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Guide · Open source

How to use Drawnix: whiteboard, mind maps and flowcharts

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Drawnix is a free, open-source whiteboard that combines mind maps, flowcharts and freehand drawing on one infinite canvas. This guide is for people who want a simple whiteboard for brainstorming or diagrams, and it explains how to start, build a mind map or flowchart, save and export your work, and self-host it with Docker.

Drawnixplait-board/drawnix · ★ 15k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Open the app. Go to drawnix.com in your browser. No install is listed as required for the hosted site.
  2. 2Pick a tool. Use the pen for freehand drawing, or add mind map and flowchart content on the infinite canvas.
  3. 3Build from text. Paste Markdown to create a mind map, or Mermaid syntax to create a flowchart.
  4. 4Edit as needed. Use undo, redo, copy and paste, and zoom or scroll to refine the board.
  5. 5Export your board. Save a PNG for images or a .drawnix JSON file for an editable copy.
  6. 6Self-host if needed. Pull the Docker image pubuzhixing/drawnix:latest and check the repository for run settings.

Open Drawnix and start a board

The simplest way to use Drawnix is the hosted web app at drawnix.com. The README describes this site as the minimal application of the project, so there is nothing to install to begin.

Drawnix runs in the browser and is designed to work on mobile devices too. Your work is auto-saved to browser storage, so it stays in the browser you used.

  • Open https://drawnix.com in a modern browser.
  • Start drawing on the canvas, which supports zoom and scroll.

Draw freehand, shapes and images

Drawnix includes a pen tool for freehand drawing and supports inserting images. The canvas is infinite, so you can keep adding content and move around it by zooming and scrolling.

Editing features include undo, redo, copy and paste. Theme modes are also available.

  • Use the pen tool for sketches and annotations.
  • Insert images onto the canvas.
  • Use undo and redo while you work.

Create a mind map from Markdown text

Drawnix can turn Markdown text into a mind map. The README lists this as a newer feature, so check the current app if the option looks different from what you expect.

Use this when you already have an outline written in Markdown and want to see it as a branching diagram.

  • Write your outline as Markdown text in the app.
  • Convert the text into a mind map using the Markdown feature.

Create a flowchart from Mermaid syntax

If you know Mermaid syntax, Drawnix can convert it into a flowchart. This lets you write a diagram as plain text and keep it as a readable source file.

The exact menu location for this feature is not described in the README, so look for the Mermaid option in the app.

  • Write your flowchart in Mermaid syntax.
  • Convert it into a flowchart in the canvas.

Save, export and move your work

Drawnix auto-saves to browser storage. For a copy you can keep outside the browser, export your board. The README lists PNG and JSON export, where the JSON file uses the .drawnix extension.

Use PNG when you need an image to share or paste into a document. Use the .drawnix JSON file as the editable version of your board.

  • Export as PNG for an image.
  • Export as JSON (.drawnix) to keep an editable copy.

Run Drawnix yourself with Docker

The README includes a Docker image, so you can run your own copy if you want to self-host a whiteboard. Pull the image with the command below. The README does not document port mapping or run flags, so consult the project repository for those details.

For developers, the README also lists a local development route using npm install and npm run start.

  • Pull the image from the Docker command below.
  • Check the repository for how to run the container and which port it uses.
docker pull pubuzhixing/drawnix:latest

What people use it for

  • Brainstorming ideas on an infinite canvas with freehand sketches.
  • Turning an outline written in Markdown into a mind map.
  • Drawing a flowchart from Mermaid text you can keep in version control.
  • Hosting a private whiteboard for yourself or a small group using Docker.

Frequently asked questions

Is Drawnix free?

The README describes Drawnix as free and open-source, and the project is released under the MIT License. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.

Does Drawnix require installation?

The README lists it as a web app and does not list any prerequisites. You can use the hosted site at drawnix.com, or pull the Docker image if you want to self-host.

Can I export my Drawnix board?

Yes. The README says you can export to PNG and to JSON in a .drawnix file. The JSON file is the editable version of your board.

Does Drawnix support real-time collaboration?

The README does not document real-time multi-user collaboration, so do not assume it is available. The project topics mention it, but the README does not describe how it works.

What is Drawnix built on?

Drawnix is built on the Plait diagramming framework and uses a plugin architecture. The README also lists Slate and floating-ui as dependencies.

How does Drawnix compare to Excalidraw, tldraw or draw.io?

The README does not compare Drawnix with other tools. It highlights mind maps and flowcharts, Markdown and Mermaid import, and a Docker image. Try each tool on a small board to see which fits your work.

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Our verdict

Drawnix suits people who want a free, simple whiteboard for brainstorming, mind maps and flowcharts, especially if they write in Markdown or Mermaid. It is less suitable if you need documented real-time collaboration or a polished, fully documented product, since the README is short and the app is still iterating toward its Dawn release.

Install options & downloads