5 alternatives to Excalidraw+
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
The same drawing engine, free: multiplayer, share links, libraries, local-first files, and end-to-end encrypted collaboration; cloud workspace management is leaner.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationOpen the hosted web app/PWA, or deploy the static app and optional collaboration server
DataSolo drawings are stored in browser storage or explicit .excalidraw JSON files; exports include PNG and SVG; multiplayer room data is end-to-end encrypted and the decryption key is carried in the share URL
Limitations compared to Excalidraw+The free app has the same drawing engine but lacks Excalidraw+'s persistent managed workspace, team administration, organized files, and richer collaboration history.
SetupNone for the hosted app; the trade-off appears later because durable workspace organization, centralized team administration, and managed version history are deliberately minimal
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Persistent team workspaces, an infinite canvas, diagrams, comments, docs, and databases; heavier than Excalidraw and heavier to self-host.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationHosted signup or desktop app; Docker Compose for self-hosting
ModelsSelf-hosted AFFiNE AI can be configured with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, and FAL credentials
DataLocal-first clients keep workspace data locally and sync to AFFiNE Cloud or the operator's server; self-hosting uses PostgreSQL, Redis, and persistent blob storage
Limitations compared to Excalidraw+AFFiNE is much heavier and less immediate for quick hand-drawn collaboration, while its canvas does not share Excalidraw's library ecosystem and distinctive interaction feel.
SetupThe hosted/desktop app installs cleanly; self-hosting is a multi-service Docker deployment that needs a domain, TLS, secrets, storage, backups, and AI-provider keys for AI features
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A persistent encrypted drive with collaborative whiteboards, folders, sharing, and access controls; less delightful drawing, stronger workspace bones.
LicenseAGPL-3.0+
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationUse a public CryptPad instance, or self-host the Node.js service behind a reverse proxy
DataDocuments are encrypted in the browser before upload; the server stores encrypted document files, blobs, and account pin metadata on its filesystem and cannot read document content
Limitations compared to Excalidraw+CryptPad provides a stronger encrypted drive but its whiteboard is markedly less delightful and capable for drawing, libraries, and diagram composition than Excalidraw+.
SetupPublic hosting is immediate; self-hosting requires two domains or subdomains, HTTPS, strict security headers, Node.js configuration, persistent storage, and careful upgrades/backups
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Persistent collaborative boards with a free hosted instance and optional Docker; primitive libraries, refreshingly little ceremony.
LicenseAGPL-3.0+
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationUse the free hosted instance, or run the Docker image/Node.js server
DataBoards are persisted as JSON files in the server's data directory; a Docker deployment must mount that directory, while public-hosted boards live on the operator's server
Limitations compared to Excalidraw+WBO lacks Excalidraw's polished drawing tools, reusable libraries, file organization, export quality, and managed team workspace.
SetupNone for the public instance; self-hosting needs Docker or Node.js, a persistent writable volume with the expected user ownership, backups, and a public URL/TLS
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A polished free multiplayer canvas with instant sharing and no install; its code is source-available, not open source for production use.
Licensetldraw
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationOpen tldraw.com in a browser; no account is required for a quick canvas
DataHosted shared canvases live in tldraw's cloud; local/offline documents use browser IndexedDB, and snapshots or .tldr JSON files can be exported
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to Excalidraw+tldraw is a different canvas ecosystem with no Excalidraw library compatibility and much less team-workspace administration than Excalidraw+.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalidraw | MIT | Hosted by the provider | web, self-hosted | 124,000 | 2026-08 |
| AFFiNE | MIT | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, macos, windows, linux, self-hosted | 71,300 | 2026-08 |
| CryptPad | AGPL-3.0+ | Hosted by the provider | web, self-hosted | 7,825 | 2026-07 |
| WBO | AGPL-3.0+ | Hosted by the provider | web, self-hosted | 2,600 | 2026-08 |
| tldraw | tldraw | Hosted by the provider | web | — | — |
Excalidraw+: The shapes are easy; customers pay for low-friction editing, reliable exports, collaboration, and a canvas that never fights them. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $72 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Excalidraw+?
Yes: Excalidraw, AFFiNE, CryptPad. This page lists 5 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Excalidraw+?
Our verdict: Buildable. Excalidraw+'s solo core is compact: build a browser-based collaborative whiteboard editor with drag, resize, connect, keyboard shortcuts, autosave, and SVG or PNG export. A competent builder can reach a useful personal version in one sitting, while the paid product mainly wins on interaction polish, collaboration. The complete prompt is on the Excalidraw+ page on Vibe Radar.
