21 Best Alternatives to Microsoft Visio (Free&Paid) for Diagram Creation

Both businesses and individuals use diagram software for one purpose or another. A diagram makes it simple to organize and illustrate data in a logical manner or to present ideas and workflows in a clear to understand way.

diagram tools like visio

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These days, Microsoft Visio dominates the market and features a high rate of adoption.

Visio allows users to create everything from flowcharts to networking diagrams and more.

Although Visio remains a popular solution, dozens of other programs specialize in diagram creation.

Microsoft integrated Visio into Microsoft Office, making it a popular and commonplace option.

Plenty of businesses or individuals may find themselves in need of other features, though.

For that reason, they should consider the following alternatives to Microsoft Visio for creating diagrams, illustrations, flowcharts etc.

Note that the list below is in no particular order.

Table of Contents

diagrams net

Diagrams.net focuses on privacy and security for each user. Through Diagrams.net, users receive a powerful diagramming tool with both an online web app and desktop app options.

The software features common diagram elements like shapes, flowcharts, and more.

Security and privacy features are built into both versions of the software. This means that developers of the software cannot access users’ data.

Currently, Diagrams.net features a large number of integrations with other software.

This includes Google Workplace, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other programs. Everything created within Diagrams.net is shareable and compatible with all types of hardware and software. Ultimate security and powerful diagramming are a few clicks away here.

lucid chart

Lucidchart helps some of the largest businesses in the world make better plans and create a shared vision in their teams.

This diagram tool allows teams to collaborate with ease. Individual team members can brainstorm their ideas. From there, teams can organize complex ideas in a visual manner within minutes.

Lucidchart utilizes a common visual language to make sure every team member understands the data in front of themselves.

The setup with Lucidchart allows businesses to bring their plans to life with powerful diagramming features.

A variety of integrations are available with Lucidchart today. By using Lucidchart, teams can work on user flows, scale cloud infrastructure, and map data flows with ease.

For open source solutions, users cannot go wrong with graph visualization software like Graphviz.

Common applications for Graphviz include networking, software engineering, machine learning, web design and so much more.

An individual user can structure information in a logical manner within minutes. Anything created within Graphviz can be outputted as a PDF, image file, or other common file type.

Graphviz allows users to display data in various structures and layouts. They can choose the format that best works with their data set or ultimate goal.

Since Graphviz is open source, regular development updates come to the software. Users can then focus on creating detailed diagrams with ease.

cacoo

Cacoo wants teams to thrive when it comes to diagrams and workflows. The software allows users to share and edit diagrams simultaneously.

To ensure accuracy and responsibility, changes can be tracked for individual diagrams.

Cacoo even includes chat and comment features to ensure smooth communication between team members on a project.

Teams work in real time with Cacoo, whether they’re in the same building or spread across the globe.

A variety of tools are built into Cacoo to make the software quite powerful. To get started, the software includes 100s of templates for beginners. Advanced features like integrations and apps are available as well.

edraw soft

Edraw aims to provide the ultimate diagramming solution to all types of users. The software caters to marketing, design, and even engineering teams.

Within the software, users will discover mind maps and diagrams as well as other visual tools.

Edraw wants to help teams turn data and information into a visual medium that provides total clarity.

Strong collaboration tools can be found throughout Edraw to empower teams. Edraw adheres to GDPR standards and features encryption by default, too.

Therefore, users receive a feature-rich platform that values privacy, security, and results.

Countless diagramming solutions and tools can be found within Edraw today.

ASCIIFlow exists as a web app accessible from any web browser. Boxes and other shapes can be created with a simple drag and drop function.

From there, users can create lines and arrows to connect these shapes together. Text can be added into the diagram or flowchart in various ways.

Although ASCIIFlow is quite simple, everything works as intended. The app works well for simple diagrams or flowcharts more than anything else.

Files can be saved and downloaded to the user’s machine with a button press. They can then create another project within the app, if desired.

mydraw

From Venn diagrams to flowcharts, MyDraw leaves nothing on the table. Floor plans, family tree diagrams, organizational charts, and so much more can be created within MyDraw.

A simple user interface resembles Microsoft Office and feels familiar to use. In fact, MyDraw is even compatible with Microsoft Visio unlike many other solutions.

Thousands of shapes and clip-art images are available within MyDraw. On top of that, a variety of templates exist within the software.

MyDraw offers advanced features like automatic layouts, barcodes, and so much more.

A buy-once, use-forever license allows dedicated users to reduce their long-term expense on the tool.

yed tool

This desktop software is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.

yEd Graph Editor produces high-quality diagrams in minutes. Individual users create diagrams from scratch with a variety of tools and features.

On the other hand, they can instead import data and generate an automatic diagram or flowchart.

This feature within yEd works surprisingly well and creates intricate data arrangements in seconds.

yEd creates everything from BPMN diagrams to flowcharts and semantic networks.

The software features powerful tools that empowers teams and individuals alike. By opting for yEd, users receive a free but powerful diagram creation suite.

gliffy

Two engineers built Gliffy with simplicity in mind. They combined features from the best diagram software into one package designed for enterprise users.

In that vein, users receive a powerful diagram tool that works for every professional use case imaginable.

Businesses can create flowcharts, wireframing apps and diagrams with this software tool.

Gliffy offers drag and drop creation as well as templates and themes. Multiple users can view, edit, and comment on diagram projects.

Likewise, projects are shareable to anyone in the world. An Atlassian integration is included with Gliffy as well.

Currently, 16 million people use Gliffy for their diagramming needs.

Unsurprisingly, Google Drawings is a free diagramming tool made by Google and working as Chrome extension.

The web app allows users to create charts and diagrams in a few simple steps. Various shapes and colors are available in the app, but most of the options would be considered basic.

Fortunately, Google allows users to collaborate on individual projects and make comments.

All diagrams and charts are stored within Google Drive, which means they’re available in the cloud.

Users can share these files with anyone on the planet. Otherwise, diagrams can be outputted to various file formats for use elsewhere. Google Drawings is a basic solution by nature, but it’s simple and easy to use.

omnigroup

Few programs feature a more attractive design than OmniGraffle. OmniGraffle lets professionals create beautiful visual designs and graphics.

At its core, the software is purpose-built for presenting complex ideas in a simplified manner. Teams can create rapid wireframes to explore their ideas and then design professional-grade graphics.

The software itself features intelligent grouping, alignment tools, and snapping features.

This allows teams to create more precise visual representations faster than ever before.

Teams can access OmniGraffle on Apple devices and collaborate together with ease. In simple terms, OmniGraffle is a powerful visual diagram and chart creation suite that’s hard to compete against.

However, it is only for MAC and iOS users.

A given user can create much more than diagrams or flowcharts with LibreOffice Draw.

This particular open source software comes with quite a few features and capabilities.

For diagrams and flowcharts specifically, Draw makes everything simple for beginners. Advanced users will find powerful features baked into the software, though.

Draw includes “glue points” for making simple and repeatable connections within a diagram.

The software creates dimension lines automatically for ease of use. After using the software, users output incredible diagrams that are fully fleshed out and ready for presentation.

LibreOffice offers a competitive alternative to Microsoft Visio in Draw.

d3m networks

D3M takes a sales-based approach to diagramming and visualization. The suite allows enterprise users to improve their digital sales processes.

In a D3M project, users and customers can collaborate worldwide. Selling and closing features are built into each project to help businesses make money.

Various integrations make D3M more powerful and capable.

A unique approach includes customers in the collaboration process. Therefore, businesses can create quotes and proposals while diagramming out a given project or concept.

D3M solves a unique problem for businesses and works like few other diagramming tools.

creately

Creately provides every team with a visual workspace filled with features and tools.

Business and technical diagramming couldn’t be easier through another software.

In Creately’s environment, teams think and plan visually while collaborating remotely.

They can strategize and brainstorm a given project while designing systems and flows that work flawlessly.

A given Creately project features an infinite visual canvas with 1000s of templates.

Creating a visual diagram or flowchart in Creately creates incredible results. In fact, companies like Netflix and Intel (among others) rely on Creately for their visual workspace needs.

An attractive design and powerful features make Creately worth checking out.

SmartDraw attempts to offer a little bit of everything to its users. Organizational charts, flowcharts, floor plans, and even drawings are possible here.

At startup, SmartDraw features 70 diagram templates with automatic formatting and various integrations.

This allows newcomers to create their first diagram or flowchart in minutes. Advanced users receive far more features than simple templates, though.

Enterprise features in SmartDraw include SSO, collaboration features, and document retention.

Connecting SmartDraw to an AWS account enables automatic data visualization as well. For the price, SmartDraw offers competitive and powerful features not found in competing products.

Dia Diagram Editor is downloadable to and accessible from a USB flash drive or as portable app if you want.

This particular editor is compatible with a large variety of operating systems at the moment.

Upon first use, an individual will immediately notice the old school design. Not everyone will love the program’s design, but Dia Diagram Editor creates excellent diagrams and flow charts.

In the program, users can select from dozens of shapes and manipulation tools to create their project.

Flow charts, organizational charts, and diagrams couldn’t be easier to create and manipulate.

Dia Diagram Editor works well and doesn’t feature a difficult learning curve for new users.

pencil project

Pencil Project enables users to accomplish various tasks with ease. First and foremost, the software allows a user to prototype a GUI environment.

Built-in shape collections offer hundreds upon hundreds of options for hardcore users. Connectors and flowchart shapes are included, allowing users to create diagrams as well.

Simply put, Pencil Project isn’t primarily a diagramming software in the traditional sense.

The software includes enough features and tools to enable incredible results with diagrams, though.

A diagram created in Pencil Project looks good enough to implement into a professional presentation. The results speak for themselves with Pencil Project.

open office draw

OpenOffice Draw is another free and open-source productivity tool which is part of the OpenOffice suite.

In the program, users can “park” their commonly used drawing or diagramming tools for immediate access.

A user creates objects and can manipulate or arrange them within their diagram. They then utilize smart connectors to create flowcharts and diagrams in minutes rather than hours.

OpenOffice Draw is compatible with a variety of file formats and features simple but powerful tools.

A given person can create professional diagrams and flowcharts with ease here. Plus, various sizing options are available, and creating larger diagrams or flowcharts is more than possible here.

inkscape

Inkscape includes a number of flexible drawing tools and free design options for users of all backgrounds.

Likewise, the software is compatible with a large range of file formats. A powerful text tool is baked into Inkscape to add more flexibility and features. Users can draw and manipulate objects with a variety of tools.

Also, they can create paths and diagrams within a few minutes. Those diagrams and flowcharts can be manipulated in a variety of ways.

It doesn’t hurt that Inkscape is available free of charge and features tools that tend to cost money elsewhere. In Inkscape, users receive a powerful drawing and diagramming tool.

Unlike some other solutions, Continuity is free for personal and commercial users alike.

The software is geared towards IT professionals more so than other professional users.

Developers behind Continuity aim to let users create beautiful visual models without unnecessary distractions.

Within the software, users will find hundreds of shapes, models, and other assets to create a diagram or flowchart.

Continuity is designed to be simple from installation to the final product. Minor revisions are made to the software on a regular basis, and major revisions come every year or two. In the end, a free software with this many features is difficult to come by today.

Finally, UMLet is another open source tool for creating UML diagrams.

It’s designed to be simple and straightforward with excellent results. An individual can draw diagrams with speed and ease.

They can create sequence and activity diagrams using plain text as well. At that point, diagrams can be exported to various file types, including PDF and the clipboard.

Diagrams can be shared using Eclipse within UMLet. The software is powerful enough to allow users to create customized UML elements.

With UMLet, users on most platforms and operating systems can create logical diagrams and flowcharts without wasting time or effort.

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