draw.io

draw.io is a free, open-source diagramming app for creating visual layouts, from flow charts and mind maps to network, architecture, and floor-plan diagrams. It supports UML, BPMN, Kanban, ER, Mermaid, Gitflow, C4, and threat models, along with org charts, Venn diagrams, infographics, electrical diagrams, and rack diagrams. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with real-time collaboration and cross-platform editing. There is no sign-up or credit card requirement to begin; its desktop app is free forever and lets users save locally. Users can choose their own storage, and draw.io says it cannot access their data. Files can be imported from formats and tools including XML, Gliffy, VSDX, Lucidchart, PNG, SVG, and JPEG. Diagrams can be exported to SVG, PNG, or PDF, or kept editable. The service also offers version history, integrations with Google, Microsoft, Atlassian, GitHub, VS Code, Notion, and Chrome, and interactive diagram embedding. Support is available through GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow.

draw.io covers a broad range of diagramming needs with collaboration, file compatibility, and flexible storage choices. Its stated lack of an Enterprise tier for SSO is worth noting for organizations that require that option.

It suits people who need to create or collaborate on diagrams across different devices and platforms. Its wide range of diagram types may also serve technical teams, educators, and planners.

Overview

draw.io is an open-source diagramming app for people who need to create, share, and preserve many kinds of diagrams without committing to a paid plan. Its broad file compatibility and choice of local or user-selected storage make it a strong fit for individuals and teams that value flexibility; organizations that require Enterprise SSO should look elsewhere.

It runs on the web and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can start without an account or credit card, and the desktop app lets you save locally. draw.io says it cannot access users’ data, and files created as far back as 2005 still load in the current app. Its maker is an independent, privately held company based in Northampton, United Kingdom.

For a wider look at the category, browse Diagram Software or Diagramming Software.

Key features

Broad diagram coverage

draw.io handles flow charts, mind maps, org charts, Venn diagrams, infographics, network and architecture diagrams, floor plans, electrical and rack diagrams, UML, BPMN, Kanban, ER, Mermaid, Gitflow and C4 diagrams, and threat models. That range makes it a practical general-purpose choice for users who move between business processes, software architecture, and other visual planning. The facts do not establish how deeply any individual diagram type is supported, so specialized requirements deserve careful consideration.

Files, collaboration, and storage

Imports include draw.io, XML, Gliffy, VSDX, Lucidchart, PNG, SVG, and JPEG; exports include SVG, PNG, and PDF, with the option to keep diagrams editable. Version history is included, and real-time collaboration lets people work together. draw.io files can be opened and edited across platforms, which is useful when collaborators use different devices.

Users can choose their own storage or save locally with the desktop app. Interactive diagrams can be embedded in documents, wikis, or applications, and integrations include Google, Microsoft, Atlassian, GitHub, VS Code, Notion, and Chrome. Those choices suit teams that want diagrams to fit existing workflows, while the storage flexibility is relevant to people who prefer not to hand data access to the app maker.

Pricing

draw.io’s pricing model is free, and its desktop app is free forever. No sign-up or credit card is required to begin diagramming. This makes it an appealing option for occasional users and teams that want to avoid a paid seat commitment. No paid plans or seat-based quotas are established, so there is no stated upgrade path for buyers seeking a priced service tier.

The site says there is no Enterprise tier for SSO. Organizations that require SSO as an enterprise option should factor that limitation into their choice. Support is available through GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow.

Platforms

draw.io is available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Desktop apps support local saving, while cross-platform files let collaborators open and edit diagrams on any platform. That breadth suits mixed-device groups; readers choosing specifically for a mobile workflow should confirm that the listed mobile platform meets their needs.

Who it's for

draw.io is best for individuals and teams that need varied diagram types, broad import and export options, real-time collaboration, and flexible storage without a paid plan. It is less suitable for organizations that require Enterprise SSO, or buyers who need a defined paid support or enterprise tier.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A wide range of diagram types serves both general business and technical planning.
• Pros: Cross-platform editing, real-time collaboration, and many import formats help teams exchange work.
• Pros: Free desktop use, no required sign-up, and local or user-selected storage lower barriers to getting started.
• Cons: There is no Enterprise tier for SSO, which rules it out for organizations that require that option.
• Cons: Pricing offers no stated paid tier, so buyers seeking a formal enterprise plan should consider another product.

Alternatives

Choose EdrawMax if you want a freemium alternative with a free plan and trial; its free plan includes 500 AI tokens, 100M cloud storage, and limited Visio, SVG, and CAD import. Lucidchart is another freemium option with a free plan capped at three editable documents, 60 shapes per document, and 100 basic templates.

ProcessOn offers a free version with nine personal files, three collaborators, and partial file-download formats. Grapholite is a paid alternative. OmniGraffle is a paid option for macOS and iOS, with Standard and Pro perpetual Mac licenses.

Cacoo has a free plan with unlimited users, six sheets, PNG exports, real-time editing, and in-app video chat. Visual Paradigm may suit users who want a free plan restricted to non-commercial use, with a paid Starter plan. Eraser offers a free plan capped at three files, three AI diagrams, and seven-day version history, with unlimited guests.

Verdict

Choose draw.io if you want a free, cross-platform diagramming tool that handles many diagram types and gives you control over storage and file exchange. Its most important limitation is the lack of an Enterprise SSO tier: teams that require that option should choose another product.