GoJS is a powerful JavaScript library for creating interactive diagrams, flowcharts, and graphs. When you use the unlicensed (evaluation) version of GoJS, a small watermark appears in the bottom-left corner of every diagram that says:
"© Northwoods Software. Licensed only for evaluation."
In the world of software development, JavaScript diagramming libraries like GoJS provide powerful tools for creating interactive flowcharts, organizational charts, and network diagrams. One common query that appears in developer forums is "how to remove the GoJS watermark." While the search for a quick technical fix is understandable, the real answer lies not in code manipulation but in understanding licensing, ethics, and the value of intellectual property.
Northwoods Software provides clear, legal pathways to remove the GoJS watermark: gojs remove watermark
Purchase a Commercial License: For organizations deploying GoJS in production applications, purchasing a standard commercial license (currently starting at $1,495) removes the watermark and provides full usage rights, updates, and support.
Acquire a Developer License: Individual developers working on non-commercial or evaluation projects can obtain developer licenses at reduced rates, which also remove the watermark for approved use cases. Understanding the GoJS Watermark: Legal vs
Use the Evaluation Period Properly: The watermark remains during evaluation to indicate unlicensed status. Developers should use this period to test functionality, after which purchasing a license removes the watermark automatically.
Explore Open Source Alternatives: If budget constraints are significant, consider legitimate open-source alternatives like Draw.io (diagrams.net), which offers similar functionality without watermarks under the Apache 2.0 license. Licensed only for evaluation
If you are working with GoJS (Northwoods Software's powerful JavaScript diagramming library), you have likely encountered the "Evaluation" watermark. This text overlay appears across your canvas when the library detects that it is running in an unlicensed or evaluation mode.
This guide explains why the watermark exists and the only legitimate way to remove it.