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p5.js

Free, open-source JavaScript library for creative coding in the browser, based on Processing.

Open sourceCreative coding tools

Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web

Visit p5.jsSee 5 alternatives

Is p5.js free?

Yes, free and open source

License:
LGPL-2.1

Checked on p5.js's site Nov 2, 2026

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Verified facts
4 of 4
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5
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About p5.js

p5.js is a JavaScript library from the Processing Foundation that brings Processing's sketch model (a setup function, a draw loop, simple drawing commands) to the web. Sketches run in any browser, so work can be shared with a link, and the official web editor lets beginners start coding with nothing installed. It covers 2D drawing, WebGL 3D, sound, video and interaction, and community-made libraries add more. The project is built around teaching and accessibility, with extensive documentation, visual examples, translations and tutorials, which makes it common in schools and art courses. It is free and released under the LGPL. Because it runs in the browser on JavaScript, it is slower than native toolkits such as openFrameworks or TouchDesigner for heavy real-time visuals and installations, and it can't talk to hardware as directly as desktop Processing.

Best for: Learners, teachers and artists who want to make interactive sketches that run in a browser..

Pros and cons

What works

  • Runs in the browser with a free online editor
  • Same simple model as Processing
  • Excellent beginner documentation and examples

Why people leave

  • JavaScript performance limits heavy real-time visuals
  • Less direct hardware access than desktop tools

p5.js vs Processing, TouchDesigner and NodeBox

From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.

Attributep5.jsProcessingTouchDesignerNodeBox
PricingOpen sourceOpen sourceFree plan + paidOpen source
Verified price——$600 Commercial licence—
Free planFree appFree appYesFree app
Open sourceYesYesNoYes
Self-hostableNoNoNoNo
PlatformsWebmacOS, Windows, LinuxWindows, macOSmacOS, Windows, Linux

Top p5.js alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1Processing logo
    Processing

    The original Java-based environment, with faster desktop performance and easier hardware access.

    68.8
  2. 2To
    TouchDesigner

    Node-based visual programming for real-time projection and live shows, with little code needed.

    61.8
  3. 3NodeBox logo
    NodeBox

    Node-based generative design without writing code, good for data-driven graphics and print output.

    59.4
  4. 4Max (Cycling '74) logo
    Max (Cycling '74)

    Visual patching for interactive audio, video and installations, a common next step for sketches that need sound or hardware.

    57.5
  5. 5three.js logo
    three.js

    Also runs in the browser, but with full 3D scenes, glTF models, shaders and WebGPU when p5's WEBGL mode runs out.

    55.9

Why people left p5.js

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p5.js: common questions

What is p5.js?

p5.js: Free, open-source JavaScript library for creative coding in the browser, based on Processing. Best for learners, teachers and artists who want to make interactive sketches that run in a browser. Available for Web.

Is p5.js free?

Yes. p5.js is free, open-source software.

Is p5.js open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at processing/p5.js.

What platforms does p5.js run on?

p5.js is available for Web.

What are the best alternatives to p5.js?

The highest-ranked p5.js alternatives right now are Processing, TouchDesigner and NodeBox. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

p5.js vs Processing: what's the difference?

Both p5.js and Processing are free and open source. Only p5.js runs on Web. Only Processing runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.

See all 5 p5.js alternatives