tldraw vs Eraser
tldraw is open-source collaborative whiteboard with a friendly interface and embeddable SDK, while Eraser is technical design tool for architecture diagrams, design docs, and cloud diagrams. tldraw is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. tldraw is built for developers wanting an embeddable whiteboard canvas, whereas Eraser targets engineering teams wanting docs-as-diagrams.
| Feature | tldraw | Eraser |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| AI Diagram | — | ✓ |
| Architecture Diagrams | — | ✓ |
| Cloud Diagrams | — | ✓ |
| Docs | — | ✓ |
| Embeddable | ✓ | — |
| Multiplayer | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| SDK | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both tldraw and Eraser are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: tldraw offers Embeddable, Multiplayer and Open Source that Eraser lacks. Eraser brings AI Diagram, Architecture Diagrams and Cloud Diagrams that tldraw does not have.
Team fit: tldraw is geared toward any size teams, while Eraser is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: tldraw is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Eraser is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: tldraw's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development. Eraser's biggest strengths are: includes architecture diagrams as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows. includes cloud diagrams as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows.
Watch out for: With tldraw, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Eraser, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose tldraw if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting an embeddable whiteboard canvas
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Embeddable and Multiplayer
- You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development
- Your team size fits the any size profile tldraw is designed for
choose Eraser if
- You need a tool built for engineering teams wanting docs-as-diagrams
- You specifically need AI Diagram and Architecture Diagrams
- You care about includes cloud diagrams as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Eraser is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for 5 documents
frequently asked
What is the difference between tldraw and Eraser?
tldraw is open-source collaborative whiteboard with a friendly interface and embeddable SDK, while Eraser is technical design tool for architecture diagrams, design docs, and cloud diagrams. tldraw is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. tldraw is built for developers wanting an embeddable whiteboard canvas, whereas Eraser targets engineering teams wanting docs-as-diagrams.
Should I use tldraw or Eraser?
tldraw gives you open source and self-hosting; Eraser is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose tldraw over Eraser?
Choose tldraw if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting an embeddable whiteboard canvas; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Embeddable and Multiplayer; You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development; Your team size fits the any size profile tldraw is designed for.
When should I choose Eraser over tldraw?
Choose Eraser if You need a tool built for engineering teams wanting docs-as-diagrams; You specifically need AI Diagram and Architecture Diagrams; You care about includes cloud diagrams as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Eraser is designed for; The free tier works for you: free for 5 documents.
related comparisons
Mermaid vs tldraw · Lucidchart vs tldraw · Draw.io (diagrams.net) vs tldraw · tldraw vs FigJam · tldraw vs Eraser · tldraw vs PlantUML · Mermaid vs Eraser · Lucidchart vs Eraser