Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

p5.js VS Figure

Compare p5.js VS Figure and see what are their differences

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p5.js logo p5.js

JS library for creating graphic and interactive experiences

Figure logo Figure

Propellerhead creates world-class software products and services that inspire music makers and provide the foundation for a worldwide creative musical community.
  • p5.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-22
  • Figure Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-23

p5.js features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    p5.js simplifies the process of learning and creating interactive graphics with its intuitive syntax, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Web-Based
    As a JavaScript library, p5.js runs directly in the web browser, enabling easy sharing and embedding of interactive sketches online without the need for additional plugins.
  • Creative Coding Community
    p5.js is supported by a vibrant community that shares a plethora of examples, tutorials, and resources, facilitating learning and troubleshooting.
  • Extensibility
    Its modular architecture allows for easy integration with other libraries like p5.sound, p5.dom, and even external JavaScript libraries, enhancing its functionality.
  • Accessibility
    p5.js emphasizes inclusivity, offering features that make it easier to create accessible web content, such as screen reader support.

Possible disadvantages of p5.js

  • Performance
    p5.js may not be as performant as other lower-level graphics libraries or frameworks, which can be a limitation for highly intensive graphical applications.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While beginner-friendly, mastering complex features and fine-tuning performance in p5.js can require significant effort and understanding of JavaScript.
  • Not Ideal for Large Projects
    Due to its simplicity and focus on learning and prototyping, p5.js might not be suitable for large-scale, production-grade applications.
  • Limited 3D Support
    Although p5.js offers 3D rendering capabilities, these are less developed and performant compared to dedicated 3D libraries like Three.js.
  • Dependency on JavaScript
    Since p5.js is built on JavaScript, it inherits the language's limitations and quirks, which might be a hindrance for developers accustomed to other programming languages.

Figure features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Figure offers an intuitive and simple interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create music quickly.
  • Mobile Compatibility
    The app is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and edit music on the go.
  • Predefined Sound Packs
    Figure provides a variety of high-quality sound packs that users can use to enhance their music production.
  • Live Performance Features
    The app supports live performance features, making it suitable for quick jam sessions or live shows.
  • Affordable Pricing
    Figure is either free or comes at a very low cost, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Possible disadvantages of Figure

  • Limited Functionality
    Compared to full-fledged DAWs, Figure has limited features and functionality, which might not satisfy professional producers.
  • Lack of Customizability
    Users have limited options when it comes to customizing sounds or creating unique presets.
  • No Desktop Version
    Figure is only available for mobile devices, which might be a drawback for users who prefer working on a desktop.
  • Exporting Limitations
    The app offers limited exporting options, which can be a hindrance for those looking to transfer their work to other platforms.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features and sound packs may require an internet connection, which could be a limitation for users without reliable access.

Analysis of p5.js

Overall verdict

  • p5.js is a highly regarded tool for creative coding, offering a versatile platform for interactive graphics and art. Its simplicity and powerful functionality make it a popular choice in the creative coding community.

Why this product is good

  • p5.js is considered good due to its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, which make it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers. It's designed to make coding easy and approachable for artists, designers, educators, and beginners, focusing on the creative potential of programming.

Recommended for

  • Artists
  • Designers
  • Educators
  • Students
  • Beginners in programming
  • Anyone interested in creative coding and visual arts

Analysis of Figure

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Figure is considered a good app, particularly for those who want to create music quickly and efficiently without needing to navigate complex menus or controls.

Why this product is good

  • Figure (by Reason Studios) is a well-regarded music-making app known for its intuitive interface and ease of use. It allows users to create music on the go with a simple but powerful set of features. Users appreciate its ability to quickly lay down beats and melodies, making it ideal for sketching out ideas or producing tracks with minimal fuss. The app uses a touch-based interface that is accessible to both beginners and more experienced musicians. It integrates seamlessly with other Reason Studios products, which is a plus for those already using their ecosystem.

Recommended for

  • Beginners interested in music production
  • Musicians and producers needing a mobile solution for creating music
  • Fans of Reason Studios looking to expand their toolkit
  • Anyone interested in experimenting with beats and melodies on a touch-based platform

p5.js videos

Processing or p5.js? My opinions

More videos:

  • Review - Q&A #1: Side-Scroller in p5.js
  • Tutorial - 17.11: Sound Visualization: Frequency Analysis with FFT - p5.js Sound Tutorial

Figure videos

NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) Action Figure Review

More videos:

  • Review - US Police special forces: SWAT - 1/6 scale action figure review
  • Review - MAFEX Batman Hush Medicom DC Comics Action Figure Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to p5.js and Figure)
Javascript UI Libraries
100 100%
0% 0
Audio & Music
0 0%
100% 100
Charting Libraries
100 100%
0% 0
Music
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 p5.js and Figure

p5.js Reviews

20+ JavaScript libraries to draw your own diagrams (2022 edition)
A JS client-side library for creating graphics and interactive experiences, based on the core principles of Processing to make coding accessible to artists, designers and educators. Beyond drawing, this project provides offers web audio functionality, collision detection and even generation of graphical user interfaces from p5.js sketches.
8 Best Free and Open-Source Drawing Libraries in JavaScript
The p5.js library is a great option for people who are looking for a library that doesn't have a steep learning curve, but which can create very complicated systems if necessary. The get started with P5.js page on the official website has a functional example that draws circles wherever you move your mouse in only a few lines of code.

Figure Reviews

We have no reviews of Figure yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, p5.js seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 146 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.

p5.js mentions (146)

  • Ask HN: Who Are Your Favorite Photography and Generative Coding Artists?
    p5.js is a JavaScript library that I've enjoyed messing with. It's related to Processing. https://p5js.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Art Blocks and the Future of Open Source with Blockchain
    Art Blocks, founded by Erick Calderon in 2020, is a platform that enables artists to create generative art using blockchain technology. It operates on the Ethereum blockchain, leveraging smart contracts to mint unique art pieces as NFTs. The process begins with artists submitting scripts that define the artwork's parameters. Once approved, these scripts generate unique pieces upon purchase, offering collectors a... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Rant: state of generative AI in code generation.
    In my experience with AI code generation, in visual projects like UI development or JavaScript based animation (using three.js or p5.js) etc. AI tools work pretty well. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • Procedural Generation and Noise
    For this most recent assignment we were tasked with contributing a larger feature to an open source project. During my time with the previous assignment I worked on a game engine called Litecanvas, inspired engine by libraries like raylib and p5.js/Processing. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Antirez/load81: SDL based Lua programming environment for kids similar to Codea
    Let’s not forget P5js which has a long and esteemed history of helping to teach kids and more to program. It’s browser based so it’s compatible with every OS and requires no install. FOSS with an active community of users and contributors. I personally taught some middle schoolers with zero programming experience how to make interactive monsters in 1 hour. It was awesome! https://p5js.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
View more

Figure mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Figure yet. Tracking of Figure recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing p5.js and Figure, you can also consider the following products

Pixi.js - Fast lightweight 2D library that works across all devices

keezy - A colorful soundboard. Play with music.

Processing - C++ and Java programming at the speed of thought.

SoundGrail - SoundGrail Music App designed for pianists, guitarists, and DJs.

Three.js - A JavaScript 3D library which makes WebGL simpler.

Aftertouch - Aftertouch – 3D MIDI Controller created and published by Kevin Nelson.