An Eraser alternative for collaborative software planning
Eraser is built around technical diagrams, diagram-as-code and docs. Planloom is a broader collaborative planning canvas: Mermaid import and export for diagram-as-code, plus freeform whiteboarding, linked tasks and GitHub context.
Planloom and Eraser, side by side
| Topic | Planloom | Eraser |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Collaborative planning canvas with diagrams, tasks and GitHub | Technical diagrams and documentation workflows |
| Diagram as code | Mermaid flowchart import and export | Their own diagram-as-code approach; check their docs |
| Freeform whiteboarding | Infinite canvas with stickies, frames, pages and presenting | Check their current whiteboard options |
| Tasks and kanban | Built in, linked to canvas shapes | Check their current features |
| GitHub | Repositories, pull requests and commits as live cards | Codebase understanding features; check their docs |
Competitor details are general and based on public information; confirm current features on their site before deciding.
Where Eraser is the better choice
- Purpose-built technical diagramming and documentation workflows.
- Diagram-as-code that lives close to your docs.
- Focus: fewer surfaces if all you need is diagrams.
Why teams choose Planloom
Diagrams plus the rest of planning
Move from brainstorm to architecture to tasks on one board.
Visual and code-friendly
Import Mermaid, edit visually, export back to Mermaid.
Team workflow
Roles, live cursors and comment pins for reviewing designs together.
How it works
- 1Paste a Mermaid flowchart into the canvas.
- 2Add stickies, tasks and GitHub cards around it.
- 3Compare the workflow with your current diagram tool.
Questions
Does Planloom generate diagrams with AI?
Yes. Describe a process and Planloom AI draws it as editable shapes you preview first.
Can it replace Eraser for docs?
If your workflow is diagram-as-code inside docs, Eraser may fit better. Planloom is stronger when planning and tasks matter too.
Keep exploring
Free tool
Mermaid to canvas
Free Mermaid flowchart editor: paste code, preview it live, then open it as an editable canvas. No account needed. Export back to Mermaid.
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Excalidraw alternative
Planloom vs Excalidraw: simple open-source sketching versus a connected workspace with tasks, GitHub, AI and team roles. Includes where Excalidraw wins.
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Software architecture canvas
Draw architecture diagrams with shapes, connectors and icons, import Mermaid, work live with your team, and put GitHub pull requests beside the design.
Read morePlan software visually. Ship it from GitHub.
Open a canvas in seconds. No account, no credit card.