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mxGraph VS plugdata

Compare mxGraph VS plugdata and see what are their differences

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mxGraph logo mxGraph

mxGraph is a fully client side JavaScript diagramming library - jgraph/mxgraph

plugdata logo plugdata

plugdata is a free/open-source visual programming environment based on pure-data. It is available for a wide range of operating systems, and can be used both as a standalone app, or as a VST3, LV2, CLAP or AU plugin.
  • mxGraph Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-07
  • plugdata Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-02-20

mxGraph features and specs

  • Open Source
    mxGraph is an open-source project, which allows developers to use, modify, and distribute the library freely.
  • Cross-Platform
    The library is designed to work seamlessly across multiple platforms (e.g., web browsers, desktop), providing flexibility in application deployment.
  • Rich Feature Set
    mxGraph provides a comprehensive set of features for building interactive diagramming applications, including support for drag-and-drop, undo/redo, zoom, and layout algorithms.
  • Lightweight
    Despite its rich feature set, mxGraph is relatively lightweight, which can yield better performance in terms of speed and resource usage.
  • Good Documentation
    mxGraph offers extensive documentation, making it easier for developers to understand and implement features in their projects.

Possible disadvantages of mxGraph

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive feature set and flexibility, mxGraph might have a steep learning curve for developers who are new to the library.
  • Limited Community Support
    Compared to more mainstream libraries, mxGraph may have a smaller community, potentially limiting the availability of community-based support and resources.
  • Legacy Codebase
    Some parts of mxGraph's codebase may be considered outdated, particularly as newer technologies and frameworks have emerged since its initial development.
  • Complex Customization
    While mxGraph offers powerful customization capabilities, achieving specific custom behaviors and styles can be complex without in-depth knowledge of the library.
  • Sparse Ecosystem
    As a specialized library, it may have fewer third-party plugins and extensions compared to more widely-adopted graph libraries.

plugdata features and specs

  • Integration with Pure Data
    PlugData offers a user-friendly interface and enhances the Pure Data digital signal processing capabilities by integrating it seamlessly, making it more accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • VST3 Plugin Support
    It allows users to run Pure Data patches as VST3 plugins in digital audio workstations, combining Pure Dataโ€™s power with industry-standard music production tools.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    PlugData is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users across different operating systems can utilize it without platform-specific limitations.
  • Enhanced User Interface
    The redesigned and modernized interface improves usability and the visual programming experience, making it more intuitive compared to the traditional Pure Data setup.
  • Active Community and Open Source
    As an open-source project, PlugData benefits from community contributions, which fosters ongoing development, improvements, and shared resources.

Possible disadvantages of plugdata

  • Learning Curve
    Beginners may still face a steep learning curve when first using Pure Data via PlugData, as understanding digital signal processing concepts is necessary.
  • Performance Limitations
    While ideal for many users, the performance may not match that of some specialized, commercial digital signal processing tools, particularly in highly demanding projects.
  • Limited Documentation
    The documentation may not be as comprehensive as some proprietary solutions, potentially making it harder for new users to find specific support or tutorials.
  • Dependence on Pure Data
    Though PlugData enhances Pure Data's capabilities, it still relies on Pure Data's frameworks and architecture, which may come with inherent limitations and constraints.
  • Community Dependency
    As an open-source project, its development is highly dependent on community involvement, which can lead to slower updates and fewer new features if community support wanes.

Analysis of plugdata

Overall verdict

  • plugdata is an excellent free and open-source visual programming environment that brings Pure Data (Pd) into a modern, accessible package usable as both a standalone application and an audio plugin, making powerful patch-based sound design available to a wide range of creators.

Why this product is good

  • It's completely free and open-source, lowering the barrier to entry for audio programming
  • Runs as a VST3, AU, LV2, and CLAP plugin so you can use Pure Data patches directly inside your DAW
  • Modernizes the classic Pure Data experience with a cleaner, more intuitive interface
  • Cross-platform support across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi
  • Compatible with existing Pd patches and many externals, giving access to a large existing ecosystem
  • Active development and a supportive community around it

Recommended for

  • Musicians and producers who want to build custom instruments and effects inside their DAW
  • Sound designers exploring generative and interactive audio
  • Students and educators learning visual programming and DSP concepts
  • Existing Pure Data users looking for a more modern, plugin-ready environment
  • Hobbyists and experimenters on a budget who want powerful audio tools for free

mxGraph videos

mxGraph Made Easy 3

plugdata videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to mxGraph and plugdata)
Javascript UI Libraries
100 100%
0% 0
3D
0 0%
100% 100
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Music Generation
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare mxGraph and plugdata

mxGraph Reviews

20+ JavaScript libraries to draw your own diagrams (2022 edition)
mxGraph uses no third-party software, it requires no plugins and can be integrated into virtually any framework. The mxGraph package contains a client software, written in JavaScript, and a series of backends for various languages. The client software is a graph component with an optional application wrapper that is integrated into an existing web interface. The client...

plugdata Reviews

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, mxGraph should be more popular than plugdata. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

mxGraph mentions (2)

  • Process Analytics - March 2022 News
    It is possible to use the new API to retrieve the bpmn-visualization and mxGraph versions used at runtime: getVersion(). - Source: dev.to / over 4 years ago
  • mxGraph usage in TypeScript projects
    This article is the first one of a series about mxGraph, the Javascript diagramming library. - Source: dev.to / about 5 years ago

plugdata mentions (1)

  • loopmaster โ€“ Livecoding Music IDE
    I'm just going to mention Pure Data here, because I'm always surprised when people don't know about it. https://puredata.info/ I use it in my art and music practice to interfaced with hardware like a GameTrak controller, and to control drone motors for bowing/drumming physical things for computer controlled electroacoustic music. I also use it at a university lab for the development of assistive musical... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing mxGraph and plugdata, you can also consider the following products

GoJS - GoJS is a JavaScript library for building interactive diagrams on HTML web pages. Build apps with flowcharts, org charts, BPMN, UML, modeling, and other visual graph types.

Pure Data - Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical...

Paper.js - Open source vector graphics scripting framework that runs on top of the HTML5 Canvas.

Sonic Pi - Sonic Pi is a new kind of instrument for a new generation of musicians. It is simple to learn, powerful enough for live performances and free to download.

jsPlumb - jsPlumb is an advanced, standards-compliant and easy to use JS library for building connectivity based applications, such as flowcharts, process flow diagrams, sequence diagrams, organisation charts, etc. More than just a diagram library.

PdDroidParty - Run your Pure Data patches on Android with native GUIs emulated.