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BetterOpenSource

tldraw vs AFFiNE

A side-by-side comparison of two open-source tools to help you choose the right one.

Feature
SummaryAn infinite canvas SDK and whiteboard.Docs, whiteboards, and databases in one canvas.
GitHub stars41K47K
LicenseSource AvailableMIT
LanguageTypeScriptTypeScript
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open Source
Self-hostable
ReplacesMiro, FigmaNotion, Miro
Rating4.6 / 54.5 / 5

tldraw features

  • Infinite collaborative canvas
  • Embeddable, themeable React SDK
  • Real-time multiplayer sync
  • Custom shapes and tools
  • AI-ready canvas primitives

AFFiNE features

  • Edgeless whiteboard plus page editor
  • Blocks shared between docs and canvas
  • Local-first with end-to-end sync
  • Databases and kanban views
  • Self-hostable server

tldrawpros & cons

Pros

  • Best canvas SDK for developers
  • Smooth, polished interactions
  • Great docs and examples

Cons

  • Commercial use needs a license/watermark
  • More toolkit than finished product

AFFiNEpros & cons

Pros

  • Unique doc + canvas hybrid
  • Privacy-focused, local-first
  • Beautiful, modern UI

Cons

  • Younger project, evolving fast
  • Occasional rough edges

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