version that looks like the original 2D canvas game.
Materials: Cars
See the 3D models of a Bugatti Veyron, a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ferrari F50, or a Lamborghini Gallardo in a browser window. You can change the model color if you want.
Surface
Paul Lewis made an inspiring and elegant demo. You can change the auto orbit, elasticity, magnitude, raindrops, and wireframe.
You can even add your own images and see how the shapes and effects change.
Inside Renault KADJAR
This demo is a collaboration between Little Wordshop, Oculus, and Renault. Inside Renault KADJAR lets you see the car’s interior and customize it.
It makes use of WebVR and WebGL.
Winery Timeline Slider
A slider template that lets you tell your story. It comes with logo and social icon designs that you can use.
It looks beautiful as a standalone landing page.
FAQ on WebGL
What is WebGL and how does it work in browsers?
WebGL is a JavaScript API that renders interactive 3D graphics within web browsers using the GPU. It’s based on OpenGL ES and works directly with HTML5 Canvas elements, enabling hardware-accelerated graphics without plugins across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Do I need to learn OpenGL before starting WebGL?
Not necessarily. While OpenGL knowledge helps with advanced concepts, you can start with Three.js or other WebGL frameworks. Understanding basic 3D math, vertex shaders, and fragment shaders is more important than low-level OpenGL experience.
Which WebGL framework should beginners choose?
Three.js is the most beginner-friendly option with extensive documentation and community support. Babylon.js offers game-focused features, while A-Frame simplifies VR development. Choose based on your project’s complexity and target platform requirements.
How do I debug WebGL applications effectively?
Use browser DevTools extensions like WebGL Inspector or Spector.js to capture frames and analyze draw calls. Enable WebGL error checking in development, monitor GPU performance metrics, and test across multiple devices for compatibility issues.
Can WebGL work on mobile devices?
Yes, mobile WebGL support is widespread on modern smartphones and tablets. However, performance varies significantly between devices. Optimize textures, reduce polygon counts, and implement level-of-detail systems for smooth mobile experiences.
What are shaders and why are they important?
Shaders are small programs that run on the GPU to process vertices and pixels. Vertex shaders handle 3D transformations, while fragment shaders determine pixel colors. They’re essential for lighting, texturing, and visual effects in WebGL applications.
How do I optimize WebGL performance?
Minimize draw calls by batching geometry, use texture atlases, implement frustum culling, and reduce shader complexity. Profile with browser tools, optimize mesh rendering for target hardware, and consider instanced rendering for repeated objects.
What’s the difference between WebGL 1.0 and WebGL 2.0?
WebGL2 adds advanced features like transform feedback, uniform buffer objects, and 3D textures. It offers better performance and more GLSL features but has limited support on older devices. Most projects still target WebGL 1.0 for maximum compatibility.
Can I create games with WebGL?
Absolutely. WebGL enables browser-based games with 3D graphics, physics simulation, and real-time multiplayer features. Popular engines like PlayCanvas and Babylon.js provide game-specific tools for asset management, scene graphs, and cool website effects.
How do I handle WebGL browser compatibility issues?
Check WebGL support using WebGL Report, provide fallbacks for unsupported features, and test extensively across browsers. Use feature detection rather than browser detection, and consider making a professional website with graceful degradation for older devices.
Conclusion
These WebGL examples demonstrate how browser graphics have transformed from simple 2D elements into sophisticated 3D rendering platforms. Modern web applications now compete with native desktop graphics through GPU acceleration and advanced shader programming.
The examples showcase practical implementations across industries. From data visualization and scientific modeling to game development and architectural rendering, WebGL enables experiences previously impossible in browsers.
Performance optimization remains crucial for success. Implementing batch rendering, texture atlases, and culling techniques ensures smooth experiences across devices. Remember that user experience depends heavily on technical execution.
Cross-browser compatibility has improved significantly, yet testing remains essential. WebGL2 features expand possibilities but require careful progressive enhancement strategies.
The future looks bright for browser-based graphics. WebAssembly integration, WebXR support, and evolving JavaScript animation libraries continue expanding what’s possible. These examples provide the foundation for building tomorrow’s interactive animations.
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