sigma.js

About sigma.js

Sigma.js is a JavaScript library for rendering and interacting with network graphs of thousands of nodes and edges in the browser, using WebGL for performance. It works alongside graphology, a separate library that handles the graph data model and algorithms, while sigma.js handles rendering and interaction. Installation is via npm (graphology and sigma packages).

The library supports use cases including basic display of graph datasets (such as GEXF files exported from Gephi), interactive exploration with features like search and neighborhood highlighting on hover, user-driven graph creation and manipulation (node creation, drag and drop), and customized rendering such as displaying nodes with embedded pictures. A React wrapper, @react-sigma, is available; Angular integration is possible but requires manual binding since no dedicated wrapper exists.

Sigma.js is aimed at developers building web applications that need to visualize or let users interact with graph/network data, particularly at scale. For smaller graphs or highly customized rendering needs, the documentation notes that d3.js may be a better fit. The library is published by Sciences-Po médialab and OuestWare under the MIT License, and is used in projects including Gephi Lite, GraphCommons, Retina, Polinode, and BloodHound.

Key features

• Renders graphs of thousands of nodes and edges using WebGL
• Works with graphology for graph data modeling and algorithms (layouts, metrics, community detection)
• Supports interactive features like search, hover neighborhoods, node creation, and drag-and-drop
• Customizable rendering, including nodes displayed with pictures
• React integration available via @react-sigma

Frequently asked questions