- Is this actually compatible with draw.io / diagrams.net?
- Yes. The exported XML uses the mxGraph format — the same format draw.io uses internally. Open the exported
.drawio file in draw.io (desktop app or diagrams.net web app) via File → Open and all your nodes, edges, and labels will appear as fully editable shapes. You can also import existing draw.io files here using the "Open .xml / .drawio" button — basic shapes and edges are preserved.
- Why would I use this instead of draw.io?
- draw.io requires you to sign in to save diagrams to the cloud, or to download and install the desktop app. This tool opens instantly in any browser tab with no login, no install, and no waiting. It is ideal for quick diagrams, team members without an account, or environments where you cannot install software. For complex enterprise diagrams with advanced styling and collaboration, draw.io's full editor is better — this is a fast, friction-free alternative for common cases.
- How do I draw an arrow between two nodes?
- Click the Connect button (or press E) to enter connect mode. Move your mouse over the source node — a blue hover highlight appears. Then click-and-drag from the source node to the target node and release. An arrow is drawn between them. You can label the arrow by double-clicking it after drawing. Switch back to Select mode (V) to move nodes again.
- Can I undo mistakes?
- Yes. Press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo the last action, and Ctrl+Y (or Ctrl+Shift+Z) to redo. The undo history tracks adding/deleting nodes and edges, moving nodes, and editing labels. The history is kept in memory for the current session.
- Is my diagram saved automatically?
- Your diagram is stored in your browser's
localStorage as you work, so it survives a page refresh. However, it is not stored on any server. To keep your work permanently, use Export → draw.io XML to save a file to your computer. You can re-open it later with the Import button or in draw.io directly.
- What draw.io features are NOT supported here?
- This tool covers the core use-case: placing shapes, drawing arrows, and editing labels. Features not included are: advanced shape libraries (BPMN, network diagrams, mockups), swimlanes, custom styling panels, multi-page diagrams, real-time collaboration, plugins, and the full draw.io scripting API. For those, the draw.io desktop app (free) or diagrams.net is the right choice — and you can always start here and continue there by importing the exported XML.