Voice-first diagram creation
Speak naturally to create and edit diagrams on a canvas instead of relying only on manual drawing tools.
BUD
BUD is a voice-first whiteboarding and sketchnoting app for quickly creating diagrams by speaking naturally. Desktop downloads for macOS and Windows.
Overview
BUD is a voice-first canvas for sketchnoting and whiteboarding. It lets users speak naturally to create and edit diagrams in real time, with the homepage calling out system architectures, flowcharts, and other ideas turned into visuals on a shared canvas.
The product is distributed as desktop downloads for macOS and Windows. The platform pages explain the installation flow, required permissions, and first-launch steps, including macOS Gatekeeper and Windows SmartScreen prompts.
BUD also offers a free-start path from the homepage, which says users can try it free with no card required. The site includes a feedback form for bug reports and feature ideas, with a note that feedback may be rewarded with extra starting credits.
Core features
Diagramming for planning and notes
Use the product for sketchnoting and whiteboarding, with support for system architectures and flowcharts called out on the homepage.
Shared canvas workflow
Work on a shared canvas, which makes it suitable for organizing ideas in one place while you talk through them.
Desktop app permissions
The macOS download page says BUD needs microphone permission and accessibility permission so it can interact with Excalidraw on your behalf.
Native desktop downloads
Desktop installers are provided for macOS and Windows, with explicit download pages and installation steps for each platform.
First-run setup guidance
The download pages include startup instructions for bypassing macOS Gatekeeper and Windows SmartScreen, which clarifies the first-launch process.
Common use cases
System architecture sketching
Capture system architecture ideas by speaking through components and relationships while the canvas updates in real time.
Flowchart drafting
Outline process steps and decision points verbally to build flowcharts without switching between drawing and typing.
Live ideation and sketchnoting
Use the canvas during brainstorming sessions to turn spoken notes into a structured visual record.
Whiteboarding in meetings
Prepare a shared visual workspace for planning sessions where ideas need to be organized quickly during discussion.
Desktop-first setup and launch
Set up the desktop app on macOS or Windows and follow the provided first-launch steps before beginning to draw with voice.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lets users create diagrams by speaking naturally instead of relying only on manual drawing.
- Supports practical whiteboarding and sketchnoting use cases, including system architecture and flowchart creation.
- Provides separate download flows and installation instructions for macOS and Windows.
- Explains the required permissions and first-launch process before installation, which can help users prepare.
- Offers a no-card-required way to try the product from the homepage.
Cons
- Pricing details are not published on the available pricing page, which returned a 404.
- The source pages do not confirm export options, collaboration features, or third-party integrations beyond mention of Excalidraw.
- Desktop setup includes extra first-run steps on both macOS and Windows, such as bypassing security prompts and granting permissions.
FAQ
What is BUD used for?
BUD is a voice-first canvas for sketchnoting and whiteboarding. It is designed to let you speak naturally to create diagrams, including system architectures and flowcharts, on a shared canvas.
Which operating systems does BUD support?
The source pages show download pages for macOS and Windows. macOS requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer, while Windows requires Windows 10 or newer (64-bit).
What do I need to use BUD?
BUD is set up as a desktop app that works with a microphone and an active Excalidraw browser tab or workspace. The macOS page also notes that accessibility permission is needed so BUD can interact with Excalidraw on the user's behalf.
Is there a free trial or free way to start?
Yes, the homepage offers a 'Try free (no card required)' option and also mentions a feedback flow that can add extra starting credits to an account. The pricing page itself was not available, so pricing details beyond that are not confirmed.
Does BUD integrate with other tools?
No export, collaboration, or third-party integration details are confirmed on the source pages. The pages specifically mention use with Excalidraw, but they do not document a broader integration list.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Voice-first whiteboarding
- Platforms
- macOS and Windows
- Primary use
- Sketchnoting, whiteboarding, and diagram creation
- Website
- budcanvas.app
- macOS requirement
- macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer
- Windows requirement
- Windows 10 or newer (64-bit)
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