Guida.js

Guida.js is a developer-focused TypeScript library for embedding onboarding tours in web applications. It suits teams that want to build and style guided flows inside their own product, especially when a small dependency footprint matters. Its main limitation is scope: it is a web library rather than a managed, multi-platform onboarding service.

Overview

Guida.js combines in-app tours and contextual guides with overlays that draw attention to selected interface elements. The spotlight can continue tracking a target as it moves, changes size, or scrolls, which is more practical for dynamic interfaces than a highlight tied to a fixed screen position. Because the package is open source under the MIT license and free to use, it is a straightforward option for developers who prefer embedding onboarding logic in their application rather than paying for a hosted product.

The trade-off is that the product page does not name integrations, so teams expecting connections to external analytics, customer-success, or product-adoption systems should not choose it on that assumption. Its stated accessibility support is useful, but security certifications are not part of the product's stated scope.

Key features

Tracking spotlights

Customizable backdrop overlays focus attention on individual controls or regions of an interface. The spotlight follows those elements through movement, resizing, and scrolling, helping a tour remain aligned when responsive layouts or in-app changes would otherwise make instructions confusing.

TypeScript development support

Included type definitions, autocomplete suggestions, type checking, and IDE IntelliSense make the library a natural fit for TypeScript teams. These tools can catch incorrect usage during development and make the API easier to work with than an untyped package.

Styling and responsive interaction

CSS custom properties and class overrides give developers control over the tour's visual treatment. Tours adapt to screen sizes and device orientations, and touch interactions support mobile and tablet users. That makes the library suitable for responsive web products, although it does not extend the platform list beyond the web.

Lightweight implementation

Guida.js is tree-shakeable, has zero external dependencies, and is approximately 4.8 kB minified and gzipped. The small, self-contained footprint is attractive when bundle size and dependency control are priorities.

Accessibility

The project states support for keyboard navigation, focus management, and screen readers, along with WCAG compliance. Those claims make it a more responsible starting point for guided experiences than a tour that only assumes pointer input, though teams remain responsible for checking their own implementation.

Pricing

There is one free open-source plan, with no published seat, usage, or renewal limits. It fits developers and teams comfortable owning implementation and maintenance. A hosted dashboard, service-level terms, or packaged integrations are not part of this offering, so organizations wanting those conveniences should budget for a different category of product.

Platforms

Guida.js supports web applications. Its responsive sizing, orientation handling, and touch interactions cover mobile and tablet browsers, but it is not presented as a native Android or iOS package.

Who it's for

Choose Guida.js if you are a web developer building onboarding directly into a product, use TypeScript, and want precise CSS control without adding third-party runtime dependencies. It is particularly well suited to interfaces whose controls move or resize during a tour and to teams that value an MIT-licensed package.

Look elsewhere if non-web platforms, a hosted authoring environment, named integrations, or vendor-backed security certifications are requirements. Guida.js gives implementation control, not a complete product-adoption service.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free MIT-licensed package: removes subscription cost and permits use under the stated license.
• Very small dependency-free footprint: about 4.8 kB minified and gzipped, with tree-shaking to avoid shipping unused code.
• Dynamic element tracking: overlays stay associated with targets that move, resize, or scroll.
• Strong TypeScript ergonomics: types, checking, autocomplete, and IntelliSense support developer productivity.
• Responsive and accessible design goals: touch input, keyboard navigation, focus management, screen-reader support, and a stated WCAG claim broaden usability.

Cons

• Web-only: teams needing native mobile coverage must use another solution.
• Developer-owned implementation: the free library does not provide a named hosted service, integrations, or packaged operational tooling.
• No stated security certifications: regulated buyers cannot treat the product as independently security-certified.

Alternatives

User Onboarding Software is the broader category to browse when you want to compare onboarding products beyond a code library.

Pick Wakeline instead when you need Android, iOS, browser-extension, and web coverage, plus a freemium model with a Free plan capped at three flows, 1,000 monthly active users, and one teammate, or a Pro plan at $41 a month billed annually.

Driver.js is another free web-oriented option, with a Free plan offering unlimited projects and personal and commercial use without attribution.

Choose Candu when a freemium hosted approach is preferable, with overlays, live-experience limits on its Free plan, and a paid Starter tier at $199 a month billed annually.

Clew fits teams seeking self-hosting, with a Free plan for one site, one team seat, up to three published tours, and one month of analytics history.

Guidez is a freemium API, extension, and web option whose Hobby plan includes 100 monthly active users, one team member, and one environment.

Tour Kit offers a free development and evaluation plan, while production use requires a license key.

Guide.js is another free web alternative.

GuideMark is a paid API and web option with a Pro plan at €19 a month billed annually and selectable monthly-active-user volumes.

Verdict

Guida.js is a strong choice for TypeScript developers who want a lightweight, customizable onboarding layer embedded in a web application, with no license fee or external dependencies. Choose another product if you need native platforms, a managed authoring and analytics service, integrations, or explicit security certification.