Caching Large 3D Models in Three.js and React

For your performance issues with the large 3D model, there are several approaches you can take to improve loading times:

1. Use Three.js Cache System

Three.js provides a built-in Cache class that can help manage loaded resources:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
import { Cache } from 'three';

// Enable caching
Cache.enabled = true;

// You can also set a limit on the amount of cached items
// Cache.limit = 50;

This will help when using loaders like GLTFLoader to prevent reloading the same assets multiple times during a session.

2. Implement Client-Side Caching

For persistent caching between sessions, consider using browser storage:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader';
import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';

function Model() {
  const [model, setModel] = useState(null);
  
  useEffect(() => {
    const loader = new GLTFLoader();
    
    // Check if model is in IndexedDB or localStorage first
    const cachedModel = localStorage.getItem('cachedModelPath');
    
    if (cachedModel) {
      // Load from cache
      loader.load(cachedModel, (gltf) => {
        setModel(gltf.scene);
      });
    } else {
      // Load from server and cache
      loader.load('/path/to/model.glb', (gltf) => {
        setModel(gltf.scene);
        localStorage.setItem('cachedModelPath', '/path/to/model.glb');
      });
    }
  }, []);
  
  return model ? <primitive object={model} /> : null;
}

3. Use React Query or SWR for Data Fetching

As mentioned in the context, libraries like React Query can help with caching:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
import { useQuery } from 'react-query';
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader';

const loadModel = async (url) => {
  const loader = new GLTFLoader();
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    loader.load(url, resolve, undefined, reject);
  });
};

function Model() {
  const { data: model } = useQuery('3dModel', () => loadModel('/path/to/model.glb'), {
    staleTime: Infinity, // Keep the data forever until manually invalidated
    cacheTime: 1000 * 60 * 60, // Cache for 1 hour
  });
  
  return model ? <primitive object={model.scene} /> : null;
}

4. Optimize the Model Itself

Consider these optimization techniques:

• Use compressed formats like DRACO or KTX2
• Split the model into smaller chunks and load them progressively
• Reduce polygon count and texture sizes
• Use LOD (Level of Detail) for different viewing distances

5. Create a Shared Cache Module

Following React's best practices for caching:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
// modelCache.js
import { cache } from 'react';
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader';

const loadModel = (url) => {
  return new Promise((resolve) => {
    const loader = new GLTFLoader();
    loader.load(url, (gltf) => {
      resolve(gltf);
    });
  });
};

export const getModel = cache(loadModel);

Then in your components:

JAVASCRIPTCopied
import { getModel } from './modelCache';
import { Suspense } from 'react';

function Model({ url }) {
  const gltf = getModel(url);
  return <primitive object={gltf.scene} />;
}

// Usage
function App() {
  return (
    <Suspense fallback={<div>Loading...</div>}>
      <Model url="/path/to/model.glb" />
    </Suspense>
  );
}

This approach ensures the model is only loaded once and shared across components.

These techniques should help improve the loading performance of your large 3D model in your React and Three.js application.