// Tech

Basis Universal — Cross-GPU Texture Format

Basis Universal is the texture compression engine inside KTX2 — encode once, GPU transcodes to native format on load.

Basis Universal (binomialLLC/basis_universal) is the compression engine inside KTX2 textures. The clever part: a single encoded file transcodes at load time to whatever format the user's GPU prefers (BC7 on desktop, ASTC on iOS, ETC2 on Android). One asset, every device runs it natively. The decode/transcode happens via WebAssembly module Three.js loads automatically with KTX2Loader. For most workflows, you don't interact with Basis directly — you generate KTX2 files (via toktx or gltfpack), let Three.js handle the rest. Understanding what's under the hood helps when debugging texture issues, but day-to-day work is Basis-transparent.

What this delivers

Concrete output: a working basis universal integration on a real production site, not a demo. The integration includes device-tier detection so weak phones get a lighter version automatically. Source files are handed over in their original formats — Blender, GLSL, glTF — so any future developer can continue where I stopped.

How I work with it

On a typical project, basis universal ships as a self-contained module: one entry-point JS file, one CSS file, asset bundle below 1.5MB total. I keep the integration sandboxed so the rest of the site stays SEO-friendly classical HTML. Frame budget targets 60 FPS on a mid-range Android, with a measurable fallback below.

Performance budget

Lighthouse mobile target: 85+ across all categories. I measure on real devices, not just emulator. Asset compression: glTF + Draco for meshes, KTX2 for textures, Brotli for shaders. Lazy-load any basis universal scene that isn't above the fold so the first paint stays under 1.5s.

When this is overkill

If the goal is a simple e-commerce listing or content blog, a full basis universal setup is overkill — a CSS-driven hero plus static images converts just as well at 1/10 the cost. basis universal earns its keep when the brand needs a memorable visual moment or when 3D actually clarifies the product (configurators, tours, demos).

Frequently asked questions

Why pick this technology over alternatives?

It has the largest production-quality ecosystem, the most documentation, and the most experienced developers available. For a site you want to maintain for 3+ years, ecosystem maturity matters more than feature peak.

What if a newer tool comes out next year?

I track new tooling and migrate when it makes sense, but only after the new tool ships stable production releases for at least 6-9 months. I don't rebuild client sites on bleeding-edge tools — that's the path to broken sites.

How long does this take?

Standard scope: 4-6 weeks from contract signature to live site. Larger scope (configurator, multi-scene scrollytelling) takes 8-12 weeks. Rush projects (2-3 weeks) are accepted with a 30-40% rush surcharge.

What does it cost?

Hero-section 3D upgrade: \$1,500-\$2,500. Full multi-scene 3D site: \$3,500-\$8,000. Configurator with custom shaders: \$5,000-\$12,000. All fixed-price, source code included. EUR equivalents on request.

What if my visitors are on weak phones?

The site detects device tier before the first scene loads and serves a lighter version on weak hardware (fewer particles, simpler shaders). Devices without WebGL get a static fallback that preserves the visual language and conversion path.

Ready to ship a 3D experience?

Tell me what you need — fixed price, fixed deadline, no surprises.

Get a quote +381 61 224 8989