Squiggle vs Excalidraw
Comparing Squiggle and Excalidraw — two offline-friendly drawing tools with very different approaches.
Excalidraw is a popular open-source virtual whiteboard with a hand-drawn aesthetic. It’s a great tool — but it’s a web app. Here’s how Squiggle compares as a desktop alternative.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Squiggle | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5 once (Pro) | Free & open source |
| Platform | Desktop app (Windows & macOS) | Web browser |
| Works offline | Always — no internet needed | Only if you bookmark the PWA |
| Screen overlay | Yes — draw on any app | No |
| PDF import/export | Yes | No |
| Data storage | 100% local files | Browser localStorage (can be lost) |
| Startup speed | Instant (native app) | Fast (web) |
| Templates | Teaching templates built-in | Community libraries |
| Collaboration | No (solo tool) | Yes (via link sharing) |
| Handwritten style | No (clean strokes) | Yes (signature look) |
When to choose Squiggle
- You want a native desktop app that doesn’t depend on a browser
- You need screen overlay to draw on top of other apps
- You want reliable local storage (not browser localStorage that can be cleared)
- You need PDF import and export for documents
- You’re a teacher who needs built-in templates (Cornell Notes, T-Charts, etc.)
- You want a tool that works even when your browser is closed
When to choose Excalidraw
- You want a free, open-source tool
- You love the hand-drawn aesthetic
- You need real-time collaboration via shared links
- You prefer working in the browser without installing anything
- You need to embed diagrams in documents (Excalidraw has great integrations)
Key differences
Desktop vs Web
Squiggle is a native desktop app. It opens instantly, works offline, and saves to your filesystem. Excalidraw runs in your browser — it’s convenient but your data lives in localStorage, which can be accidentally cleared.
Screen overlay
Squiggle lets you press Ctrl+Shift+D to draw on top of any application. This is impossible for web apps like Excalidraw since they can’t access your screen.
Data persistence
Squiggle saves your boards as local files with auto-save. Excalidraw stores data in your browser’s localStorage — if you clear browser data, your drawings are gone (unless you manually export them).
Bottom line
If you want a free, collaborative web whiteboard with a hand-drawn style, Excalidraw is excellent. If you want a reliable desktop tool with offline storage, screen overlay, and PDF support, Squiggle is the better fit.