# Modifying DOM Elements Managed by External Libraries

You can use different libraries, such as a charting library, to create and manage DOM elements. You don’t have to modify these DOM elements within the `render` event handler or a renderer because they are managed by the external library.

A `render` event handler or a renderer are used only to customize DOM elements created and managed by the Aura Components programming model.

To use external libraries, use `<ltng:require>`. The `afterScriptsLoaded` attribute enables you to interact with the DOM after your libraries have loaded and the DOM is ready. `<ltng:require>` tag orchestrates the loading of your library of choice with the rendering cycle of the Aura Components programming model to ensure that everything works in concert.

**See Also**

- [Using External JavaScript Libraries](/docs/platform/aura-platform/guide/js-libs-platform.md)
- [Modifying DOM Elements Managed by](/docs/platform/aura-platform/guide/js-dom-modify-framework.md)