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Tracked since2026
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The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Free to use

Biggest con

Basic features

TL;DR - Excalidraw

  • Open-source virtual whiteboard for hand-drawn style diagrams and sketches.
  • Features real-time collaboration, voice chat, and export to PNG, SVG, and PDF.
  • Free to use with Excalidraw Plus at 6 dollars per month for cloud storage.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Excalidraw?

Editorial review
Excalidraw is a virtual whiteboard for sketching hand-drawn diagrams. Create flowcharts, architecture diagrams, and wireframes with a unique sketchy aesthetic. Real-time collaboration lets teams draw together. End-to-end encryption keeps data private. Export to PNG, SVG, or embed in Notion. Open source and self-hostable. When you want diagrams that look approachable rather than corporate, Excalidraw is the answer.

Available on: Web

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Simple UI
  • Sketch aesthetic

Cons

  • Basic features
  • No rich templates

Key Features

Hand-drawn diagramsReal-time collaborationOpen sourceLibraries supportDark modeExport options

Pricing Plans

14-day Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 6, 2026

Free

Free

  • Full whiteboard features
  • Collaboration
  • Open source
  • No sign-up required

Excalidraw+ Monthly

$7/monthly

  • Unlimited cloud workspace
  • Voice hangouts
  • Screen sharing
  • Enhanced AI features
  • Presentations

Excalidraw+ Yearly

$6/monthly

  • All Plus features
  • Billed annually
  • Best value

How Excalidraw's pricing compares

At $6/mo, Excalidraw is mid-range of its 3 direct competitors ($3 to $9.99/mo across the set).

Excalidraw
$6
$9.99

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 6, 2026.

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Best Excalidraw Alternatives

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Excalidraw FAQ

How does Excalidraw support team collaboration?

Excalidraw facilitates real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to draw together on the same virtual whiteboard. This feature helps teams work synchronously on diagrams and sketches. Additionally, end-to-end encryption ensures that all collaborative data remains private.

Which teams benefit most from Excalidraw?

Excalidraw is ideal for teams involved in UI/UX design, software architecture, or any group that needs to quickly sketch and visualize ideas. Its simple interface and collaborative features make it suitable for brainstorming and design discussions. The approachable, sketchy aesthetic can also help foster more open feedback.

How does Excalidraw compare to Miro for diagramming?

Excalidraw offers a simpler user interface and a distinctive sketchy aesthetic, which can make diagrams feel more approachable than those created in tools like Miro. While Miro provides a broader range of rich templates, Excalidraw focuses on a more basic, hand-drawn feel. Excalidraw is also free to use and open source.

What kind of diagrams can be created with Excalidraw?

Excalidraw is designed for sketching various hand-drawn diagrams, including flowcharts, architecture diagrams, and wireframes. Its unique sketchy aesthetic gives these diagrams an approachable, non-corporate look. Users can also export their creations to PNG, SVG, or embed them in platforms like Notion.

What are the primary limitations of Excalidraw?

Excalidraw's main limitations include its basic feature set and a lack of rich, pre-designed templates. While it excels at simple, hand-drawn sketches, users looking for advanced diagramming capabilities or extensive template libraries might find it less comprehensive. The focus is on a minimalist, approachable design experience.

How is Excalidraw priced?

Excalidraw is free to use, meaning there are no paid plans required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for individuals and teams looking for a cost-effective virtual whiteboard solution. It is also open source and self-hostable.

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