Save 30 minutes/week per developer by diagramming code flows without ever leaving your code editor.
~30 min
Saved / wk
Easy
Setup
No AI
AI
The Excalidraw extension for VS Code (a free code editor) lets developers draw system diagrams (visual maps of how code or data moves) right inside their coding environment. You never have to switch apps to explain a technical process to a teammate. Small dev teams save about 30 minutes per week on back-and-forth explanations.
~30 min
Saved / Week
Easy to set up
Setup Complexity
No AI involved
AI Status
Step 1: Open VS Code and go to the Extensions panel
Step 2: Search for 'Excalidraw' and install the official extension
Step 3: Create a new file with the .excalidraw extension in your project folder
Step 4: Draw your system or code flow diagram directly in VS Code
Step 5: Commit the .excalidraw file to your project repo (a shared code storage system) so the whole team can view and edit it
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See PlansExcalidraw is a free, open-source virtual whiteboard with hand-drawn-style diagrams. Lo-fi aesthetic encourages quick brainstorming. Library feature for reusable components. Integrates with VS Code, Obsidian, and Notion. Real-time collaboration with end-to-end encryption. Completely free. Excalidraw+ (hosted collaboration) from $7/month per editor.
