Free online tool

Network Layout Comparison Lab

Compare layouts for the same network side by side. Choose the clearest view and keep it for editing or download.

Works on your deviceNo account neededGraph JSON / SVG / PNG / CSVOpen workspace ↓

Can I compare graph layouts without changing my network?

Load a graph and compare layered, force and radial arrangements of the same nodes and edges. Each preview keeps the graph’s connections intact. Choose a result to apply to the editable canvas, or download the comparison diagrams and positioned graph data.

Make the connections.

On your device

Diagram title

Import graph JSON

Use directed: true or false, a nodes array with unique IDs, and edges with source and target IDs.

{
  "directed": false,
  "nodes": [
    {
      "id": "A",
      "label": "Village",
      "tags": [
        "home"
      ],
      "notes": "Starting point",
      "x": 140,
      "y": 200
    },
    {
      "id": "B",
      "label": "Forest",
      "tags": [
        "outdoors"
      ],
      "x": 380,
      "y": 90
    },
    {
      "id": "C",
      "label": "Bridge",
      "x": 380,
      "y": 310
    },
    {
      "id": "D",
      "label": "Castle",
      "x": 660,
      "y": 200
    },
    {
      "id": "E",
      "label": "Harbour",
      "x": 900,
      "y": 310
    }
  ],
  "edges": [
    {
      "id": "ab",
      "source": "A",
      "target": "B",
      "weight": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "ac",
      "source": "A",
      "target": "C",
      "weight": 6
    },
    {
      "id": "bc",
      "source": "B",
      "target": "C",
      "weight": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "bd",
      "source": "B",
      "target": "D",
      "weight": 7
    },
    {
      "id": "cd",
      "source": "C",
      "target": "D",
      "weight": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "de",
      "source": "D",
      "target": "E",
      "weight": 3
    }
  ]
}

Layout algorithmFlow directionNode spacing

Directed connectionsShow edge weights5 nodes · 6 connections

Edit nodes & connections ↓

Drag a node to move it. Drag blank space to pan.

Keyboard: focus a node and use arrow keys to move it; hold Shift for larger steps. Labels and notes are available in the editor below.

Nodes & notes

Search nodes, notes or tagsChoose node (5 matches)

Deleting a node also deletes its connections. Undo restores both. Keep at least one node.

Connections

Three simple steps

How to use Network Layout Comparison Lab

Open a graph project or edit nodes and connections in the workspace.
Explore the graph and choose the relevant analysis or layout controls.
Export the diagram, data tables or an editable project.

Common questions

Good to know

Understand the result.
Keep the original.

Is this tool free, and are my files uploaded?

This tool is free with no account required. The work happens in your browser. Your input and files are not sent to a processing server.

What are the limits and details?

Layout comparisons change positions, not the underlying network. Visual clusters alone are not statistical communities. Three bounded layouts run sequentially in a cancellable worker, and dense graphs can still be difficult to read.

Limits: 500 nodes, 2,000 edges and 500,000 project characters. Expensive operations run in a cancellable 30-second browser worker.

Can I compare graph layouts without changing my network?

Make the connections.

Nodes & notes

Connections

How to use Network Layout Comparison Lab

Good to know

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