matterjs

name	matterjs
description	Use when implementing 2D physics interactions with Matter.js, including Engine/World setup, Render/Runner configuration, adding bodies and constraints, and scroll/interaction-friendly canvas scenes.
version	1.0.0
updated	2026-03-17

Matter.js Skill

Workflow

1. Confirm environment (plain HTML, React, or canvas-only) and rendering approach (Matter.Render for debug vs custom renderer).
2. Provide a minimal Engine/World/Render/Runner setup and add bodies.
3. Add interactions (mouse constraint) or constraints only if requested.
4. Share cleanup steps for SPA or teardown scenarios.

Minimal setup

<script>
  const { Engine, Render, Runner, Bodies, Composite } = Matter;

  const engine = Engine.create();

  const render = Render.create({
    element: document.body,
    engine: engine,
    options: {
      width: 800,
      height: 600,
      wireframes: false
    }
  });

  const runner = Runner.create();
  Runner.run(runner, engine);
  Render.run(render);

  const ground = Bodies.rectangle(400, 610, 810, 60, { isStatic: true });
  const box = Bodies.rectangle(400, 200, 80, 80);

  Composite.add(engine.world, [ground, box]);
</script>

Common patterns

• Use Composite.add(engine.world, [...]) to add bodies to the world.
• Use Render.create({ element, engine }) to create a canvas automatically, or pass a canvas you create yourself.
• Set render.options.wireframes = false for solid rendering.
• Use Runner.run(runner, engine) for a simple loop, or call Engine.update in your own loop if you need custom timing.

Mouse interaction (optional)

const { Mouse, MouseConstraint } = Matter;
const mouse = Mouse.create(render.canvas);
const mouseConstraint = MouseConstraint.create(engine, { mouse });
Composite.add(engine.world, mouseConstraint);
render.mouse = mouse;

Cleanup checklist (SPA)

• Stop the runner with Runner.stop(runner).
• Remove the render canvas from the DOM.
• Clear engine and world if needed.

Questions to ask when specs are missing

• What viewport size and scaling should the canvas use?
• Are we using Matter.Render or a custom renderer?
• Do you want mouse/touch drag interaction?
• Should the simulation loop be paused when offscreen?