Code Mode Overview

Code Mode allows you to create 3D models programmatically using TypeScript and the Manifold 3D library. This gives you precise control over geometry and enables parametric designs that can be easily modified.

Accessing Code Mode

There are two ways to enter Code Mode:

Create a new code object: Select a primitive tool (Sphere, Torus, Cone) from the 3D toolbar, which creates a code-based object
Edit an existing code object: Select a code object and click the "Toggle Code Mode" button in the context menu

The Code Editor

Code Mode opens a full-featured code editor based on Monaco (the same editor used in VS Code).

Editor Features

Syntax highlighting for TypeScript
Autocomplete for Manifold 3D methods and types
Error highlighting with inline diagnostics
Multi-file support with tabbed interface
Package management via package.json

Editor Layout

The code editor occupies the 2D panel area and includes:

File tabs: Switch between files in your project
Editor toolbar: Contains the run button and file management
Main editor area: Where you write your code
Error panel: Displays compilation and runtime errors

Creating 3D Models with Code

Basic Structure

Every code project needs to export a result variable containing the 3D geometry:

import { Manifold } from 'manifold-3d/manifoldCAD';

// Create a simple cube
const cube = Manifold.cube([10, 10, 10], true);

// Export the result to render it
export const result = cube;

Available Geometry Operations

The Manifold library provides methods for creating and combining 3D shapes:

Primitives:

Manifold.cube([x, y, z], center?) — Create a box
Manifold.cylinder(height, radiusLow, radiusHigh?) — Create a cylinder or cone
Manifold.sphere(radius, circularSegments?) — Create a sphere

2D Shapes (CrossSection):

import { CrossSection } from 'manifold-3d/manifoldCAD';

const circle = CrossSection.circle(10);
const shape3d = circle.extrude(5); // Extrude 2D to 3D

Boolean Operations:

shape.add(other) — Union of two shapes
shape.subtract(other) — Subtract one shape from another
shape.intersect(other) — Intersection of two shapes

Transformations:

shape.translate([x, y, z]) — Move the shape
shape.rotate([x, y, z]) — Rotate the shape (degrees)
shape.scale([x, y, z]) — Scale the shape

Example: Creating a Shape with a Hole

import { Manifold } from 'manifold-3d/manifoldCAD';

// Create a cube
const cube = Manifold.cube([50, 50, 50], true);

// Create a cylinder to subtract
const cylinder = Manifold.cylinder(25, 5);

// Subtract the cylinder from the cube
const difference = cube.subtract(cylinder);

export const result = difference;

Multi-File Projects

You can organize code across multiple files using the file tab bar.

Adding Files

Click the "+" button in the file tabs
Enter a filename (use .ts extension for TypeScript)
The new file opens in the editor

package.json

Every project has a package.json file that defines:

name: Project name
main: Entry point file (default: main.ts)
dependencies: npm packages used in your code

{
  "name": "my-project",
  "main": "main.ts",
  "dependencies": {
    "manifold-3d": "^3.0.0"
  }
}

Importing Between Files

Use standard ES module imports:

// helper.ts
export function createRoundedBox(size: number) {
  // ... implementation
}

// main.ts
import { createRoundedBox } from './helper';

export const result = createRoundedBox(10);