Modern applications often need visual tools that allow users to design processes and automate tasks without writing code. From approval flows and task automation to no-code platforms and data pipelines, visual workflow editors are becoming a common feature in many web applications. Instead of building these editors from scratch, developers can rely on JavaScript libraries that provide ready-to-use workflow builder components.
In this guide, we compare three popular libraries used to build workflow editors in web applications:
- Sequential Workflow Designer
- React Flow
- JointJS
Each library approaches visual editors differently. Some focus specifically on workflows, while others provide general diagramming or graph editing capabilities that can be adapted for workflows.
What Is a JavaScript Workflow Builder?
A JavaScript workflow builder is a UI component that allows users to visually design processes directly inside a web application.
Instead of writing code, users can create workflows by connecting steps in a graphical interface.
Typical workflow builder capabilities include:
- drag-and-drop step creation
- connecting steps with arrows
- editing step configuration
- exporting workflows as JSON
- visualizing execution order
These tools are commonly used in:
- approval workflows
- automation systems
- no-code platforms
- data processing pipelines
- AI workflow editors
Some libraries focus on workflow structures, while others provide general diagram or node graph tools that developers adapt to workflow systems.
Sequential Workflow Designer
Type: Workflow builder
Framework: Framework-agnostic (JavaScript / TypeScript)
Sequential Workflow Designer is a lightweight open-source library designed specifically for building step-based workflow editors.
Unlike general diagram libraries, it focuses on structured sequential workflows, where steps execute in a defined order. This makes it particularly useful for applications that need approval flows, automation pipelines, or internal process builders.
The library is framework-agnostic, meaning it can be integrated into React, Angular, Svelte, or plain JavaScript applications.
Explore the project:
👉 https://github.com/nocode-js/sequential-workflow-designer
Key Features
- visual workflow editor
- sequential step structure
- JSON workflow definitions
- customizable step configuration panels
- framework-agnostic core
- official wrappers for Angular, React, and Svelte
- no external dependencies
Framework Support
Sequential Workflow Designer uses a framework-independent core, which means it can be integrated into almost any JavaScript application.
To simplify integration with modern frontend frameworks, official wrappers are available for:
- React
- Angular
- Svelte
These wrappers allow developers to embed the workflow editor directly into component-based applications while keeping workflow definitions portable via JSON.
Pros
- purpose-built for workflows
- lightweight and easy to integrate
- framework-agnostic
- official wrappers for modern frameworks
- MIT licensed and fully open source
Cons
- optimized for sequential workflows rather than arbitrary graphs
- smaller ecosystem compared to large diagram libraries
Best For
- approval processes
- automation pipelines
- SaaS workflow builders
- no-code tools
- applications built with React, Angular, or Svelte
React Flow
Type: Node-based editor
Framework: React
React Flow is a widely used library for building node-based editors and visual graph interfaces in React applications.
Developers can create custom nodes, connect them with edges, and build highly interactive visual editors.
Because of its flexibility, React Flow is commonly used for:
- workflow editors
- visual programming tools
- AI pipelines
- data flow interfaces
However, React Flow is primarily a graph editor, so developers must implement workflow logic and execution themselves.
Key Features
- customizable nodes and edges
- drag-and-drop editor
- zoom and pan controls
- layout integrations
- strong React ecosystem support
Pros
- extremely flexible
- strong developer community
- ideal for React applications
- supports complex graph structures
Cons
- React-only
- requires custom workflow logic
- more implementation work for workflow features
Best For
- React visual editors
- graph-based tools
- visual programming interfaces
JointJS
Type: Diagramming framework
Framework: JavaScript / TypeScript
JointJS is a powerful diagramming framework used to build interactive diagrams and modeling tools.
It provides advanced capabilities such as custom shapes, connectors, and graph layouts, making it suitable for complex visual applications.
JointJS is often used to build:
- enterprise diagram editors
- BPMN modeling tools
- visual modeling platforms
However, like React Flow, it is not specifically designed for workflows and requires additional logic to implement workflow execution.
Key Features
- customizable diagram elements
- graph modeling tools
- advanced interactions
- layout algorithms
- modular architecture
Pros
- powerful diagram capabilities
- suitable for complex modeling tools
- extensive customization options
Cons
- higher integration complexity
- some advanced features require commercial licensing
- not workflow-specific
Best For
- enterprise diagram tools
- BPMN editors
- modeling applications
- complex visual editors
Comparison: JavaScript Workflow Builder Libraries
The following table summarizes the main differences between the three libraries.
| Feature | Sequential Workflow Designer | React Flow | JointJS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Workflow builder ✅ | Node graph editor | Diagramming framework |
| Framework support | Angular / React / Svelte / JS ✅ | React only | JavaScript / TypeScript |
| Dependencies | None ✅ | React ecosystem | Multiple modules |
| Built-in workflow structure | Yes ✅ | No | No |
| Graph flexibility | Sequential workflows | High ✅ | High |
| Integration complexity | Low ✅ | Medium | High |
| License | MIT (Free) ✅ | MIT (Free) | Commercial / Mixed |
| Best use case | Workflow automation tools ✅ | React node editors | Enterprise diagram apps |
When to Use Each Tool
Choosing the right library depends on the type of visual editor you want to build.
Use Sequential Workflow Designer if
- you need a workflow builder UI
- your processes follow ordered steps
- you want a lightweight solution
- your application includes automation workflows
Use React Flow if
- your application is built with React
- you need flexible node graphs
- you want to create custom visual editors
Use JointJS if
- you need advanced diagramming capabilities
- you are building enterprise modeling tools
- you need highly customized diagrams
Using Sequential Workflow Designer with React, Angular, or Svelte
Sequential Workflow Designer can be integrated into any JavaScript application thanks to its framework-agnostic architecture.
Official wrappers simplify integration with modern frontend frameworks:
- React
- Angular
- Svelte
This allows developers to embed a workflow builder inside modern applications while keeping workflows portable and easy to manage.
Which JavaScript Workflow Builder Should You Choose?
If your application needs a structured workflow builder, using a tool designed specifically for workflows can significantly reduce development time.
Sequential Workflow Designer provides a lightweight approach to building visual step-based workflows, making it well suited for automation tools, SaaS platforms, and no-code applications.
For applications that require complex graph structures, tools like React Flow or JointJS provide greater flexibility but require additional implementation work.
Final Thoughts
Visual workflow builders are becoming an essential component of modern web applications. Whether you are building automation systems, no-code tools, or visual programming interfaces, selecting the right library can greatly simplify development.
Sequential Workflow Designer, React Flow, and JointJS represent three different approaches:
- workflow-focused builders
- node graph editors
- diagramming frameworks
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right technology and build powerful workflow-driven applications.