Web Visualization
VTK-based visualization can be delivered through web browsers using several complementary technologies.
Technologies
vtk.js
A JavaScript library that implements a subset of VTK's functionality natively in the browser using WebGL. Ideal for client-side visualization without a server.
Trame
A Python framework for building interactive web applications with VTK. Trame runs VTK on the server and streams results to the browser, or uses vtk.js for client-side rendering.
WebAssembly (WASM)
VTK can be compiled to WebAssembly, bringing the full C++ VTK library to the browser with near-native performance.
Choosing an Approach
| Approach | Best For |
|---|---|
| vtk.js | Client-side rendering, lightweight visualizations |
| Trame (server) | Large datasets, full VTK feature set, Python workflows |
| Trame (client) | Hybrid approach, progressive enhancement |
| WASM | Full C++ VTK in browser, offline-capable applications |