Draw and keep an editable copy
For offline drawing, save the basic tools and the architecture whiteboard pack before disconnecting.
Open the whiteboard, choose a shape or text tool, and connect components with arrows. The editor includes its own keyboard shortcuts and help. Download the drawing file before leaving if you want to continue editing another day.
Export a diagram
For a small architecture sketch, draw three rectangles named Browser, API and Database, connect them with arrows, and label the request direction. Download an editable drawing first, then export PNG for a document. Reopen the drawing file to change labels later; reopening a PNG does not restore editable shapes.
| Download | Best use |
|---|---|
| .excalidraw | Keep the editable scene for a later session |
| PNG | Share a rendered picture with broad compatibility |
| SVG | Use scalable artwork where the destination supports SVG |
Use PNG for broad compatibility and SVG for scalable output. PNG exports fit within 4096 pixels on the longest side. The local file actions support opening drawings and exporting editable files, PNG and SVG.
Use Mermaid for text-driven diagrams
This whiteboard is intended for freeform sketches and manual arrangement. Mermaid Editor is a better fit when you want diagrams generated from a versionable text description. The two editors keep their own formats; this page does not automatically convert between them.
Choose Mermaid Editor for diagrams maintained as text, SQL to Mermaid for supported table definitions, or Code to Image for syntax-highlighted code cards. None of these exports uploads your scene to a collaboration service.
Powered by open-source software. Third-party licenses.
Documentation examples checked: . How these tools are checked.
Frequently asked questions
Is my drawing saved automatically?
No. The drawing stays in the current editor until you leave or reload. Download a .excalidraw file to keep an editable copy, then reopen it later. PNG and SVG exports are images, not a replacement for the drawing file.
Can I collaborate with another person?
This editor is local to your browser tab. Real-time collaboration, cloud synchronization and shared accounts are not included.
Which drawing files can I open?
Open an Excalidraw JSON drawing up to five megabytes with at most two thousand elements. Embedded images count toward file size. Imported drawings are handled by the upstream Excalidraw loader.
Sources
Spotted a mistake? Email hello@devtoolsmith.com and we’ll fix it.