FAQ
What is the difference between Sphere and SCAN?
SCAN is the open notation and toolkit. Sphere is the product whiteboard built on SCAN, with accounts, library, sharing, and Ask Sphere.
What file format does Sphere use?
SCAN YAML, typically *.scan.yaml (also .yaml / .yml / .scan). JSON with the same schema works in the libraries.
Can I export diagrams?
Yes — Board & export has Export SVG, Export PNG, and Download copy (.scan.yaml). Save / Ctrl/Cmd+S persists to the cloud when you're signed in, or downloads a .scan.yaml file otherwise.
How do public links work?
Set visibility to Anyone with the link (unlisted), save, then open the /s/{diagramId} link from the share UI. Links are view-only, not a multiplayer editor.
Is real-time collab live?
No. The collaborator avatars in the top bar are placeholder UI — clicking them opens a "Co-work coming soon" dialog. There is no real-time multiplayer editing yet. Saves and unlisted share links are the sharing paths that work today.
Does Ask Sphere always work?
It needs the AI backend for your deployment to be reachable. Edits apply directly to the board with no preview/apply step — undo with Ctrl/Cmd+Z if needed. If the backend is unreachable, the bar is still there, but a prompt returns an error instead of a result.
Where is the open-source code?
github.com/w2b-hq-app-cloud/scan-js and npm @spherescan.
Licensing?
SCAN packages and notation docs follow the licenses in the scan-js repository (see package READMEs and the site License page). Sphere the product is proprietary.