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mxGraph is a well-known tools for making diagrams and an open-source JavaScript library that is often used to build Draw.io. Even though it has a lot of features, users often look for alternatives that they can host themselves and that offer different licensing choices. This makes it easy for developers to find solutions that meet their needs, whether they want to use open-source toolkits or are open to both free and paid tools.
Diagram-JS and its variety of options are a great place to start for people who only want to make diagrams. Users looking for good drawing tools have a lot of choices with these options. It’s easy to find the best one for their projects, whether it’s an open-source tool or one with different licensing options.
Why Look for Alternatives?
Even though mxGraph is a powerful tool, users may want to look for other options. For example, some writers may need a library that is smaller and has fewer features or more ways to customize it. For projects with limited funds, the cost of getting a license to use mxGraph for business purposes could also be a factor. Exploring other choices can give you useful information about how to find a diagramming solution that fits the needs of your project better.
Factors to Consider When Choosing mxGraph Alternatives
Before diving into the options, it’s important to think about certain things when choosing the best option for your job. Some important things to think about are:
- Features: Look at the features of each option and make sure they meet the needs of your project.
- Integration: See how easy it is to add the tool to your current application or development stack.
- Performance: Look at how well the option works, especially when it comes to bigger diagrams or more complicated visualizations.
Best mxGraph Alternatives
mxGraph is a popular and powerful client-side JavaScript diagramming framework for building interactive diagrams and graphs in online applications. Its automatic layout techniques, several built-in shapes, and platform compatibility make it popular. Despite its strengths, people with unique needs or preferences may need to look elsewhere.
Diagram-JS
Features:
Diagram-JS is a powerful JavaScript tool for making diagrams and flowcharts that look very professional. It has a simple API that makes it easy for developers to make their own drawing apps. Diagram-JS works well for both PC and mobile apps because it can handle touch events. Diagram-JS is a great choice for developers who want a feature-rich option to mxGraph because it has a lot of documentation and a lively community.
The Good
- Active community support
- Well-documented library
- Cross-platform compatibility
The Bad
- Limited layout options compared to mxGraph
- Smaller user base
JavaScript InfoVis Toolkit
Features:
The JavaScript InfoVis Toolkit is a tool that can be used to display data in many ways, such as by making interactive graphs and charts. Even though its main focus is on data visualization, it can also be used to make different kinds of graphs and networks. The library supports a wide range of data formats and has a number of layout choices, making it a good alternative to mxGraph.
The Good
- Excellent for visualizing large datasets
- Well-suited for network diagrams
- Active development and maintenance
The Bad
- Less focused on pure diagramming
GoJS
Features:
GoJS is a JavaScript library with a lot of features that was made to make dynamic diagrams and complex visualizations. It comes with a lot of themes and diagram types already made, which makes it easy to get started quickly. GoJS has different layout algorithms and works with touch events, so users can have a smooth experience on a variety of platforms.
The Good
- Rich set of layout algorithms
- Comprehensive documentation and examples
- Active customer support
The Bad
- Commercial licensing required for some features
JointJS
Features:
JointJS is a JavaScript tool that lets you make many different kinds of diagrams, such as flowcharts, UML diagrams, and more. It gives you all the tools and parts you need to make dynamic visualizations. JointJS also works with Rappid, a paid extension that adds advanced features like real-time collaboration to the library’s powers.
The Good
- Highly customizable
- Active development and community support
- Suitable for complex diagramming scenarios
The Bad
- Some advanced features require the commercial Rappid extension
Questions and Answers
A: Yes, Diagram-JS, GoJS, and JointJS all work with mobile devices and allow touch events.
A: JavaScript InfoVis Toolkit has a lot of ways to display data, but it may take some time to learn for people who have never used it before.
A: Yes, JsDiagram has licensing choices that are affordable and can be used for business purposes.