Excalidraw vs tldraw: Which Whiteboard to Self-Host?
Quick Verdict
Excalidraw is the better choice for self-hosting. It has an official Docker image, a permissive MIT license, and a hand-drawn aesthetic that makes quick diagrams feel approachable. tldraw has stronger real-time collaboration features but uses a non-commercial license for v2, making it legally risky for business use without a paid license.
Updated March 2026: Verified with latest Docker images and configurations.
Overview
Both are browser-based collaborative whiteboard tools, but they take different approaches:
- Excalidraw is the open-source whiteboarding tool known for its distinctive hand-drawn sketch style. Used by millions and embedded in products like Notion and Obsidian. MIT licensed.
- tldraw is a collaborative whiteboard and drawing SDK. Originally MIT licensed, tldraw v2 switched to a restrictive non-commercial license. The SDK is designed for embedding in other products.
| Aspect | Excalidraw | tldraw |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | tldraw license (non-commercial) |
| Self-Hosting | Official Docker image | Community Docker images only |
| Style | Hand-drawn / sketch | Clean / precise |
| Primary Use | Standalone whiteboard | SDK for embedding |
| Multiplayer | Yes (WebSocket) | Yes (built-in) |
| GitHub Stars | 95,000+ | 40,000+ |
| First Release | 2020 | 2021 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Excalidraw | tldraw |
|---|---|---|
| Freehand Drawing | Yes | Yes |
| Shapes (Rectangle, Circle, etc.) | Yes | Yes (more shape types) |
| Arrows & Connectors | Yes (smart connectors) | Yes |
| Text | Yes | Yes |
| Image Embedding | Yes | Yes |
| Sticky Notes | No (use text boxes) | Yes |
| Frames / Grouping | Yes (frames) | Yes (frames + groups) |
| Export Formats | PNG, SVG, JSON, Clipboard | PNG, SVG, JSON |
| Libraries (Stencils) | Yes (community libraries) | No |
| Dark Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Infinite Canvas | Yes | Yes |
| Zoom / Pan | Yes | Yes |
| Undo/Redo | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time Collaboration | Yes (requires WebSocket server) | Yes (built-in) |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (when self-hosted with collab) | No |
| Offline Support | Yes (PWA) | Partial |
| Mobile Support | Responsive web | Responsive web |
Self-Hosting Comparison
| Aspect | Excalidraw | tldraw |
|---|---|---|
| Official Docker Image | excalidraw/excalidraw:latest | None (community only) |
| Docker Setup | Single container, no database | Varies by community image |
| RAM Usage | ~50 MB (static site) | ~100-256 MB |
| Storage | None required (client-side) | File-based persistence (community) |
| Collaboration Server | Separate excalidraw-room server needed | Built into community images |
| Maintenance | Low (static assets) | Medium (Node.js server) |
Licensing Warning
tldraw v2.0 changed from MIT to a non-commercial license. This means:
- Personal/hobby use: allowed
- Commercial use: requires a paid license
- Embedding in commercial products: requires a paid license
- Open-source projects: need to apply for a free license
Excalidraw remains MIT licensed with no restrictions.
Performance and Resource Usage
Both tools run primarily in the browser, so server resource usage is minimal:
| Metric | Excalidraw | tldraw |
|---|---|---|
| Server RAM | ~50 MB (Nginx serving static files) | ~100-256 MB (Node.js) |
| Browser RAM | 100-500 MB (depends on canvas size) | 100-500 MB |
| Server CPU | Negligible | Low |
| Collaboration Overhead | Separate WebSocket server | Integrated |
Use Cases
Choose Excalidraw If…
- You want a permissive MIT license with no commercial restrictions
- You need an official, maintained Docker image
- You prefer the hand-drawn sketch aesthetic
- You want library support for reusable stencils and icons
- You need end-to-end encryption for collaboration
- You want minimal server resources (static site)
Choose tldraw If…
- You need the SDK for embedding a whiteboard in your own product
- You prefer clean, precise drawing over sketchy hand-drawn style
- You have a commercial license or are using it for personal/hobby projects only
- You need built-in multiplayer without a separate collaboration server
- You want more shape types and drawing tools out of the box
Final Verdict
For self-hosting, Excalidraw wins on every practical dimension: official Docker support, MIT license, larger community, and lower resource requirements. The hand-drawn aesthetic is a feature, not a limitation — it makes quick diagrams and brainstorming feel natural. tldraw is a better SDK for embedding whiteboard functionality in your own product, but as a standalone self-hosted whiteboard, Excalidraw is the clear choice. The licensing difference alone makes this decision straightforward for any team or business use case.
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