To remove the watermark from a GoJS diagram, you must purchase a commercial license and apply a valid license key to your application. GoJS is a proprietary library and does not offer a free tier that excludes the watermark. 1. Obtain a License Key
You must purchase a license from Northwoods Software. Licenses are typically tied to a specific domain or set of domains. Once purchased, you will receive a unique license key string. 2. Implement the Key in Your Code
For versions 1.7 and beyond, you remove the watermark by setting the go.licenseKey property before you initialize your diagrams. javascript
// This must be set before creating any Diagram go.licenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_STRING_HERE"; // Then initialize your diagram as usual const myDiagram = new go.Diagram("myDiagramDiv", ... ); Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 3. Key Requirements for Deployment
Domain Matching: The license key is cryptographically tied to the domain(s) you registered during purchase. It will not work (and the watermark will remain) if the application is hosted on an unregistered domain.
Local Development: GoJS typically allows the watermark to be hidden or ignored during localhost development, but it will reappear once deployed to a live URL without a valid key.
Older Versions: If you are using version 1.6 or older, the process is different; you must download a custom-generated go.js file from the GoJS website that is pre-coded for your domain. Why You Can't Remove It via CSS/JS Hacks
The watermark is rendered directly onto the HTML5 Canvas. Because it is part of the internal drawing loop of the engine, it cannot be hidden using standard CSS display: none or by deleting DOM elements. Attempting to bypass the watermark through code obfuscation or script modification violates the GoJS License Agreement. Gojs Remove Watermark - Google Groups
To remove the watermark from a GoJS diagram, you must use a valid license key provided by Northwoods Software. This watermark is a built-in feature of the evaluation version, indicating that the software is not yet licensed for production use. Standard Method for Removing the Watermark
For GoJS version 1.7 and newer, the standard process involves activating a license key tied to your specific web domain.
Purchase a License: Obtain a commercial license from the Northwoods Software pricing page. Options range from individual licenses ($3,995) to team licenses.
Request a License Key: Once purchased, go to the GoJS activation page to generate a key for your domain.
Apply the Key in Code: Before initializing any go.Diagram, set the go.licenseKey property with your generated string: javascript
go.licenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE"; var myDiagram = new go.Diagram("myDiagramDiv", ... ); Use code with caution.
Serve from the Correct Domain: The watermark will only disappear if the page is served from the exact domain tied to your license key. Specialized Deployment Scenarios
If your application does not run on a standard web domain (e.g., local files or desktop wrappers), the licensing requirements change:
Desktop Applications: For apps built with Electron or Cordova, there is no domain to tie a key to. In these cases, you must use the Unlimited Domains license option.
Version 1.6 and Older: These older versions require a custom-generated go.js or go-debug.js library file rather than a simple license key. Legal and Ethical Considerations
GoJS is not open-source; it is proprietary software with a strict Software Evaluation License Agreement. Gojs Remove Watermark - Google Groups
Once purchased, you legally receive a watermark-free version.
Sometimes developers search for how to remove the watermark without buying a license – typically by manipulating the library's internal code. This is not legal, but from a technical standpoint, here is what is involved:
TextBlock or Part added to the diagram’s background layer.go.js file, a function checks the license key or evaluation flag. If no valid key exists, it calls a method (addWatermark() or similar) that creates the watermark element.In older versions, the watermark could be removed by:
q or x).For example (conceptual, not exact code):
// Original (minified) code segment function addWatermark() var wm = new go.TextBlock(); wm.text = "© Northwoods Software..."; diagram.add(wm);
// Hack: Overwrite or disable it go.Diagram.prototype.addWatermark = function() {};
However, modern versions of GoJS use obfuscation, integrity checks, and license key validation that can cause the diagram to fail, crash, or even add the watermark more aggressively if tampering is detected.
If you’re seeing a GoJS watermark, it means you’re using the evaluation (unlicensed) version. To remove the watermark:
Notes:
Suggested short social post: "Seeing a GoJS watermark? That indicates the evaluation build — buy and install a GoJS license or follow Northwoods’ activation steps to remove it. Don’t use unauthorized patches."
Would you like a version tailored for Twitter/X, LinkedIn, or a longer blog post?
If you see "GoJS remove watermark" in a tutorial or forum, recognize it as:
Either a legal discussion of buying a license, or an illegal hacking attempt.
Respecting software licenses supports ongoing development and ensures you have stable, secure, and up-to-date tools.
When developing with GoJS, a powerful JavaScript library for interactive diagrams, the presence of a watermark is one of the first things developers notice. This article explores why it’s there and the legitimate ways to remove it. 🧭 Understanding the GoJS Watermark
The GoJS watermark is a small text overlay, typically appearing in the bottom-right corner of the canvas. It serves as a visual indicator of the library’s licensing status. Trial Mode: It appears by default during evaluation.
Purpose: It identifies unlicensed or improperly configured instances.
Behavior: It does not interfere with the diagram's logic or performance. 🔑 How to Remove the Watermark Legally
To remove the watermark for a production environment, you must follow the official licensing protocol provided by Northwoods Software. 1. Purchase a License
GoJS is a commercial library. You must purchase a license for your domain or application. They offer various tiers based on the number of developers and the type of project. 2. Request a License Key
Once purchased, you provide your domain name (e.g., example.com) to the Northwoods team. They will generate a unique cryptographic license key tied to that specific domain. 3. Implement the Key in Code
To activate your license and hide the watermark, you must set the go.Diagram.licenseKey property before creating any diagrams. javascript
// This must be done before initializing your diagram go.Diagram.licenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE"; const myDiagram = new go.Diagram("myDiagramDiv", // your configuration ); Use code with caution. 🛠️ Common Troubleshooting
Even with a key, the watermark might persist. Check these common issues:
Domain Mismatch: The key only works for the domain it was issued for. localhost often requires its own specific setup or a universal key.
Script Load Order: Ensure the license key is set immediately after the GoJS library loads and before any diagram components are instantiated.
Version Mismatch: Ensure your license key is compatible with the version of GoJS you are using. ⚠️ A Note on "Workarounds"
You may find CSS hacks or scripts online that claim to hide the watermark by manipulating the DOM or targeting the HTML element.
Violation of Terms: Using these methods typically violates the GoJS Software License Agreement.
Unreliable: The library creators frequently update the watermark implementation, making CSS "fixes" break with every library update.
Risk: Using unlicensed commercial software in a professional environment can lead to legal complications for your business. 🚀 Benefits of a Licensed Version
Removing the watermark is just one perk. A paid license also provides:
Technical Support: Access to the engineers who built the library. Updates: Regular feature additions and security patches.
Deployment Rights: Legal peace of mind for your commercial application.
How to Remove the GoJS Watermark: A Complete Guide If you have been working with GoJS to build interactive diagrams, you’ve likely noticed the "GoJS Evaluation" watermark. While it’s fine for local development, you’ll need to remove it before deploying your application to a live environment.
This post covers the official, legal method for removing the watermark and addresses why your license key might not be working as expected. 1. The Official Method: Purchasing a License
GoJS is a commercial JavaScript library. The watermark is intentionally placed on any version downloaded via npm, GitHub, or their website for evaluation purposes. To remove it permanently, you must purchase a license. gojs remove watermark
Requesting a Key: Once purchased, you must activate your license at the GoJS Activation Page to receive a unique license key.
Version Compatibility: License keys are specific to the major and minor version of the library (e.g., a key for 1.7.x will work for all 1.7 versions, but not 1.8). 2. Implementation: Applying Your License Key
For GoJS version 1.7 and newer, you remove the watermark by assigning your key to the global go.licenseKey property before creating any diagrams. javascript
// Add this as the first line in your diagram initialization script go.licenseKey = "Your-Long-License-Key-String"; // Then initialize your diagram var myDiagram = new go.Diagram("myDiagramDiv", ... ); Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 3. Common Troubleshooting Issues
If your watermark is still visible after adding a key, check these common pitfalls:
Serving Environment: The watermark typically disappears on localhost but reappears on live servers if the domain doesn't match your license. Ensure the page is served from a web server and not opened as a local file (e.g., file://).
Subdomains: Standard license keys work for all subdomains of the licensed domain.
Version Mismatch: If you recently upgraded GoJS (e.g., from 2.0 to 2.1), your old key will likely expire, and you must request a new one for the updated version.
Assignment Timing: Ensure go.licenseKey is set before the diagram is rendered. Summary of Licensing Options Gojs Remove Watermark - Google Groups
The GoJS library displays a "GoJS Evaluation" watermark whenever it is used without a valid license key or on an unauthorized domain. Official Removal Method
To remove the watermark for production use, you must purchase a license and apply the resulting license key to your code.
Obtain a License Key: After purchasing, you will receive a key tied to your specific domain.
Set the License Key: Assign your key to the go.licenseKey property before initializing any diagrams. javascript go.licenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Deployment Requirements:
Domain Match: The watermark will only disappear if the site is served from the domain specified in your license (or localhost for development).
Version Match: Ensure your go.js library version matches the major/minor version of your license key.
Offline/Desktop Apps: For Electron, Cordova, or local WebView apps, you typically require an Unlimited Domains license. Common Issues
Localhost vs. IP: The watermark may appear if you access your site via an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.5) instead of localhost, unless that IP is licensed.
Upgrades: When upgrading to a new major or minor version (e.g., from v2 to v3), you must request a new license key.
Shadow DOM/LWC: In environments like Salesforce Lightning Web Components (LWC), ensure the license key is set globally or early enough in the lifecycle for the library to recognize it. Unofficial/Workaround Methods (Development Only)
While strictly against the Northwoods Software License Agreement for production, some developers use technical workarounds for internal testing: How to remove the upper left corner watermark #130 - GitHub
To remove the watermark from a GoJS diagram, you must valid license key from Northwoods Software and apply it to your application
. GoJS is a proprietary commercial library, and the watermark is a built-in feature of the evaluation version. Official Removal Process Purchase a License
: Acquire a commercial license for the specific version and domain you intend to use. Request a License Key : Visit the Product Activation page on the Northwoods website to request a key for your domain. Apply the Key : In your code, set the licenseKey property before creating any diagrams. javascript // Example of setting the license key go.Diagram.licenseKey = "YourLicenseKeyStringHere" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Key Deployment Requirements Deployment and License Keys - GoJS
To remove the watermark from GoJS diagrams, you must typically obtain and apply a valid license key from Northwoods Software
. The watermark—which often reads "GoJS evaluation" or "Not for Distribution"—is a built-in feature of the library's evaluation mode. Official Removal Methods Purchase a License : The primary and legal way to remove the watermark is to buy a GoJS license Apply the License Key : Once you have a key, you must set it in your code
creating any diagrams. This is done by assigning the string to go.Diagram.licenseKey Domain Matching
: The license key is tied to a specific domain. To work correctly, the page must be served from that exact domain (or Version Consistency To remove the watermark from a GoJS diagram,
: License keys are specific to major and minor versions (e.g., a 2.0 key may not work for 2.1). If you upgrade your library version, you may need to request a new key from the GoJS activation page Google Groups Specific Deployment Cases Gojs Remove Watermark - Google Groups 4 Aug 2024 —
To remove the GoJS watermark, you must assign a valid license key to the go.Diagram.licenseKey property before creating any diagrams. Quick Steps to Remove Watermark Obtain a Key: Purchase a license from Northwoods Software.
Set the Property: Add the following line to your code before diagram initialization:go.Diagram.licenseKey = "YOUR_KEY_HERE";.
Match Versions: Ensure your license key matches the major and minor version of the library you are using (e.g., a 2.1 key won't work for version 2.2).
Check Domain: The watermark may reappear if the domain serving the page does not match the one registered with the key. 💡 Troubleshooting Common Issues
Localhost vs. Production: The watermark often disappears on localhost but reappears on live servers if the key is missing or domain-locked.
Major Updates: If you recently upgraded GoJS (e.g., from 1.x to 2.x), you usually need to request a new license key from the Product Activation page.
High Contrast Mode: In rare cases, Windows "High Contrast" settings can cause the watermark to show even with a valid key.
Salesforce/LWC: Ensure the key is set globally on the window.go object within your component lifecycle. Warning on Unofficial Methods
While some forum posts suggest modifying the source code (like commenting out specific internal functions), this is not recommended for production. It violates the Terms of Service.
Minified code changes with every update, making manual fixes brittle.
Official keys are the only supported way to ensure a clean UI.
Remove GenerateHtml · Issue #13705 · RobotLocomotion/drake
The GoJS watermark is a built-in feature of the library's evaluation mode, intended to ensure the software is not used for unauthorized production or distribution. Removing it is a standard part of the deployment process once a commercial license has been acquired. Official Removal Method
For GoJS version 1.7 and later, the watermark is removed by assigning a valid license key to the go.licenseKey property in your code.
Purchase a License: Obtain a commercial license from Northwoods Software Pricing. Prices range from $3,995 for individual consultants to $6,990 for teams of up to three developers.
Request a License Key: Once purchased, you must request a specific key for your deployment domain at the GoJS Activation Page.
Implement the Key: Assign the received string to your library instance: javascript go.licenseKey = "YourGeneratedKeyHere"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Serve via Web Server: The watermark will only disappear if the page is served from a web server (including localhost) that matches the domain for which the key was issued. Version-Specific Nuances
Older Versions (1.6 and below): These versions do not use license keys. Instead, you must download a domain-specific go.js or go-debug.js library file from the Northwoods Deployment Page that has been customized for your domain.
Upgrades: When upgrading to a new major or minor version (e.g., from 2.0 to 2.1), you generally need to request a new license key, though minor patch updates typically do not require one.
Non-Web Deployments: For applications using Electron, Cordova, or NW.js, where there is no standard web domain, you must use the "Unlimited Domains" license and activate it using the project's productName or name defined in package.json. Troubleshooting Persistent Watermarks
If the watermark remains after applying a key, verify the following: Gojs Remove Watermark - Google Groups
The only legal, sustainable, and safe way to remove the GoJS watermark is to purchase a commercial license and apply your unique license key.
If budget is a constraint, consider switching to an open-source library. These have zero watermarks and zero licensing fees.
| Library | Best For | Watermark? | License | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Draw.io (mxGraph) | General diagrams, flowcharts | No | Apache 2.0 | | JointJS (Free) | Basic ERD, BPMN | No (Pro version adds plugins) | Mozilla Public License | | Rete.js | Node-based editors (visual programming) | No | MIT | | LogicFlow | Business process diagrams | No | Apache 2.0 | | React Flow | React-based node graphs | No | MIT |
Migration Cost: Rewriting a complex GoJS app (e.g., org chart builder) into React Flow might take 2-4 weeks. Compare that to a $500 GoJS license—developers often find paying for the license is cheaper than rewriting. Once purchased, you legally receive a watermark-free version