Excalidraw vs Figma
Self-host swap-in for Figma. · Self-host Figma · Excalidraw on os-alt
Excalidraw is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Figma — license MIT, 10min (static site + optional collab server) to stand up, and $5 vps for the collab/sync backend. Compare against Figma's Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional below.
| Excalidrawopen-source | Figmapaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Design / collaborative vector editor | Design / collaborative vector editor |
| License / pricing | MIT | Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $15/user/mo |
| GitHub | excalidraw/excalidraw | closed source |
| Setup time | 10min (static site + optional collab server) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for the collab/sync backend. | from $15/user/mo (Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional) |
Switching from Figma to Excalidraw
Different category — sketches and diagrams, not high-fidelity UI design. Use it where Figma was overkill (whiteboarding, system diagrams). No Figma importer, by design.
- Good fit for
- Whiteboarding and rough wireframes.
- Weak at
- Not a Figma replacement for UI mockups.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Figma
Excalidraw also replaces
- Miro— Online whiteboard / visual collaboration
In a terminal? npx os-alt figma prints Figma's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Excalidraw a free alternative to Figma?
Yes — Excalidraw is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for the collab/sync backend.. Figma starts at $15/user/mo (Free up to 3 files; $15/editor/mo on Professional).
How long does Excalidraw take to set up vs Figma?
Self-hosting Excalidraw: 10min (static site + optional collab server). Figma is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Excalidraw good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Whiteboarding and rough wireframes.. Weak at: Not a Figma replacement for UI mockups..