What is an Excalidraw file?

Excalidraw (.excalidraw) is the JSON format of Excalidraw, a popular open-source virtual whiteboard tool. It stores hand-drawn-style shapes, arrows, text and freehand drawings with their sketchy aesthetic, powered by the rough.js library for canvas rendering.

Are my Excalidraw files uploaded?

No. Diagrams you open from your device stay on your device and are rendered locally. Only the public sample diagram is requested from the server.

Why do Excalidraw diagrams look hand-drawn?

Excalidraw intentionally uses rough.js to render shapes with a sketchy, hand-drawn aesthetic. This makes diagrams feel approachable and informal, which is why it's popular for wireframes, brainstorming and educational content.

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Excalidraw Viewer

Free online Excalidraw viewer. Open and preview Excalidraw diagrams (.excalidraw) directly in your browser — no upload, no software.

.excalidraw

Sample Excalidraw Diagram

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About this file format

Excalidraw (.excalidraw) is the JSON format of Excalidraw, an open-source virtual whiteboard launched in 2020. It is loved for its hand-drawn, sketchy aesthetic (powered by rough.js), real-time collaboration, and simplicity. The format stores shapes (rectangles, ellipses, arrows, text, freehand paths), their styling (colors, stroke width, roughness) and layout as structured JSON. Excalidraw is widely used for wireframes, diagrams, mind maps and educational content.

Excalidraw Viewer

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