Overview
tldraw is a browser-first collaborative whiteboard and an infinite-canvas SDK that enables fast, real-time sketching, diagramming, and visual collaboration. It is available instantly in modern browsers (JavaScript must be enabled) and is designed for low-friction idea capture — allowing multiple participants to draw, annotate, and edit together in real time. The project also publishes an SDK (tldraw SDK) for developers who want to embed or build infinite-canvas experiences in React applications. The combination of a polished web client and an extensible SDK makes tldraw useful both as an end-user whiteboard and as a developer platform for building custom collaborative apps.
Key Features
Real-time Collaboration
Live multi-user editing and presence so multiple people can draw and edit simultaneously.
Infinite Canvas
Large, scrollable canvas that supports freeform drawing, shapes, and diagramming across an unbounded workspace.
Core Drawing & Editing Tools
Pen/brush, shapes, text, sticky notes, selection, resizing, alignment and basic editing workflows for sketching and diagramming.
SDK & Developer-Focused Integrations
A React SDK (tldraw SDK) that lets developers embed the infinite canvas, extend behavior, and integrate collaborative features into custom apps.
Sharing & Export
Easy sharing of boards/sessions and options to export or embed canvases (typical whiteboard workflows supported).
Extensible Demos & AI Experiments
Public demos (e.g., “Make It Real” viral demo) and experimental features that showcase integrations with AI or helper agents.
Who Can Use This Tool?
- Developers:Embed and build infinite-canvas experiences using the tldraw React SDK.
- Designers:Quickly sketch, wireframe, and iterate visually during team sessions.
- Teams:Collaborate in real time for brainstorming, planning, and diagramming.
- Educators:Run interactive lessons and visual explanations using a shared whiteboard.
Pricing Plans
Free instant collaborative whiteboarding with core drawing, collaboration, and SDK access.
- ✓Instant collaborative whiteboarding
- ✓Core drawing and editing tools
- ✓Real-time collaboration
- ✓tldraw SDK and integrations
One-time purchase giving access to three fairies for December 2025 only.
- ✓Access to three fairies to assist on the canvas
- ✓Fairies can work alone or as a team
- ✓Temporary access until January 1, 2026
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- ✓Free to use and instantly available in the browser (low adoption friction)
- ✓Real-time multi-user collaboration with fast, responsive canvas interactions
- ✓Robust open-source SDK for building custom infinite-canvas React apps
- ✓Large, active community (GitHub stars, Discord, social presence)
- ✓Lightweight UI makes it easy for quick sketches and ideation sessions
✗ Cons
- ✗Requires JavaScript and a modern browser (client-side performance depends on browser)
- ✗Some paid/one-time offerings are limited/temporary (example: Fairy Bundle)
- ✗License nuances have been mentioned publicly (not every repo license is typical OSS), which may concern some enterprise users
- ✗Not a full-featured enterprise product (no extensive admin/SLAs/contact-sales info found on pricing page)
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A comprehensive catalog of tldraw examples, features, and customization tips for developers and designers.
