Operational modes

Nutrient Web SDK can run locally in the browser or work together with Document Engine — either self-hosted or managed — to offload document storing, rendering, and editing.

Regardless of the operational mode being used, your frontend code will be identical, with some exceptions — such as initialization and opening files.

To explore the capabilities of Nutrient’s document solutions — Document Engine (with/without storage), Web SDK for client-side processing, and Web SDK + Document Engine — refer to the capability and component comparison guide.

Nutrient Web SDK in the browser

The Web SDK uses our JavaScript library for rendering and editing documents directly in the browser. In this mode, it’s powered by WebAssembly technology, and it doesn’t require a server, plugins, or internet access.

Performing document rendering and processing in the browser has the following advantages:

• Get up and running faster — No servers need to be deployed or maintained.
• Lower infrastructure costs — Rendering and processing are offloaded to the client.
• More tolerant to internet connection — Slow networks don’t affect the user interface.
• Security and privacy — Documents don’t need to be transferred across a network.

Nutrient Web SDK with Document Engine

When Web SDK is combined with Document Engine, storing and rendering are offloaded from the browser, and only necessary data from the documents is streamed to the web viewer. Document Engine can be operated in your infrastructure or managed by us.

Web SDK with Document Engine operational mode offers several key advantages:

• Optimized performance — Combines server-side rendering with client-side viewing, minimizing browser load and ensuring smooth handling of large or complex documents.

• Seamless syncing — Annotations and form field values synchronize across servers and sessions without additional configuration, streamlining collaborative workflows.

• Enhanced security — Handles sensitive operations on the server, ensuring robust data privacy and secure document management.

• High-performance capabilities — Developers can harness advanced features such as optical character recognition (available only with Document Engine) and Instant collaboration (web, mobile), empowering real-time collaborative document management.

• Scalability — Its scalable architecture caters to evolving needs, providing a reliable foundation for projects of all sizes.

• Headless processing — Supports headless document processing, enabling automated tasks such as batch conversion and manipulation without the need for a graphical user interface, thus enhancing efficiency and integration capabilities.

Comparing operational modes

* Via Nutrient Instant (a component for Document Engine)

Learn more about Document Engine.