April 2, 2026

Part 3 – Babylon.js 9.0: OpenPBR and additional engine updates

Babylon.js 9.0 introduces several enhancements to help developers build beautiful, high-performance 3D experiences.

OpenPBR Support – Alpha

Babylon.js 9.0 begins implementation of OpenPBR, an open standard hosted by the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF), that defines an artist-friendly, interoperable material model. OpenPBR is designed so that materials authored with it look consistent across any platform that supports the standard. Babylon.js now maps many of the OpenPBR parameter groups (including Base, Specular, Coat, Thin-film and more) to the existing PBR material system. This is a significant step toward industry-wide material interoperability and ensures that Babylon.js stays at the forefront of rendering standards. This is another major contribution from Adobe.

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9OPBRDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9OPBRDoc

Dynamic IBL Shadows

Image-Based Lighting (IBL) has been a cornerstone of Babylon.js rendering for years, and in version 9.0, IBL gets even better with Dynamic IBL Shadows. Building on the IBL Shadow feature first contributed in Babylon.js 8.0 by Adobe, this update brings enhanced, dynamic environment shadows that respond to changes in lighting conditions in real time. Both light and shadow for the scene environment can now be approximated from a source image with greater fidelity and flexibility than ever before. Adobe continues their contribution hot-streak with this fantastic and easy-to-use new addition to image based lighting/shadowing in Babylon.js 9.0.

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9IBLSDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9IBLSDoc

Signed Distance Field Text

Rendering crisp, scalable text in 3D environments has always been a challenge. Babylon.js 9.0 introduces Signed Distance Field (SDF) text rendering, a technique that produces resolution-independent, beautifully smooth text at any size or zoom level. Unlike traditional bitmap fonts that become blurry or pixelated when scaled, SDF text maintains sharp edges and clean outlines no matter how close you get. This is perfect for in-world UI, labels, signage, HUD elements and any scenario where readable text needs to exist in 3D space.

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9sdfDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9sdfDoc

Outline Renderer

Babylon.js 9.0 introduces a new Outline Renderer that makes it easy to add stylized outlines to meshes in your scene. Whether you’re building a cartoon-shaded world, highlighting selected objects or creating a technical visualization, the Outline Renderer provides clean, customizable outlines that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the rendering pipeline. This fantastic contribution comes courtesy of community member noname0310. Not all heroes wear capes.

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9OLDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9OLDoc

Screenshot of Outline Renderer in Babylon.js 9.0.

Nav Mesh Updates

Navigation meshes are essential for pathfinding and AI movement in games and simulations. Babylon.js 9.0 brings updates to the Nav Mesh system, improving the accuracy, performance and ease of use of navigation mesh generation and agent pathfinding. Whether you’re building an RTS, an open-world exploration game or an architectural walkthrough, updated nav mesh capabilities make it easier than ever to get your characters and agents moving intelligently through your scenes. Thanks to community member Roland who brings this new capability to everyone!

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9NMDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9NMDoc

Image from a game, with scattered bright spots.

Audio Engine Updates

Sound is a critical part of any immersive experience, and Babylon.js 9.0 continues the evolution of the audio engine that was overhauled in 8.0. This release brings further refinements, expanded features and improved API ergonomics aligned with modern web-audio standards. The modular audio engine makes it easier than ever to add spatial audio, ambient soundscapes and interactive sound effects to your Babylon.js experiences.

Check out a demo: https://aka.ms/babylon9AudioDemo

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon9AudioDoc

Screenshot of a room interior with accents of light.

3MF Exporter

Babylon.js 9.0 brings a new exporter, allowing you to export your scene geometry to the popular 3D printing format 3MF! Why are you still reading this? Go print stuff!!! This wonderful new contribution comes courtesy of community member Guillaume_Pelletier.

Learn more: https://aka.ms/babylon93MFdoc

Image from Prusa: Le format de fichier 3MF et pourquoi il est génial — Original Prusa 3D Printers

Comparison of size differences of two different renderings of an image of a pirate wearing a hat.

What’s Next?

Babylon.js 9.0 is our most ambitious release yet, and we couldn’t be more excited to put it in your hands. Every feature, optimization and tool in this release was built with one goal in mind: empowering you to create the most beautiful, performant and interactive web experiences imaginable.

As always, Babylon.js is completely free and open source. We invite you to dive in, explore the new features and share what you create with the community.

Welcome to Babylon.js 9.0. Let’s build something amazing together.

🚀 Babylon.js | Documentation | GitHub | Forum

See Part 1 and Part 2 of this series on what’s new in Babylon.js 9.0.