# ExcalidrawZ: Local Native Excalidraw on macOS/iOS > Source: > Published: 2026-11-12 15:25:52+00:00 [Excalidraw](https://github.com/excalidraw/excalidraw) is an excellent drawing tool. ExcalidrawZ keeps the familiar Excalidraw canvas, then adds native file management, iCloud sync, history, export, AI assistance, MCP integration, and Apple-platform interaction details around it. **Non-App Store version** 1. Download the latest `.dmg` from[Releases](https://github.com/chocoford/ExcalidrawZ/releases) . 2. Open the `.dmg` and drag ExcalidrawZ into Applications. ExcalidrawZ manages drawings as real app documents instead of loose browser downloads. - Organize drawings with groups and custom file sorting. - Work with ExcalidrawZ library files, local folders, and temporary external files. - Open and edit `.excalidraw` ,`.excalidraw.png` , and`.excalidraw.svg` files directly. - Sync app-managed files across macOS, iPadOS, and iOS with iCloud. - Keep file history checkpoints so important changes can be reviewed and restored. ExcalidrawZ records checkpoints for app-managed drawings, so you can review earlier versions and restore important work when needed. The canvas remains compatible with Excalidraw while the surrounding app is built for Apple platforms. - Customize toolbar tool order; number shortcuts follow your configured order. - Use Apple Pencil on iPad, including familiar undo and redo gestures. - Use mouse and trackpad scroll and zoom gestures on iPad and iPhone. - Import PDFs and convert Mermaid diagrams into editable Excalidraw content. Use Excalidraw collaboration when you want to draw with others. ExcalidrawZ includes an AI assistant designed for canvas work. - Ask AI to read, create, and revise drawings. - Attach images and let AI use visual context when needed. - Use proposal previews before applying AI-generated content to the real canvas. - Control whether each file is visible to AI. - Use AI from compact iPhone toolbars, iPad floating panels, or the macOS inspector. ExcalidrawZ can expose the current app as an MCP server for compatible AI clients. - Basic mode provides the familiar `excalidraw-mcp` drawing workflow. - Optimized mode adds deeper ExcalidrawZ integration for current-file editing, file navigation, history, canvas inspection, export, library workflows, and math tools. - Connect local MCP clients through the app-hosted HTTP endpoint. ExcalidrawZ includes richer tools for technical drawings and study notes. - Insert LaTeX-rendered formulas. - Render function graphs with configurable axes and styles. - Use reusable math templates and AI-assisted formula generation. - Edit inserted math images later from the canvas. For sensitive drawings, ExcalidrawZ adds protection around both storage and AI access. - Lock files with local authentication. - Encrypt locked files and their checkpoints. - Use a Recovery Key for fallback access. - Keep locked content hidden from AI; AI can work through proposal canvases instead. - Use encrypted backups as an additional recovery path. ExcalidrawZ supports common export and sharing workflows. - Export images, editable Excalidraw files, and PDF. - Preserve editability when exporting `.excalidraw.png` and`.excalidraw.svg` . - Share through clipboard, files, and the system share sheet. - Archive app-managed files for backup. ExcalidrawZ can open, import, edit, or export common Excalidraw-related formats: - `.excalidraw` - `.excalidraw.png` - `.excalidraw.svg` - PDF import and export - image export Welcome to my [Discord server](https://discord.gg/aCv6w4HxDg) to share suggestions or report issues for ExcalidrawZ. - The Excalidraw core used by ExcalidrawZ is also open-source. You can find it [here](https://github.com/chocoford/excalidraw/tree/ExcalidrawZ-core) . Create `Config/Overrides.xcconfig` relative to the repository root, alongside `Config/Project.xcconfig`: ``` DEVELOPMENT_TEAM = YOUR_TEAM_ID ICLOUD_CONTAINER = iCloud.com.yourname.ExcalidrawZ APP_GROUP_IDENTIFIER = group.com.yourname.ExcalidrawZ ``` Replace these example values with identifiers registered to your Apple Developer team. The shared configuration leaves `DEVELOPMENT_TEAM` empty; set your team in the local overrides. The app and QuickLook extension must use the same App Group. All targets, including the extension and tests, inherit the team from `Config/Project.xcconfig`, which includes your local overrides. These overrides apply to all build configurations. Create `Config/Secrets.plist` relative to the repository root. The project already references this file and includes it in both app targets' resources. The app's configuration loader stops with `Unable to load Secrets.plist` if the file is missing or invalid. For local drawing development, this minimal configuration is sufficient: ``` COLLAB_URL https://example.com ``` `COLLAB_URL` must be a valid absolute URL. The example URL is a placeholder for local drawing work; to test collaboration, replace it with the URL of your deployed collaboration-enabled Excalidraw web client. Optional string keys are `ONEDRIVE_CLIENT_ID`, `GOOGLE_DRIVE_MACOS_CLIENT_ID`, and `GOOGLE_DRIVE_IOS_CLIENT_ID`. Configure your own OAuth client IDs when developing the corresponding integrations. `Config/Overrides.xcconfig` and `Config/Secrets.plist` are ignored by Git and should stay local.