Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

p5.js VS Raphael

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

p5.js logo p5.js

JS library for creating graphic and interactive experiences

Raphael logo Raphael

Raphael.js is an Object Oriented drawing library. It is good at making in-depth diagrams with complex interactions.
  • p5.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-22
  • Raphael Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22

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.

Raphael features and specs

  • Cross-Browser Compatibility
    Raphael ensures that vector graphics are rendered consistently across all major browsers, including older versions of Internet Explorer, making it a reliable choice for projects needing widespread compatibility.
  • Scalability
    Being a vector graphics library, Raphael allows for graphics that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality, which is ideal for responsive and high-resolution designs.
  • Animation Support
    Raphael provides straightforward methods to create animations, enabling developers to enhance user experiences with interactive and dynamic illustrations.
  • Simple API
    The API is intuitive and straightforward, making it accessible for developers who may be new to vector graphics or need to implement features quickly.
  • Lightweight
    The library is relatively small in size, which helps in maintaining fast load times and performance efficiency in web applications.

Possible disadvantages of Raphael

  • Limited to 2D Graphics
    Raphael is built specifically for 2D vector graphics, which may not be suitable for projects that require 3D capabilities.
  • Performance on Complex Graphics
    Handling very complex or resource-intensive graphics and animations can lead to performance issues, particularly on less powerful devices.
  • No Longer Actively Maintained
    As of the latest information, Raphael has seen a decline in active maintenance and new feature development, which can be a concern for future-proofing projects.
  • SVG and VML Limitations
    Reliance on SVG and VML can sometimes result in limited functionalities compared to modern native graphics solutions and libraries.
  • Growing Alternatives
    With the advancement of web technologies, newer libraries and frameworks may offer more features, performance, and community support, making Raphael less competitive.

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

Raphael videos

NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1990 Movie Raphael (Gamestop Exclusive) | Video Review

More videos:

  • Review - Raphael & Robin Batman vs TMNT DC Collectibles Figure Review
  • Review - Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael Figure Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to p5.js and Raphael)
Javascript UI Libraries
88 88%
12% 12
Charting Libraries
80 80%
20% 20
3D
100 100%
0% 0
Data Visualization
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 Raphael

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.

Raphael Reviews

20+ JavaScript libraries to draw your own diagrams (2022 edition)
Raphaël is a small JavaScript library that should simplify your work with vector graphics on the web. If you want to create your own specific chart or image crop and rotate widget, for example, you can achieve it simply and easily with this library. Raphaël uses the SVG W3C Recommendation and VML as a base for creating graphics. This means every graphical object you create...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, p5.js seems to be a lot more popular than Raphael. While we know about 146 links to p5.js, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Raphael. 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 / 2 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 / 2 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 / 3 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 / 5 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 / 6 months ago
View more

Raphael mentions (2)

What are some alternatives?

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

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

D3.js - D3.js is a JavaScript library for manipulating documents based on data. D3 helps you bring data to life using HTML, SVG, and CSS.

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

Highcharts - A charting library written in pure JavaScript, offering an easy way of adding interactive charts to your web site or web application

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

Shield UI Charts - JavaScript Chart Types - Our HTML5 and JavaScript chart is a fast, feature-rich data visualization control. It offers over 23 different chart types and flexible API for additional customization.