Archdocs vs Eraser
Compare YAML documentation and object usage in Archdocs with Eraser's diagram DSL, MCP tools and export formats.
If you need a diagram for a design doc, check how you'll edit it after the first draft. Eraser and Archdocs both support diagram code and MCP. For Archdocs, we also keep objects and the documents that reference them connected.
Who each tool is for
Eraser's DSL covers flowcharts, ERDs, cloud architecture, sequence diagrams and BPMN. Its files include Markdown notes and embedded canvas figures. Evaluate it when your work centres on diagrams alongside a written design.
Choose Archdocs when a service needs its own documentation and references across several diagrams. We expose a list of documents that use each object, plus dependency edges between objects. You can author diagrams as YAML or edit them on the canvas.
Feature comparison
| Workflow | Archdocs | Eraser |
|---|---|---|
| Diagram code | YAML constructs for C4, ERDs, API endpoints and sequence diagrams | DSL for flowcharts, ERDs, cloud architecture, sequence and BPMN diagrams |
| Agent access | MCP reads, creates and patches YAML documents | MCP generates and edits diagrams and documents, searches files and exports diagrams |
| Written documentation | Documents attached to objects, with references from other diagrams | Markdown notes, embedded figures and wikilinks |
When to choose Eraser
Choose Eraser if your handoff requires editable PowerPoint or Google Slides exports. Those formats require a paid plan, and each export contains a single selected diagram. Its documented exports also include Visio and draw.io, with restrictions by diagram type. We don't provide those presentation exports in Archdocs.
Eraser is also a reasonable choice if you want agents to generate diagrams through its MCP server. MCP access is free within the account's limits; AI generation consumes credits. We have an MCP server too, so treat agent access as a wash.
Pricing checked on 2026-10-23
Eraser's published USD pricing lists Free at $0 with three files. Starter is $15 per member per month billed annually, or $20 monthly. Business is $45 per member per month billed annually, or $60 monthly. Enterprise has custom pricing. Guests are free and unlimited on every plan.
Archdocs Free is $0 for up to three people and ten documents. Team is $12 per seat per month, or $10 billed annually. Business is $45 per seat per month, or $35 billed annually, with a five-seat minimum. The pricing page has the full limits. If exports drive your choice, check Eraser's export restrictions as well as its seat price.
Sources
- Eraser diagram as codechecked on
- Eraser MCP serverchecked on
- Eraser export formats and plan restrictionschecked on
- Eraser pricingchecked on