Top 10 Open-Source Alternatives to Mural AI in 2025

With the proliferation of digital whiteboards, collaborative software, and virtual workspace tools, open-source alternatives to Mural AI have become increasingly appealing. These platforms offer a range of features and customization options for various collaboration needs. Here is a detailed list of the top 10 open-source alternatives to Mural AI in 2025.

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1. Excalidraw

Description: Excalidraw is a virtual whiteboard application that focuses on creating hand-drawn-like diagrams. It prioritizes simplicity and a low-friction input method, making it highly popular among users.
Data Points:
Collaboration: Supports real-time collaboration for teams to work on diagrams simultaneously.
Security: With Excalidraw+, it offers account-based access for data security, and specific drawings can be shared with external collaborators.
Features: Offers various tools for sketching, diagramming, and annotating.
Adoption: Grew from a free project to having Excalidraw+, addressing enterprise adoption.
User Base: Over 100,000 users in the last month as of early 2025.
Learn More: Excalidraw

2. tldraw

Description: tldraw is a collaborative digital whiteboard platform with open-source editor, UI, and libraries. It's designed for drop-in whiteboards and building infinite canvas applications.
Data Points:
Collaboration: Built for real-time collaboration.
Customization: Used for drop-in whiteboards or as a foundation for custom applications.
Open Source: Available on a repository and npm.
Features: Inclusive of drawing, shapes, and text tools.
Integration: Integrates into a React project through npm or yarn.
Learn More: tldraw

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3. ioDraw

Description: ioDraw is free online drawing software supporting various diagrams including flowcharts, mind maps, Gantt charts, etc. Usage does not require registration.
Data Points:
Features: Supports a wide range of diagram types.
Access: Free to use without registration.
Variety: Wide range of diagramming options.
User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use with a user-friendly interface.
Downloads: It had 186 downloads in the search week.
Learn More: ioDraw

4. Whitebird

Description: Whitebird is an open-source, web-based collaborative digital whiteboard, built with NestJS, MongoDB, NuxtJS, and FabricJS.
Data Points:
Collaboration: Supports real-time collaboration with joinable whiteboard rooms via codes or links.
Technology: NestJS, MongoDB, NuxtJS, and FabricJS.
Development: Created as a study project, it is in early development stages.
Open Source: An open-source project.
Learn More: Whitebird

5. Etherpad

Description: Etherpad, a collaborative text editor, can be adapted for basic visual collaboration for brainstorming and idea generation.
Data Points:
Real-time editing: Real-time collaborative document editing.
Open Source: An open-source platform.
Customization: Extended with plugins and settings.
Simplicity: User-friendly interface.
Text-Focused: Main focus is on text-based collaboration.
Learn More: Etherpad

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6. PubPub

Description: PubPub is an open-source publishing platform designed for collaborative document creation and discussion.
Data Points:
Collaboration: Supports collaborative writing and discussion.
Version Control: Includes collaborative authoring, commenting, and version control.
Open Source: An open-source tool.
Focus: Publication workflows and document sharing.
Customizable: Flexible customization options.
Learn More: PubPub

7. Manuscripts

Description: Manuscripts focuses on collaborative scientific writing and research.
Data Points:
Collaboration: Supports collaborative writing and research.
Open Source: An open-source platform.
Specialization: Focuses on scientific publications and research.
Version Control: Includes version control features.
Markup Language: Uses Markdown or LaTeX for writing.
Learn More:

8. PrivMX

Description: PrivMX is an open-source platform that emphasizes privacy with tools for project management, file sharing, and communication.
Data Points:
Security: Emphasizes privacy and security.
Open Source: An open-source project.
All-in-one Platform: Includes project management, file sharing, and communication tools.
Collaboration: Supports team collaboration.
Communication: Built-in communication tools.
Learn More: PrivMX

9. Zimbra Desktop

Description: Zimbra Desktop is an open-source email client with collaborative features like calendars and task lists.
Data Points:
Email Client: A desktop email client.
Open Source: An open-source platform.
Collaborative Features: Includes calendars and task lists.
Offline Access: Access emails and calendar offline.
Integration: Integrates with various email providers.
Learn More: Zimbra Desktop

10. STACKn

Description: STACKn is an open-source software for data and app management, supporting collaborative visual planning.
Data Points:
Open Source: STACKn is an open-source application.
Data Management: Facilitates data management and app orchestration.
Collaboration: Allows collaboration on app projects and data.
Versatile: Suitable for different project types.
Technology: Utilizes modern technologies and architectures.
Learn More:

This list provides a good starting point for exploring open-source alternatives to Mural AI in 2025. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

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FAQ

1. What is Excalidraw?

Excalidraw is a virtual whiteboard application for creating hand-drawn-like diagrams, emphasizing simplicity and real-time collaboration. Learn more about Excalidraw | Source on Excalidraw

2. Is tldraw a suitable alternative for real-time collaboration?

Yes, tldraw is designed for real-time collaboration and can be used as a drop-in whiteboard or a foundation for infinite canvas applications. Explore tldraw | Source on tldraw

3. Can ioDraw be used without registration?

Yes, ioDraw is free online drawing software that supports various diagrams and can be used without registration. Check out ioDraw

4. What is Whitebird?

Whitebird is an open-source, web-based collaborative digital whiteboard built using NestJS, MongoDB, NuxtJS, and FabricJS. It supports real-time collaboration and is in early development stages. Discover Whitebird

5. What primary purpose does Etherpad serve?

Etherpad is primarily a collaborative text editor that supports real-time collaborative document editing and can be customized with plugins. Learn more about Etherpad

6. How is PubPub used in collaborative environments?

PubPub is an open-source publishing platform for collaborative document creation and discussion, supporting version control and flexible customization. Explore PubPub

7. For what type of writing is Manuscripts particularly useful?

Manuscripts is useful for collaborative scientific writing and research, supporting version control and using Markdown or LaTeX.

8. What distinguishes PrivMX from other collaborative tools?

PrivMX focuses on privacy and team collaboration, offering project management, file sharing, and communication tools, and is open source. Discover PrivMX

9. What features does Zimbra Desktop offer for visual planning?

Zimbra Desktop is an open-source email client with collaborative features like calendars and task lists, suitable for visual planning. Learn more about Zimbra Desktop

10. How can STACKn be used for collaborative projects?

STACKn is an open-source software for data and app management, facilitating collaboration on app projects and data with modern technologies.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.