Side by side
cnvs.app vs Spacedeck Open
Both stand on online whiteboard tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose cnvs.app if you want a free shared whiteboard that combines diagramming, kanban, guest collaboration, and access for AI or REST API clients. Look elsewhere if your work needs voting or workshop templates, or if boards must remain available beyond the 30-day inactivity retention period.
Visit cnvs.app Free plan Self-hostedWeb
Spacedeck Open provides a self-hosted, media-friendly collaborative canvas with presentation capabilities. Its open-source deployment model suits users comfortable managing the listed software requirements.
Visit Spacedeck OpenThe facts
| cnvs.app | Spacedeck Open | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Spacedeck Open |
| Website | cnvs.app | github.com |
| On online whiteboard tools | #7 of 56 | #41 of 56 |
cnvs.app: what it does well
- Live collaboration through a board URL without signup
- Markdown, drawing, sticky notes, connectors, and image pasting
- Mermaid diagrams render from text in canvas nodes
- Kanban cards support due dates, priorities, and assignees
- MCP and REST API clients can edit boards without an API key
What to know first
- Boards are purged after 30 days without activity
- Per-board caps include 500 text nodes and 2,000 strokes
- Offline access to cached boards is read-only
- No voting tools or workshop templates
Spacedeck Open: what it does well
- Free and open source under AGPLv3
- Supports virtually unlimited-size Spaces
- Collaborates in real time
- Accepts image, video, and audio media
- Offers local or self-hosted deployment
What to know first
- Export functionality is currently being fixed
- Requires Node.js 18.x and Graphicsmagick
- Optional media tools may be needed
- GitHub lists no releases
Alternatives to cnvs.app Alternatives to Spacedeck Open The whole list