You're spearheading a new project and it's time to choose the charting library that will render the charts, graphs, and dashboards. There are literally hundreds of options. Where do you start?

1. How to Choose a
JavaScript Charting
Library

2. One Size Does Not Fit All
No single library (charting or otherwise) can simultaneously:
• Fulfill the requirements of every project
• Accommodate the skills of every team
• Be the lowest priced option

3. So, how do you find the right library?
1. Define your technical requirements
2. Take the time to research and select qualified products
3. Compare and test the most viable options

4. Define your requirements
What chart types does your project require?
Will you need cross-browser compatibility?
Is dependency conflict a concern?
Will you require support?
Do you need specific features, like zooming
or annotations?

5. Research qualified products
Visualization
Libraries
Minimalist
Libraries
Commercial
Libraries

6. Option A: Visualization Libraries
vis.js
Visualization
Libraries
d3.js
JIT

7. Visualization
Libraries
Option A: Visualization Libraries
Options
include:
● d3.js
● Vis.js
● JIT
● Steep learning curve /
labor intensive
● Usually open source
● Nearly limitless
customization options
● Good for one-off
visualization projects
that require complex
styling or heavy data
analysis

8. Option B: Minimalist Libraries
Minimalist
Libraries
Chartkick
Chart.js
Chartist

9. Option B: Minimalist Libraries
Minimalist
Libraries
● Easy to use
● Usually open source
● Limited chart types /
features
● Good for small projects
(simple charts on a
website or a basic
dashboard)
Options
include:
● Chart.js
● Chartist
● ChartKick

10. Option C: Commercial Libraries
Commercial
Libraries
Highcharts
amCharts
ZingChart

11. Option C: Commercial Libraries
● Typically offer free
and licensed versions
● Many features and
chart types baked-in
(save dev time)
● Professional support
available
● Best for commercial
apps and software in
production
Commercial
Libraries
Options
include:
● ZingChart
● Highcharts
● amCharts

12. Compare and Test
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time run some
tests and make comparisons:
• If considering a commercial library, start a conversation with the
company. Perhaps ask for a proof of concept.
• If render times play an important role in your selection, run some
speed tests, like we’ve done in this tool.
• Have your developers build a small test project with each option and
compare the time spent and roadblocks encountered.

13. Read More
http://www.zingchart.com/blog/2015/09/15/how-
to-choose-a-javascript-charting-library/
http://www.zingchart.com/try
Try it Out