JointJS vs. JointJS+: Which JavaScript Diagram Library Should You Choose?

If you’re working on a visual editor, workflow builder, or any diagram-heavy web application, you’ve probably stumbled upon the JointJS vs. JointJS+ comparison. And while at first glance it might look like a choice between two competing JavaScript libraries, the truth is — these tools aren’t rivals.

JointJS+ is a commercial extension of JointJS, designed to take what’s already strong and make it even more powerful. It helps front-end developers deliver complex, interactive experiences with less effort — especially when interactive diagrams are a core part of the product.

So what’s the real difference between JointJS and JointJS+? And when should you consider upgrading from the base version to the extended toolkit? This article will walk you through that decision — so you can choose the right solution for your product’s stage, complexity, and goals.

What is JointJS, and what can it do?

JointJS is an open-source JavaScript diagram library that helps developers create powerful, interactive visuals like flowcharts, UML, BPMN, ER diagrams, and more. It supports building with SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), which ensures crisp visuals even when scaled — unlike raster-based solutions that may lose quality when enlarged.

Key features of JointJS:

• built for customization with a clean and well-documented API,
  
• allows full control over elements and links, layout, and interactions,
  
• ideal for developers who are familiar with customizing UIs from scratch.

JointJS is capable of rendering a wide variety of graph data models, supporting interactive diagrams and workflows with high flexibility. It also works well with popular web development frameworks, making it easy to embed into your front-end stack.

When does it make sense to use JointJS?

JointJS is a solid choice when you’re looking for flexibility without immediate investment in commercial tooling. While building a fully-featured UI from scratch with JointJS can extend development time, the open-source version still offers a solid starting point — especially thanks to its well-documented API and a variety of free code examples.

You can quickly spin up a basic diagram where users can connect elements, reposition nodes, and even apply simple auto-layouts like directed graphs. This makes it suitable for prototyping core functionality, testing data models, or embedding visual logic without locking into a complex framework from day one.

What is JointJS+ and how does it level things up?

JointJS+ builds on the JointJS foundation, expanding it with dozens of features designed to support production-level development. It’s the same core — but with a robust toolkit wrapped around it.

What you get with JointJS+:

• 40+ UI plugins for snapping, panning, zooming, context menus, tooltips, and more,
  
• 90+ additional usage examples and complete demo applications (on top of the 70+ available in the open-source version),
  
• advanced shapes and styling options for creating interactive workflows faster,
  
• dedicated support,
  
• commercial license — ideal if your product isn’t meant to be open-source.

JointJS+ is designed for developers who want to reduce build time, increase product reliability, and create standout diagrams on the web — without reinventing every UI element.

JointJS vs. JointJS+ — features, support & use cases

Let’s compare the two. This isn’t a “pick one or the other” situation — JointJS+ includes everything from JointJS, and builds on it with prebuilt functionality.

The functionality of JointJS covers the basics well — a solid foundation for custom work. JointJS+ expands that foundation with tools that help teams embed solutions faster and scale with confidence.

What do these differences mean in practice?

If you’re deciding between the two, here’s how the differences play out in real-world projects:

• Core Engine: Both use the same rendering engine — JointJS+ simply enhances it.
  
• UI Plugins: With JointJS, you create everything from scratch. JointJS+ offers ready-to-use plugins like snapping, tooltip, and minimaps.
  
• Customization: Both allow full control. JointJS+ simplifies things with plugin-based modularity.
  
• Documentation: JointJS includes extensive docs for all core features. JointJS+ adds documentation for its extended tools and plugins.
  
• Support: JointJS relies on the community (which is a strong asset, by the way — with hundreds of StackOverflow tags). JointJS+ gives you direct help from the developers.
  
• Licensing: Open-source for JointJS; JointJS+ is better suited for proprietary apps.
  
• Performance: JointJS may show a noticeable performance hit with many objects. JointJS+ uses virtual rendering to optimize this.

Ultimately, it’s a question of scope, speed, and support. Choose based on how custom your solution needs to be — and how soon you want to launch it.

Read also: I have an idea for an app, now what?

Choosing the right JavaScript diagram library for your project

Your decision depends on your product’s stage, your team’s capabilities, and your go-to-market strategy.

When does JointJS make sense?

• You’re building a prototype or internal tool.
  
• Your team has time to handle UI development.
  
• You want to explore a graph data model without overhead.

When is JointJS+ the smarter choice?

• Your product depends on complex user interaction.
  
• You want to reduce dev time with ready-to-use solutions.
  
• You’re building something scalable and customer-facing.

If you’re connecting users to data through elements and links, or if you’re rendering graphs with many objects, the right choice early on can save you a lot of work later.

When you might need a tech partner

In more complex cases, choosing and implementing the right diagramming library that helps developers build scalable applications is not just a technical decision — it’s strategic.

Some companies use the library as a core part of their product and choose to work with tech partners. JointJS can work in tandem with custom UIs, desktop applications, and cloud platforms. 

If needed, integration partners (like those who work closely with the creators of these tools) can guide implementation or embed diagramming functionality into more complex platforms.

Conclusion and key takeaways

Think of JointJS as the engine, wheels, and steering wheel — everything you need to get moving. It does its job well and gives you flexibility to create a custom experience from scratch.

JointJS+, on the other hand, is the full package. A complete, polished vehicle with all the extras — optimized for performance, scalability, and speed.

• JointJS is ideal for hands-on teams and simpler builds.
• JointJS+ is better for front-facing products and fast development cycles.
• Choosing early helps avoid bottlenecks — especially when working with rendering objects, connecting data, and delivering high-quality interactive diagrams

Whether you’re building for today or scaling for tomorrow, choose the library that best fits your roadmap — and make sure it can grow with your product.

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