tldraw: Build AI Workflows on an Infinite Canvas

tldraw is a visual workspace that lets you build AI workflows on an infinite canvas by connecting blocks that generate and transform data. For small businesses, it’s a low-friction way to sketch processes, experiment with data flows, and share ideas with teammates — without wrestling spreadsheets or dense flowchart software. Think of it as a whiteboard that quietly does smart work in the background.

Who benefits? Small teams that need clear process maps, service-based businesses that sell workflows to clients, and anyone who wants to move from sticky notes to something repeatable and shareable. It’s especially handy if you like to experiment: drag, connect, tweak, and watch how data moves.

Use case 1 — Map out business processes visually for better understanding

Every small business has procedures that live in people’s heads. tldraw lets you lay those out on an infinite canvas so everyone can see the whole picture. Start with high-level steps (lead → pitch → close → deliver) and drop in nodes for reminders, approvals, or automation points.

Why it helps: Teams stop guessing who does what. Visual maps reduce mistakes, reveal bottlenecks, and make it faster to improve how you work.

Use case 2 — Collaborate on workflow designs with team members in real time

Remote or hybrid teams get messy versions of the same document. With tldraw, team members can edit the same canvas at the same time. Add comments, move components, or try alternate flows together — like a jam session for operations.

Why it helps: Faster decisions and fewer email chains. Everyone sees the same thing, so onboarding new hires or getting stakeholder sign-off becomes less painful.

Use case 3 — Experiment with different data flows and transformations

Want to try a new lead scoring method or change the steps in your fulfillment pipeline? Drop in nodes that transform or filter data and see how the output changes. You don’t need to code to test ideas; you can prototype visually and then hand the final layout to a developer to implement.

Why it helps: Save time and money by validating ideas before building. You’ll know which changes actually improve outcomes, instead of guessing and hoping.

Use case 4 — Create visual presentations for client pitches

Clients buy understanding as much as they buy work. Use tldraw to craft clean, visual walkthroughs of proposed workflows — show how a campaign will flow, where approvals happen, and which parts you’ll automate. The infinite canvas means you can zoom in for detail or zoom out for the big picture without losing context.

Why it helps: Clear visuals make your sales conversations less “uh” and more “ah-ha.” Prospects feel confident because they see the plan, not just a promise.

Use case 5 — Document processes for training and onboarding purposes

Training new hires can eat hours. With tldraw, create living process maps that double as training guides. Add step-by-step notes, link to resources, and keep the map updated as processes change.

Why it helps: Faster onboarding, fewer repeated questions, and a single source of truth for how work actually gets done.

Pricing summary

Pricing details were not available at the time of writing. Check the vendor’s website for current plans and any free tier or trial options before committing. Many visual workflow tools offer free basic plans that are great for testing on one or two projects.

Pros and cons

• Pros:
  • Very visual and intuitive — easy for non-technical people to use.
  • Infinite canvas — no awkward page breaks or forced structure.
  • Great for real-time collaboration and quick prototyping.
  • Helps turn messy, manual processes into repeatable workflows.
  • Useful for client-facing docs and internal training materials.
• Cons:
  • No pricing info included here — you’ll need to check the website for costs and limits.
  • Power users might miss advanced automation features that belong in full workflow platforms.
  • Design-heavy tools can become messy without consistent naming and organization.
  • If your team prefers text-based docs, a visual canvas might feel unfamiliar at first.

Conclusion

If your small business needs a quick, visual way to design and test workflows, tldraw is a strong candidate. It removes a lot of the friction around explaining processes, collaborating with teammates, and building client-ready presentations. Start with one process — your sales pitch or onboarding flow — and you’ll likely find other parts of your business that get better simply by making them visible.

Want to test it? Open a blank canvas, map one process, and see how much clearer work gets. Small changes, big clarity.