Build a Collaborative Online Whiteboard Like Miro

Remote teams and classrooms require digital tools that replicate the physical whiteboard experience. Building an online whiteboard with real-time collaboration, drawing tools, sticky notes, and file uploads can transform brainstorming sessions, mind-mapping, and project planning.

This system allows users to draw freehand, add text, upload images/files, create sticky notes, connect objects, and collaborate with others in real time. WebSockets enable live updates across all connected users instantly. Additional features like voting, version history, and templates make the platform highly productive.

When a user creates a whiteboard session, others can join via a shared link. Actions like drawing, typing, uploading images, or adding shapes are synced in real time via WebSocket channels. Each action updates the board state for all participants instantly. Boards are saved periodically and can be exported as images or PDFs.

• Users create or join collaborative sessions with secure access links.
• All changes (drawing, typing, uploading) are sent via WebSocket connections to sync in real time.
• Boards are saved in the backend to allow resuming work later.
• Session owners can control permissions like view-only, edit, or export rights.
• Boards can be downloaded as images, PDFs, or archived for later use.

• Socket.io Documentation (Real-Time WebSockets)
• Konva.js Canvas Framework for React
• Building a Collaborative Drawing Board