Excalidraw
The same drawing engine, free: multiplayer, share links, libraries, local-first files, and end-to-end encrypted collaboration; cloud workspace management is leaner.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- MIT
- Hosting Model
- Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud)
- Platforms
- webself-hostedthey host it
- Installation
- Open the hosted web app/PWA, or deploy the static app and optional collaboration server
- Operational Setup
- None for the hosted app; the trade-off appears later because durable workspace organization, centralized team administration, and managed version history are deliberately minimal
- Where Your Data Lives
- Solo 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
- The Catch / Trade-off
- The free app has the same drawing engine but lacks Excalidraw+'s persistent managed workspace, team administration, organized files, and richer collaboration history.
Replaces 5 paid apps
up to $31/mo ($372/yr) in subscriptions
Excalidraw FAQ
Common questions
Is Excalidraw free and open source?+
Excalidraw is an open-source tool licensed under MIT that runs on local or hosted. The same drawing engine, free: multiplayer, share links, libraries, local-first files, and end-to-end encrypted collaboration; cloud workspace management is leaner.
What paid software does Excalidraw replace?+
Excalidraw serves as a free replacement for 5 paid SaaS applications: Excalidraw+, Lucidchart, Lucidspark, Miro, Whimsical, saving up to $31/month ($372/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Excalidraw?+
Installation: Open the hosted web app/PWA, or deploy the static app and optional collaboration server. Setup notes: None for the hosted app; the trade-off appears later because durable workspace organization, centralized team administration, and managed version history are deliberately minimal
What is the catch or trade-off with Excalidraw?+
The free app has the same drawing engine but lacks Excalidraw+'s persistent managed workspace, team administration, organized files, and richer collaboration history.