diagrams.net (draw.io) — The Complete Guide: Free Flowcharts, Schematics and System Diagrams
diagrams.net (draw.io) from JGraph is a free alternative to Visio. It runs in the browser or as a desktop app, is open source (Apache 2.0), and files are stored wherever you choose — your computer, OneDrive or Google Drive.
diagrams.net (draw.io)
JGraph
A full diagram editor in the browser, with no account required.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Shape libraries — process (P&ID), electrical, network, cloud, UML and BPMN.
- Smart connectors — lines that snap to shapes and stay attached when moved.
- Layers and pages — several sheets in one file.
- Export — PNG, SVG, PDF and VSDX, and it can open Visio files.
- Integrations — add-ons for Confluence, VS Code and Google Workspace.
Tip: one file for editing and for the image
Save as .drawio.svg or .drawio.png: the file displays as an ordinary image everywhere, but stays fully editable in diagrams.net.
Related tools
For diagrams generated automatically from text — Graphviz. For free-form vector illustration — Inkscape. For an older, simpler alternative — Dia.
Graphviz
Graphviz Project
Draws graphs and network diagrams automatically from a text description.
Get it from the vendor
Inkscape
Inkscape project
Vector graphics editor — schematics, technical illustrations, report figures and SVG, PDF and DXF editing.
Get it from the vendor
Dia
GNOME Project
A diagram editor for flowcharts, network and process drawings.
Get it from the vendor
Freeplane
Freeplane team
Mind maps and tree structures — project breakdowns, fault trees, report planning and study summaries.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
For most diagrams in an engineering office, diagrams.net is fully sufficient — and saves a Visio licence.