# Getting Started Overview and documentation for using Font Awesome's JavaScript API. > Get more control over rendering and features with our Javascript API. ## Access the API There are two ways to access the API depending on how you've integrated Font Awesome into your project. ### Using Node.js Before you install the SVG Core Package, make sure you've to set up access to `npm.fontawesome.com`: - [Configure access](/web/setup/packages.md) to use Font Awesome packages If you're using Node.js, the `@fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core` NPM package exports methods that can be used to perform various tasks. Start by installing the Font Awesome SVG Core package: ```bash npm install @fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core ``` Then you can tap into the API from within your app or project: **Kit Package:** **SVG Icon Package:** ```js import { library, icon } from '@fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core' import { faCamera } from '@fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons' library.add(...all) const camera = icon({ prefix: 'fas', iconName: 'camera' }) ``` ```js import { library, icon } from '@fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core' import { faCamera } from '@fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons' library.add(faCamera) const camera = icon({ prefix: 'fas', iconName: 'camera' }) ``` ### In the Browser Or you can access the API directly in the browser where Font Awesome is available as a global namespace. ```js var camera = window.FontAwesome.icon({ prefix: 'fas', iconName: 'camera' }) ``` ## What's the difference between packages? While all of the API methods are available through both the Font Awesome and the Font Awesome SVG Core packages, each package has a different default configuration. | Option | Font Awesome (JavaScript) | Font Awesome SVG Core (JavaScript) | | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------: | :--------------------------------: | | Automatically replaces `` tags with `` | Yes | No | | Adds CSS to the `` to provide styles for the icons | Yes | Yes | | [Watches the page](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/MutationObserver) for icon changes and additions | Yes | No |