draw.io

Overview

draw.io is an open-source diagramming app for people who want one tool for both everyday charts and more specialized technical diagrams. It suits individuals and teams who value flexible storage, cross-platform files, and getting started without an account. The trade-off is that organizations requiring Enterprise SSO will need another option.

It runs on the web and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The desktop app is free forever and supports local saving; users can also bring their own storage. draw.io says it cannot access user data, a useful distinction for people who prefer to control where diagrams live. Real-time collaboration supports shared work, and files can be opened and edited across platforms. The company says the product dates to 2005 and that files created then still load in the current app.

For category-wide comparisons, see Diagram Software and 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, C4, and threat-model diagrams. That range makes it a practical choice for users who move between planning, process mapping, and technical documentation rather than maintaining separate tools for each. Interactive diagrams can be embedded in documents, wikis, or applications.

Files, integrations, and collaboration

Import support covers draw.io, XML, Gliffy, VSDX, Lucidchart, PNG, SVG, and JPEG. Diagrams can be exported as SVG, PNG, or PDF, or kept editable; version history is also supported. Real-time collaboration and integrations with Google, Microsoft, Atlassian, GitHub, VS Code, Notion, and Chrome make it easier to fit diagram work into common tools. Cross-platform file editing is a further advantage when collaborators use different devices.

Starting requires neither sign-up nor a credit card. That lowers the barrier for occasional users, though the absence of an Enterprise tier for SSO is a material limitation for organizations that require centralized authentication. Support is available through GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow.

Pricing

draw.io is free, with a Free forever plan and a free desktop app. No sign-up or credit card is required to start. The desktop app is a strong fit for individuals who want a no-cost tool and local saving; web users can choose their own storage. No paid plan or paid-plan pricing is offered here, so teams that need Enterprise SSO should look elsewhere rather than assume an upgrade path.

Platforms

Use draw.io in a web browser or on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Desktop apps provide local saving, while files can be shared and edited across platforms. This breadth suits mixed-device teams and users who want a desktop option as well as browser access.

Who it's for

draw.io is a strong fit for individuals and teams needing broad diagram coverage, editable cross-platform files, and control over storage without an account-based start. Its varied diagram types and integrations make it suitable for both general-purpose planning and technical documentation. Organizations with a firm SSO requirement should choose a product with an Enterprise tier instead.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free forever desktop app and no sign-up or credit card make it easy to begin without a commitment.
• Pros: Local saving or user-chosen storage gives users control over where diagrams are kept.
• Pros: Broad diagram support, import and export formats, and real-time collaboration cover varied individual and team workflows.
• Cons: There is no Enterprise tier for SSO, ruling it out for organizations that require that capability.
• Cons: Support channels are GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow, which may not suit teams expecting a dedicated support route.

Alternatives

EdrawMax is another freemium option with a free plan and trial across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.

Creately is worth considering for teams looking for a free plan with unlimited canvases and collaborators, subject to its 45-item-per-canvas limit.

Cacoo offers a free plan with unlimited users, six sheets, PNG exports, real-time editing, and in-app video chat.

ProcessOn is a freemium web and mobile alternative with a free plan capped at nine personal files and three collaborators.

Buddi is a free budgeting app for Linux, macOS, and Windows rather than a diagramming alternative.

Lucidchart may suit users who prefer its free-plan limits of three editable documents, 60 shapes per document, and 100 basic templates.

Visual Paradigm is another freemium option, though its free plan is restricted to non-commercial use.

Eraser offers a free plan with three files, three AI diagrams, seven-day version history, and unlimited guests.

Verdict

Choose draw.io if you want a capable, free diagramming tool that spans many diagram types, works across devices, and lets you keep storage under your control. Its no-account start and free desktop app are especially compelling for individuals and teams with straightforward collaboration needs. Look elsewhere if Enterprise SSO is essential or if you need a dedicated support channel.