cobe.js — Lightweight WebGL Globe Skill

When to use

• Minimal, elegant globe for hero sections or backgrounds
• Lightweight alternative to Globe.GL or full Three.js scenes
• Auto-rotating globe with optional markers

Quick recipe

import createGlobe from "cobe";

let phi = 0;
const globe = createGlobe(canvas, {
  devicePixelRatio: 2,
  width: 600 * 2,
  height: 600 * 2,
  phi: 0,
  theta: 0,
  dark: 1,
  diffuse: 1.2,
  mapSamples: 16000,
  mapBrightness: 6,
  baseColor: [0.3, 0.3, 0.3],
  markerColor: [0.1, 0.8, 1],
  glowColor: [1, 1, 1],
  markers: [
    { location: [37.7749, -122.4194], size: 0.03 },
    { location: [40.7128, -74.0060], size: 0.05 },
  ],
  onRender: (state) => {
    state.phi = phi;
    phi += 0.003;
  },
});

Canvas sizing and DPR

• Set canvas width/height to containerWidth * devicePixelRatio
• Style canvas with CSS for display size
• Cap DPR at 2 for performance on mobile

React/Next.js pattern

useEffect(() => {
  let phi = 0;
  const globe = createGlobe(canvasRef.current!, {
    // ... options
    onRender: (state) => { state.phi = phi; phi += 0.003; },
  });
  return () => globe.destroy();
}, []);

Resize handling

• Listen for window.resize
• Recalculate canvas dimensions
• Recreate or update globe instance

Tips for AI Agents

• Ask about desired globe size and container constraints.
• Confirm marker locations if geographic data is needed.
• Consider prefers-reduced-motion — stop rotation for accessibility.