2D graphics libraries compared
Layer: 2D graphics. In the list: PixiJS, p5.js, Paper.js. Added: Konva, Fabric.js, two.js and the raw Canvas 2D API. Part of Open-source motion studio: 20 repos. Dates checked 2026-10-27; capability notes are from READMEs and project descriptions, not run here.
| PixiJS | p5.js | Paper.js | Konva | Fabric.js | two.js | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | GPU 2D scene graph | Creative coding sketches | Vector paths and geometry | Canvas objects with events | Interactive canvas objects | Small 2D scene API with several renderers |
| Renderer | WebGL, WebGPU | Canvas (and WebGL mode) | Canvas; Node | Canvas | Canvas | Canvas, SVG, WebGL |
| License | MIT | LGPL-2.1 | MIT | MIT (npm) | MIT | MIT |
| Latest release / push | v8.22.0 (2026-10-01) | v2.3.4 (2026-09-25) | v0.16.0 (2026-10-21) | npm 10.9.0; pushed 2026-10-23 | pushed 2026-10-27 | pushed 2026-10-27 |
Konva’s GitHub license detector reports “Other”; its npm package declares MIT.
Which one when
- Many sprites, filters and blend modes on the GPU: PixiJS.
- Generative art or a quick sketch an agent writes in a few lines: p5.js; check LGPL-2.1 against your distribution plans.
- Path boolean operations, curve maths, vector output including in Node: Paper.js.
- Editable shapes with drag, resize and serialisation: Konva or Fabric.js (an editor UI, not video).
- A few shapes with the choice of canvas, SVG or WebGL output: two.js.
- Anything simple: raw Canvas 2D needs no dependency.
None of these exports video; each needs a renderer that controls the clock (HyperFrames or Remotion).