Can I open-source EdrawMax?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Excalidraw (129k stars), diagrams.net (62k stars), draw.io (43k stars) are mature open-source replacements for EdrawMax — self-host in one command and stop paying.
EdrawMax: The shapes are easy; customers pay for low-friction editing, reliable exports, collaboration, and a canvas that never fights them.
xlarge template libraries
xhigh-fidelity import and export
xpresentation and enterprise controls
xmultiplayer cursors and comments
These projects already replace it, free.
Ddiagrams.netThe unglamorous diagram workhorse: huge template coverage, local files, imports, automatic layouts, and collaboration through shared storage.open source↗EExcalidrawVirtual hand-drawn style whiteboard for sketching diagrams collaborativelyopen source↗Ddraw.ioThe diagramming workhorse — flowcharts, architecture diagrams, UML — runs fully client-side or as your own container.open source↗What each one is, in full: Excalidraw · draw.io
all 3 open-source alternatives to EdrawMax →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
EdrawMax pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free trial | $0 | $0 | 2 built-in templates plus 2 local and 2 cloud templates; 500 AI tokens; 5 recycle-bin items retained 7 days; up to 60 shapes in a general diagram; 5 Visio/CAD imports; exported files are watermarked |
| semi-annual | custom | — | Desktop on up to 3 PCs plus 3 mobile devices and online access; 1 GB cloud storage |
| annual | — | $8.25 | Desktop on up to 3 PCs plus 3 mobile devices and online access; 1 GB cloud storage |
| perpetual | custom | — | Current major desktop version on up to 3 PCs; mobile/web access for 3 years; 10 GB cloud storage |
free tier2 built-in templates plus 2 local and 2 cloud templates; 500 AI tokens; 5 recycle-bin items/7-day retention; 60 shapes per general diagram; 5 Visio/CAD imports; watermark
billingsemi-annual + annual auto-renewing subscriptions; perpetual one-time license
hidden costsThe optional EdrawMax AI Assets checkbox starts with a 7-day trial and then auto-renews as a separate subscription at a price not cleanly exposed. Perpetual covers the purchased major desktop version and only 3 years of mobile/web access; subscription payments are not credited toward a perpetual license.
verified 2026-08-12 · source ↗
Can I open-source EdrawMax?
Yes. diagrams.net replaces EdrawMax today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does EdrawMax cost?
EdrawMax's pricing is usage-based or varies by plan · The official pricing URL is recorded, but a stable current amount was not safely recoverable in this pass. Do not publish a number until rechecked..
What do I lose by replacing EdrawMax?
Honestly: large template libraries; high-fidelity import and export; presentation and enterprise controls; multiplayer cursors and comments. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to EdrawMax?
Yes: diagrams.net (The unglamorous diagram workhorse: huge template coverage, local files, imports, automatic layouts, and collaboration through shared storage.) Excalidraw (Virtual hand-drawn style whiteboard for sketching diagrams collaboratively) draw.io (The diagramming workhorse — flowcharts, architecture diagrams, UML — runs fully client-side or as your own container.) All 3 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/edrawmax/alternatives.