ExcaliDraw
Excalidraw offers both a free version and a premium subscription called Excalidraw+. The free version provides an infinite canvas and essential drawing tools, allowing users to create and collaborate on diagrams without any cost.
Excalidraw+ enhances the user experience with additional features:
• Unlimited scenes and folders: Organize your work efficiently with no limitations.
• Secure cloud storage: Access your drawings from any device with data securely saved on the cloud.
• Access management: Control who can view or edit your content.
• Sharing with edit/view rights: Easily collaborate by assigning appropriate permissions.
• Read-only non-collaborative links & embeds: Share your work without granting editing capabilities.
• Voice hangouts & screensharing: Communicate in real-time with team members.
• Presentations: Present your diagrams directly within the platform.
• Extended AI: Utilize advanced AI tools to enhance your drawings.
• Teams management & collaboration: Manage team members and collaborate seamlessly.
• Comments: Provide feedback and discuss ideas within the platform.
Pricing for Excalidraw+ is straightforward:
• Monthly subscription: $7 per user.
• Annual subscription: $6 per user per month, billed annually.
A 14-day free trial is available for those interested in exploring Excalidraw+’s capabilities.
For a comprehensive comparison between the free version and Excalidraw+, you can visit their official pricing page.
To learn more about Excalidraw’s development journey and feature updates, check out their blog.
If you’re comparing Excalidraw and draw.io (diagrams.net) in terms of file format and Apple Pencil compatibility, here’s how they stack up:
File Format Comparison
Feature
Excalidraw
draw.io
Native Format
.excalidraw (JSON-based)
.drawio (XML-based)
Export Formats
PNG, SVG, JSON
PNG, SVG, PDF, XML, HTML, VSDX (Visio), and more
Cloud Storage Support
Excalidraw+ cloud, local storage
Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub, Dropbox, Local storage
Collaboration
Real-time with Excalidraw+
Real-time via shared cloud files
Version Control
Limited, can use GitHub
Built-in version history
Apple Pencil Compatibility
• Excalidraw
• Designed for hand-drawn, sketch-like diagrams, making it Apple Pencil-friendly.
• Supports pressure sensitivity, smooth strokes, and a natural feel for freehand drawing.
• Works well on iPad Safari or via PWA installation.
• No dedicated iPad app, but the web app runs smoothly.
• draw.io
• More structured with precise shape-based diagrams.
• Apple Pencil can be used, but it’s not optimized for freehand drawing.
• Does not support pressure sensitivity like Excalidraw.
• Works on iPad browsers, but not as fluid for stylus input.
Which is Better for Apple Pencil?
• Excalidraw is better if you want a natural sketching experience (like a whiteboard or brainstorming).
• draw.io is better for structured diagrams, flowcharts, and technical drawings where precision matters.
If you’re working with hand-drawn mind maps, sketches, or UI wireframes, Excalidraw is the better option. If you need precise flowcharts, database schemas, or UML diagrams, draw.io is more powerful.
Imported from rifaterdemsahin.com · 2025