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.
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 gojs remove watermark
Removing the GoJS watermark is officially done by purchasing a license from Northwoods Software . The watermark appears when using the evaluation version Google Groups
Here is a summary of how to remove the GoJS watermark based on their deployment guidelines: 1. Purchase and Apply a License Key (Recommended)
For GoJS version 1.7 and later, you must use a license key provided after purchasing the software. Google Groups Apply the key:
Add the key to your code immediately after loading the GoJS library but before creating any diagrams. javascript // Example go.Diagram.licenseKey = "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Deployment:
The watermark will disappear once you deploy your application to the domain registered with the license key. Northwoods Software 2. Localhost Development
If you are developing locally, the watermark should not appear if you are serving your page from
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 How to Remove the GoJS Watermark: A Complete
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
Northwoods Software offers free licenses for:
How to request a free educational license: Email sales@nwoods.com with proof of academic status. They will provide a license key that removes the watermark for your specific domain (e.g., *.edu).
Important: If your open-source project is hosted on GitHub but also runs a SaaS product (even with a free tier), you must buy a commercial license.
You can use GoJS for free strictly for evaluation purposes.
If your application goes live, or if it is used internally within your company for business processes, you must purchase a license to remove the watermark legally.
The search for "how to remove the GoJS watermark" often stems from a legitimate need: developers want clean diagrams for demos or production systems. However, the shortcut of hacking the library is unethical, illegal, and technically unsound. The proper path is straightforward: purchase a license, apply the license key, and enjoy a watermark-free experience. Respecting intellectual property not only keeps your project legally compliant but also sustains the software ecosystem that developers rely on. Part 6: What About Educational or Open Source Projects
Note: This essay is for informational purposes only and does not encourage circumvention of software protections. Always refer to the official GoJS licensing terms for compliance guidance.
To remove the GoJS watermark, you must purchase a commercial license and apply a valid license key tied to your specific domain. GoJS is proprietary software, and the watermark is a built-in feature of its evaluation version. Steps to Remove the Watermark Legally
Purchase a License: Obtain a commercial license from Northwoods Software Sales.
Request a License Key: Once purchased, activate your license for your target domain at the Product Activation page.
Apply the Key in Code: Assign your key to the static licenseKey property before creating any diagrams. javascript
// For modern versions (1.7+) go.licenseKey = "Your-License-Key-Here"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Common Deployment Scenarios
Websites: The key is tied to the domain name (e.g., example.com). It will automatically cover subdomains and localhost for development.
Desktop Apps (Electron/Cordova): Since these are not served from a domain, you must use the name or productName specified in your package.json to activate the key.
Unlimited Domains: If you are an ISV distributing to many customers, you may need an Unlimited Domains license. Troubleshooting Persistent Watermarks
If the watermark remains after applying a key, check the following: Deployment and License Keys - GoJS
Illegal websites sometimes offer a modified go.js URL claiming to have no watermark.
The risk: Apart from being illegal, these files are often injected with malicious code. Since GoJS can load external data (JSON, XML, images), a cracked version could:
Never use an unverified GoJS file. The official source is only https://gojs.net/latest/release/go.js.