Can I open-source Excalidraw+?

YES · mature open-source replacement
price variescategory 🧑‍🏫 whiteboardsreplaced by 0 people

Yes. Excalidraw (124k stars), AFFiNE (71k stars), tldraw (50k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Excalidraw+ — self-host with docker and stop paying.

why people still pay

Excalidraw+: The shapes are easy; customers pay for low-friction editing, reliable exports, collaboration, and a canvas that never fights them.

what you lose

xlarge template libraries

xhigh-fidelity import and export

xpresentation and enterprise controls

xmultiplayer cursors and comments

the open-source alternatives

These projects already replace it, free.

EExcalidrawThe same drawing engine, free: multiplayer, share links, libraries, local-first files, and end-to-end encrypted collaboration; cloud workspace management is leaner.124kaug 2026open source↗AAFFiNEPersistent team workspaces, an infinite canvas, diagrams, comments, docs, and databases; heavier than Excalidraw and heavier to self-host.71kaug 2026open source↗CCryptPadA persistent encrypted drive with collaborative whiteboards, folders, sharing, and access controls; less delightful drawing, stronger workspace bones.7.8kjul 2026open source↗

What each one is, in full: Excalidraw · AFFiNE

all 5 open-source alternatives to Excalidraw+ →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real

share on X ↗"I just replaced Excalidraw+ with open source"
the numbers

Excalidraw+ pricing

planmonthlyannual (per mo)what you get
free$0/user$0/user1 infinite browser-local scene; unlimited link collaborators; PNG, SVG and Excalidraw-file export; browser-local E2EE; limited generative AI
plus$6/user—Unlimited cloud-synced scenes and folders; access controls, comments, presentations, voice/screen sharing, extended AI and team management

free tier1 browser-local infinite scene, unlimited collaborators, exports and libraries; no cloud storage, folders, account workspace or server sync

billingfree + $6/user monthly; annual billing is offered but its current effective monthly price was not exposed; card payment only

hidden costsEvery paid workspace member is billable, although link guests are free; purchases are non-refundable and tax may be added

verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗

questions
Can I open-source Excalidraw+?

Yes. Excalidraw replaces Excalidraw+ 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 Excalidraw+ cost?

Excalidraw+'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 Excalidraw+?

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 Excalidraw+?

Yes: Excalidraw (The same drawing engine, free: multiplayer, share links, libraries, local-first files, and end-to-end encrypted collaboration; cloud workspace management is leaner.) AFFiNE (Persistent team workspaces, an infinite canvas, diagrams, comments, docs, and databases; heavier than Excalidraw and heavier to self-host.) CryptPad (A persistent encrypted drive with collaborative whiteboards, folders, sharing, and access controls; less delightful drawing, stronger workspace bones.) All 5 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/excalidraw-plus/alternatives.