Excalidraw

Excalidraw is a virtual whiteboard in your browser. You use it to quickly sketch out ideas, create diagrams, and draft wireframes. The unique appeal is its aesthetic: everything you draw looks like it was done by hand on a whiteboard, which makes the output feel more like a collaborative sketch than a formal, polished document. It runs directly in your web browser with no installation required, and your work is automatically saved locally.

The tool provides a simple set of drawing instruments like rectangles, circles, arrows, and a freehand pen. You can add text, change colors, and move elements around the canvas with ease. A standout feature is its real-time collaboration; you can share a link with others and draw together simultaneously, making it great for remote brainstorming sessions. It also supports keyboard shortcuts for power users who want to work faster.

Excalidraw is perfect for product managers, software developers, UX designers, and educators. Teams use it for mapping user flows, planning software architecture, designing rough UI mockups, or explaining concepts during online meetings. Its informal style encourages participation and reduces the pressure to create something perfect, focusing instead on getting ideas out quickly.