What is the difference between Mermaid and FigJam?

Mermaid is best for Developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown, while FigJam is best for Figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming. Mermaid starts at Free and FigJam starts at Free.

Is Mermaid or FigJam cheaper?

Mermaid starts at Free and is free. FigJam starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to FigJam?

Both Mermaid and FigJam offer free tiers.

Mermaid vs FigJam

Mermaid is javaScript-based diagramming tool that renders diagrams from text definitions, while FigJam is collaborative whiteboard from Figma for brainstorming, diagramming, and workshops. Mermaid is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Mermaid is built for developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown, whereas FigJam targets figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming.

At a glance

	Mermaid	FigJam
Best for	Developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown	Figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Git-Friendly	✓	—
Many Chart Types	✓	—
Markdown	✓	—
Sticky Notes	—	✓
Text-Based	✓	—
Voting	—	✓
Whiteboard	—	✓
Widgets	—	✓

Mermaid

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Text-Based as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in diagramming

Try Mermaid → Full review

FigJam

Strengths

Infinite whiteboard canvas for brainstorming and visual thinking
Sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on
Free for 3 FigJam files — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes voting alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in diagramming
Relatively new (founded 2021) — the feature set and integrations are still maturing

Try FigJam → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both Mermaid and FigJam are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Mermaid offers Git-Friendly, Many Chart Types and Markdown that FigJam lacks. FigJam brings Sticky Notes, Voting and Whiteboard that Mermaid does not have.

Team fit: Mermaid is geared toward individual users and small setups, while FigJam is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Open source: Mermaid is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. FigJam is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: Mermaid's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes text-based as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows. FigJam's biggest strengths are: infinite whiteboard canvas for brainstorming and visual thinking. sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on.

Watch out for: With Mermaid, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With FigJam, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Mermaid if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Git-Friendly and Many Chart Types
You care about includes text-based as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
Your team size fits the individuals profile Mermaid is designed for

Choose FigJam if...

You need a tool built for figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming
You specifically need Sticky Notes and Voting
You care about sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on
Your team size fits the any size profile FigJam is designed for
The free tier works for you: free for 3 figjam files