Freedom251 › Online whiteboards
OurBoard
What OurBoard is
OurBoard is an online whiteboard for placing notes, text boxes, images, links, areas, lines, and connections. Areas group items, move together with their contents, and can be cloned as structured templates. Boards are open to anyone with the link by default, while Google sign-in can enable restricted access. A limited HTTP API can create, export, and update boards, returning board state as JSON, hierarchical data, or CSV. A GitHub Issues webhook can add notes when issues are created or their labels change. OurBoard is free and open source, with a Free plan listed as free. It runs on the web and can be self-hosted with Node.js and PostgreSQL; Docker deployment is available. Self-hosted authentication can use Google or generic OpenID Connect. Uploaded assets use the local filesystem by default, with optional S3 configuration. Collaborative editing is experimental, and the repository warns that its guide may be incomplete or out of date.
Who it suits
OurBoard fits teams and individuals who need a web whiteboard with structured areas, diagramming tools, API access, or GitHub Issues input. Self-hosting options suit users able to operate Node.js and PostgreSQL.
What it does well
- Includes notes, images, links, lines, and connections
- Areas can move and clone grouped items
- API supports JSON, hierarchical data, and CSV
- GitHub Issues webhook adds board notes
- Docker deployment supports self-hosting
What to know first
- Boards are public by link by default
- Collaborative editing is experimental
- Example Docker setup lacks authentication
- Guide may be incomplete or outdated
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Open source · free to use · can be self-hosted | Free |
As ourboard.io lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
OurBoard combines a free online whiteboard with structured grouping, automation hooks, and self-hosting. Review its default access and example security settings carefully before deployment.
Facts from OurBoard's own pages
- API
- The limited HTTP API can create, export, and update boards, and return board state as JSON, hierarchical data, or CSV. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- The server can be configured for Google or generic OpenID Connect authentication. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Board access
- Boards are accessible to anyone with the link by default, and Google sign-in enables boards with restricted access. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Board tools
- Users can add notes, text boxes, images, links, areas, lines, and connections to boards. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Collaborative editing is described as experimental and configurable through environment variables. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Guide status
- The repository describes its user guide as potentially incomplete and out of date. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Hosting
- Self-hosting uses a Node.js process and PostgreSQL; Docker deployment is available. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Integration
- A GitHub Issues webhook can add notes to a board when issues are created or their labels change. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Areas can group items, move with their contents, and be cloned as structured templates. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Product
- OurBoard is an online whiteboard. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Security configuration
- The README says the example Docker setup has no authentication, uses an insecure session signing key, and serves plain HTTP unless configured otherwise. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Storage
- By default, uploaded assets are stored on the local filesystem, with optional S3 configuration. · github.com, 5 Oct 2026
Where OurBoard stands on Freedom251
- Online whiteboards#22 of 58
- Online Whiteboard Tools#29 of 56