Cytoscape.js vs G6
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript library for building, analyzing, and drawing interactive network graphs.
Open source · MIT
A JavaScript/TypeScript library for drawing and analyzing interactive graphs and network data in the browser.
The short answer
Choose Cytoscape.js if you need…
- Developers adding interactive network diagrams to a web app
- Scientists who need to model and visualise relational data such as biological networks
- Teams that want graph analysis in Node.js without a separate tool
- Students learning graph theory who want to experiment in JavaScript
Choose G6 if you need…
- Frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app
- Teams that need graph layouts such as force-directed arrangements in TypeScript or JavaScript projects
- Developers who want Canvas, SVG, or WebGL rendering options from one library
- Projects that need server-side rendering of graphs with Node.js
Side-by-side
| Cytoscape.js | G6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 11.3k | 12.4k |
| Setup difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 7 days ago | 10 days ago |
What each one is
Cytoscape.js
Cytoscape.js is a JavaScript library for working with graphs, which are collections of nodes connected by edges, such as biological pathways or social networks. It includes a graph model for analysis and an optional renderer that displays interactive graphs in a web page. It can be used in browser user interfaces or in server-side Node.js code.
G6
G6 is a graph visualization engine that helps developers draw networks of connected things, such as relationships between people, accounts, or devices. It provides building blocks for drawing nodes and edges, running layouts that arrange them, handling user interactions like dragging, and animating or theming the result. Developers use it to build their own graph-based analysis or visualization applications.
Best for
Cytoscape.js
- Developers adding interactive network diagrams to a web app
- Scientists who need to model and visualise relational data such as biological networks
- Teams that want graph analysis in Node.js without a separate tool
- Students learning graph theory who want to experiment in JavaScript
G6
- Frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app
- Teams that need graph layouts such as force-directed arrangements in TypeScript or JavaScript projects
- Developers who want Canvas, SVG, or WebGL rendering options from one library
- Projects that need server-side rendering of graphs with Node.js
Strengths
Cytoscape.js
- Described in the README as a fully featured graph theory library with both model and renderer
- Simple starting point: a single cytoscape({ elements, container }) call, per the README
- Published in peer-reviewed Bioinformatics articles (2016 and 2023) and has an MIT license
G6
- Broad built-in set of node, edge, layout, and interaction options according to the README
- Supports Canvas, SVG, and WebGL rendering, plus server-side rendering with Node.js
- Written in TypeScript and published under the permissive MIT license
Not ideal for
Cytoscape.js
- People who only need a static chart or simple diagram, since the library is aimed at graph data and interactive views
- Users who want a finished desktop application rather than code to integrate, because the README describes it as a library
- Projects needing a graph database for storage, since this README covers an in-memory graph library
G6
- People who want a finished graph tool without writing code, since G6 is a library for developers
- Users who need only a simple static chart, where a lighter charting library would be less work
- Teams without JavaScript experience, because setup and customization require writing code
Trade-offs
Cytoscape.js
- The README is truncated and does not list the full feature set, so details must be checked in the documentation site
- Install steps are not in the README beyond npm usage hints; setup for end users depends on the project website
- Build instructions in the README target contributors and require Node.js and npm
G6
- The README is brief on detailed API usage, so you will rely on the external documentation site for depth
- Advanced features such as 3D rendering come through separate plugin packages
- Requires JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge to build anything
Getting started
Cytoscape.js
Build dependencies (from README, for building from source)
npm installBuild all library targets (from README)
npm run buildFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Cytoscape.js and G6?
Cytoscape.js: A JavaScript library for building, analyzing, and drawing interactive network graphs. G6: A JavaScript/TypeScript library for drawing and analyzing interactive graphs and network data in the browser. Cytoscape.js suits developers adding interactive network diagrams to a web app, while G6 suits frontend developers building interactive network or relationship diagrams in a web app.
Are Cytoscape.js and G6 free?
Cytoscape.js: Free and open source. G6: Free and open source.
Is Cytoscape.js or G6 more popular?
G6 has more GitHub stars (12.4k) than Cytoscape.js (11.3k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to Cytoscape.js and G6?
Other options people compare them with include Sigma.js, visx, Plotly.js, deck.gl, kepler.gl.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.