Comparison
CanvasKeep vs draw.io: sketch style vs shape library
draw.io has the widest free shape library for formal diagrams: UML, BPMN, network, cloud architecture. CanvasKeep has the Excalidraw hand-drawn canvas with folders and version history. Both are free. The right pick depends on what kind of diagrams you draw.
When draw.io is the right choice
draw.io (diagrams.net) is the best free tool for formal, structured diagrams. Pick it when:
- You need specific diagram types like UML class diagrams, BPMN flows, network topologies, or AWS/Azure/GCP architecture diagrams. draw.io has dedicated shape libraries for all of these.
- You want to store files on your own drive. draw.io connects to Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub, and GitLab. Your files live where you choose, not on a third-party server.
- You want to self-host. draw.io is fully open source.
When CanvasKeep is the right choice
CanvasKeep is the better fit when you want a quick, informal canvas with built-in organization:
- You prefer the hand-drawn style. CanvasKeep uses the Excalidraw canvas with its sketchy, informal look. draw.io produces clean, geometric diagrams. Different styles for different purposes.
- You want built-in organization. CanvasKeep has workspaces and nested folders. draw.io relies on your file system or cloud drive for organization.
- You want version history without a cloud drive. CanvasKeep lets you save named checkpoints and restore them. draw.io gets versioning from Google Drive or git, which means connecting an external service.
- Privacy matters. CanvasKeep encrypts every diagram in your browser before it reaches the server.
Feature comparison
Side-by-side on the features that matter most.
| Feature | draw.io | CanvasKeep |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-drawn sketch style | ||
| Formal diagram types (UML, BPMN, etc.) | ||
| Cloud architecture shapes (AWS, GCP) | ||
| Built-in folder organization | ||
| Built-in version history | Via Drive/git | |
| No account required | ||
| Cloud sync without external service | ||
| Open source / self-hostable | ||
| End-to-end encryption |
Based on each product's publicly documented features as of 2026. draw.io (diagrams.net) is a product of JGraph Ltd; CanvasKeep is an independent tool built on the open-source Excalidraw editor.
Frequently asked questions
- Is draw.io completely free?
- Yes. draw.io (diagrams.net) is free and open source with no paid tier for the core product. There are paid integrations for Confluence and Jira, but the standalone app is completely free.
- Is CanvasKeep free?
- Yes. CanvasKeep is completely free right now. You get workspaces, nested folders, version history, and end-to-end encryption with no limits. No credit card, no trial timer.
- Which has better shape libraries?
- draw.io wins on shape variety by a wide margin. It has dedicated libraries for UML, BPMN, network diagrams, AWS/Azure/GCP architecture, electrical, and more. CanvasKeep uses the Excalidraw canvas, which has basic shapes, arrows, and freehand drawing in a hand-drawn style. If you need formal diagram types, draw.io is the better choice.
- Can I use draw.io without an account?
- Yes. draw.io works entirely in the browser with no account. Files are stored locally or on a connected cloud drive (Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub). CanvasKeep requires a free account to draw and organize diagrams.
- Which has version history?
- CanvasKeep has built-in named version history: save checkpoints, preview past versions, restore in one click. draw.io relies on your storage provider for versioning (Google Drive revision history, git commits). If you want version history without connecting to a cloud drive, CanvasKeep has it built in.
- Can I self-host draw.io?
- Yes. draw.io is open source and can be self-hosted. CanvasKeep is a cloud service and cannot be self-hosted.
Want the hand-drawn canvas with folders?
Sign up free and start drawing on the Excalidraw canvas with folders, version history, and encryption built in.