
OpenFlowKit
OpenFlowKit is a free, open-source diagram tool available on the web and desktop.
What OpenFlowKit is
OpenFlowKit is a free, open-source diagram tool available on the web and desktop. Builders can use drag and drop or define diagrams with a type-safe DSL and Mermaid.js syntax. It imports JSON, React components, Prisma schemas, and SQL dumps into a diagram canvas. Flowpilot AI supports natural-language creation and styling of blocks, using a user’s own OpenAI or Anthropic key; the site says keys stay on the device. Storage is described as local-first, with diagrams kept on the user’s machine and no cloud tracking or forced syncing. Link sharing enables peer-to-peer WebRTC collaboration with live cursors. Diagrams can be copied to Figma as editable SVG and text layers. Exports include SVG, PNG, JPG, JSON, Mermaid, PlantUML, WebM, MP4, and editable Figma output. ELK.js handles auto-layout. The MIT-licensed core can be hosted or modified freely. The Free Forever plan costs nothing, includes unlimited diagrams and projects, and requires no account or credit card.
Good
- Imports JSON, React, Prisma, and SQL diagrams
- Supports type-safe DSL and Mermaid syntax
- Local-first storage without forced syncing
- Peer-to-peer collaboration with live cursors
- Exports editable Figma layers and multiple formats
Watch out
- AI generation requires your own OpenAI or Anthropic key
- Project describes itself as just getting started
- Free plan is listed as free
Who it suits
It suits builders who mix code and visual diagramming, need local-first storage, or want peer-to-peer collaboration. It also fits users exporting diagrams to Figma or common image and video formats.
Verdict
OpenFlowKit combines code-based diagrams, drag-and-drop editing, local-first storage, and collaboration. Its early project status and requirement for personal AI keys matter when choosing it.
Plans and prices
From OpenFlowKit's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free Forever | Free | Unlimited diagrams & projects · Full access to the core engine · AI generation requires your own key |
The facts
Each one read from OpenFlowKit's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Account requirement
- The free plan says no account or credit card is required.checked 5 Oct 2001
- AI assistant
- Flowpilot AI lets users chat with a diagram in natural language to build and style blocks.checked 5 Oct 2001
- AI keys
- AI diagram generation uses bring-your-own OpenAI or Anthropic keys, which the site says are stored on the user's device.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Auto-layout
- Auto-layout uses ELK.js to route edges and align nodes.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Code import
- It says it can parse JSON, React components, Prisma schemas, and SQL dumps into a diagram canvas.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Collaboration
- Users can share a link and collaborate through peer-to-peer WebRTC with live cursors.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Diagram as code
- It supports a type-safe DSL and Mermaid.js syntax for defining diagrams.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Exports
- The site lists SVG, PNG, JSON, and MP4 exports, and its free plan also lists JPG export.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Figma
- Diagrams can be copied into Figma as editable SVG and text layers, with no plugin required.checked 5 Oct 2001
- License and hosting
- The core engine is MIT licensed, and the site says users can host it anywhere and modify it freely.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- The site describes storage as local-first, says diagrams stay on the user's machine, and says there is no cloud tracking or forced syncing.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Project status
- The site describes the project as just getting started and says the core engine is being built in the open.checked 5 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- OpenFlowKit is a free, open-source diagram tool for builders who write code or use drag and drop.checked 5 Oct 2001
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