Cross-Mode Conversion

Move content between flowchart and whiteboard modes with structural conversions or visual snapshots. All conversions are non-destructive — the source data is never modified.

Mode Switching

Every project can switch between Flowchart and Whiteboard mode using the mode switcher in the editor header. Content in each mode is saved independently — switching modes does not overwrite anything.

Shortcut: Shift + W to toggle between modes.

The Convert Menu

The Convert button in the editor header opens a dropdown with conversion options. The available actions depend on which mode you're currently in:

In Flowchart Mode

  • Send to Whiteboard (structural)
  • Copy as Image to Whiteboard

In Whiteboard Mode

  • Convert to Flowchart (structural)
  • Copy as Image to Flowchart

Conversion Types

Structural: Flowchart → Whiteboard

FC → WB

Converts flowchart nodes and edges into editable whiteboard elements. Each node becomes a shape, each edge becomes an arrow, and labels become bound text.

Element Mapping

Terminal nodes (oval)Ellipses
Process nodes (rectangle)Rectangles
Decision nodes (diamond)Diamonds
Edges with labelsArrows with bound text
Node colorsShape stroke colors

Best for: When you want to annotate, sketch around, or freely rearrange a flowchart in whiteboard mode.

Structural: Whiteboard → Flowchart

WB → FC

Converts whiteboard shapes and arrows back into flowchart nodes and edges. The reverse mapping turns geometric shapes into semantic node types.

Element Mapping

EllipsesTerminal nodes
RectanglesProcess nodes
DiamondsDecision nodes
ArrowsFlowchart edges
Bound textNode labels

Best for: When a sketch has evolved into a clear structure and you want semantic flowchart nodes with proper connections.

Snapshot: Flowchart → Whiteboard Image

FC → WB (image)

Rasterizes the current flowchart as a PNG image and embeds it in the whiteboard. The flowchart content is not modified — you get a visual reference.

Best for: When you want a visual reference of the flowchart on the whiteboard without converting structure — great for side-by-side comparison.

Snapshot: Whiteboard → Flowchart Image

WB → FC (image)

Rasterizes the current whiteboard scene as a PNG image and adds it as an image node in the flowchart. The whiteboard content is not modified.

Best for: When you want to embed a whiteboard sketch inside your flowchart for documentation or context.

When to Use Structural vs. Snapshot

Structural Conversion

  • You want to continue editing in the other mode
  • You need semantic nodes and edges (flowchart) or shapes and arrows (whiteboard)
  • A sketch has matured into a formal flow
  • You want to annotate a flowchart with freehand drawing

Snapshot Conversion

  • You need a visual reference without modifying structure
  • You want to embed a diagram inside the other mode for context
  • You're documenting or handing off to stakeholders
  • The content has complex formatting that doesn't map cleanly

Example Workflow

Sketch → Formalize → Document

  1. 1Whiteboard: Sketch out a rough process flow using shapes, arrows, and text.
  2. 2Convert → Structural WB→FC: Turn the sketch into proper flowchart nodes with connections.
  3. 3Flowchart: Refine node labels, add decision branches, and clean up the layout.
  4. 4Convert → Snapshot FC→WB: Embed a snapshot of the final flowchart in the whiteboard for meeting notes and annotations.

Tip: Conversions are additive — they never delete existing content in the destination mode. The converted content is merged alongside whatever is already there.

AI in Whiteboard ModeExport & Templates