tldraw is an open-source infinite canvas whiteboard SDK with over 46K stars on GitHub. It provides a complete whiteboard experience that can be used standalone or embedded into custom applications. The library offers a polished, intuitive drawing interface with shapes, connectors, text, freehand drawing, and image support, all running in the browser with no backend required for basic use.
For academic researchers, tldraw serves multiple roles. It can function as a collaborative brainstorming tool for research ideation sessions, a diagram creation tool for papers and presentations, a visual note-taking surface during literature reviews, and a framework diagramming tool for conceptual models. Unlike traditional diagramming tools that impose rigid structures, tldraw's freeform canvas encourages the kind of fluid visual thinking that drives research innovation.
The SDK architecture makes tldraw particularly interesting for research tool builders. It can be embedded into lab notebooks, research management platforms, and educational tools. The state management system is extensible, allowing developers to add custom shapes, tools, and behaviors for domain-specific diagramming needs such as circuit diagrams, molecular structures, or experimental workflow visualizations.
Getting Started
Using tldraw Online
The fastest way to use tldraw is through the hosted version at tldraw.com. Create diagrams immediately with no installation, and share them via links.
Self-Hosted Deployment
# Clone and run locally
git clone https://github.com/tldraw/tldraw.git
cd tldraw
npm install
npm run dev
# Access at http://localhost:5420
Freehand - Sketches, handwritten annotations, emphasis marks
Note - Sticky notes for brainstorming and categorization
Frame - Grouping related elements into named sections
Star/Heart/Cloud - Emphasis markers and decorative elements
Drawing a Research Framework Diagram
A typical research conceptual framework can be constructed using tldraw's shape tools.
Example: Conceptual Framework for Mixed-Methods Study
1. Create a Frame labeled "Research Design"
2. Add rectangles for each research phase:
- "Literature Review" -> "Hypothesis Formation"
- "Quantitative Study" -> "Statistical Analysis"
- "Qualitative Study" -> "Thematic Analysis"
- "Integration" -> "Conclusions"
3. Connect phases with arrows showing sequence and relationships
4. Use color coding:
- Blue rectangles: quantitative components
- Green rectangles: qualitative components
- Purple rectangles: integration points
5. Add text labels for key variables and relationships
6. Use sticky notes for annotations about methods and tools
Collaborative Research Sessions
tldraw supports real-time collaboration when deployed with its sync backend, making it ideal for remote research meetings.
Use tldraw to create a visual literature map during systematic reviews:
Structure:
- Central node: Research Question
- Branch 1: Theoretical Frameworks
- Sub-nodes for each major theory
- Connections showing relationships between theories
- Branch 2: Key Findings
- Grouped by theme or methodology
- Color-coded by strength of evidence
- Branch 3: Research Gaps
- Identified gaps linked to existing literature
- Arrows pointing to proposed research directions