draw.io

Overview

draw.io is a free, open-source diagramming app for people who need to create and share diagrams across devices and platforms. Its combination of broad file compatibility, flexible storage and no account requirement makes it a strong fit for individuals and teams who want to start quickly and retain control of where files live.

It is less compelling for organizations that require enterprise SSO, since draw.io has no Enterprise tier for it. For a broader comparison, browse Diagram Software or Diagramming Software.

Key features

Wide diagram coverage

draw.io supports flow charts, mind maps, org charts, Venn diagrams, infographics, network and architecture diagrams, floor plans, electrical and rack diagrams, UML, BPMN, Kanban, ER, Mermaid and Gitflow diagrams, C4 models and threat models. That breadth suits mixed-purpose work without requiring a separate tool for each diagram category.

Import, export and sharing

It imports draw.io, XML, Gliffy, VSDX, Lucidchart, PNG, SVG and JPEG files, which helps teams bring existing diagrams into a shared workflow. Export options are SVG, PNG and PDF, while diagrams can also remain editable. Anyone can open and edit draw.io files on any platform, and interactive diagrams can be embedded in documents, wikis or applications.

Version history is available. Integrations include Google, Microsoft, Atlassian, GitHub, VS Code, Notion and Chrome. Support channels include GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow.

Storage and privacy

Users can save locally or choose their own storage, and the desktop app supports local saving. draw.io says it cannot access users' data. That storage choice is useful for people who do not want to depend on a single built-in location, though teams should consider their own storage arrangements.

Pricing

Free forever

The free plan has no sign-up or credit-card requirement, and the desktop app is free forever. This makes draw.io a practical choice for individuals, students and teams seeking diagramming without a subscription commitment. There is no separate Enterprise tier for organizations that need SSO, so that requirement may rule it out.

draw.io is described as free, but no paid plan or additional plan-specific allowances are stated. Its maker, an independent private company that says it is not VC-funded, dates the product to 2005; it also says files made in 2005 still load in today's app. The site reports more than 100 million users worldwide.

Platforms

draw.io supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Desktop apps let users save locally, and cross-platform file editing means collaborators can work with the same draw.io files on different platforms. This is a useful fit for teams with mixed devices; mobile support is listed, though no mobile-specific capabilities are described.

Who it's for

Choose draw.io if you need a broad set of diagram types, want to import diagrams from several established formats, or value local and user-chosen storage. It is especially well suited to people who want to begin without an account and teams that share editable files across platforms. Look elsewhere if enterprise SSO is essential.

Pros and cons

Pros

Broad diagram range: covers technical, business and planning formats, including UML, BPMN, C4 and threat models.

Flexible file handling: imports eight named formats and exports to SVG, PNG or PDF, with editable files as another option.

No-cost, no-account start: the free desktop app supports local saving, with no sign-up or credit card required.

Choice of storage: users can save locally or bring their own storage, and draw.io says it cannot access their data.

Cons

No Enterprise SSO tier: organizations that require SSO should choose a different option.

No paid plan choice: users seeking a distinct paid tier for additional service or plan-specific features have no such option.

Alternatives

EdrawMax is worth considering for readers who want a freemium alternative with a free plan and free trial across web, desktop and mobile platforms; its free plan includes 500 AI tokens and 100M cloud storage, with limited Visio, SVG and CAD import.

Creately may suit teams prioritizing unlimited canvases and collaborators on a free plan, though that plan caps each canvas at 45 items.

Microsoft Visio is a paid alternative with a free trial; its Visio Plan 1 costs $5 a month, billed yearly, auto-renews annually and includes 2 GB OneDrive for work or school storage.

ProcessOn offers a free version with limits on personal files, collaborators and file downloads.

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

Lucidchart has a free plan limited to three editable documents, 60 shapes per document and 100 basic templates.

IcePanel is an alternative for model-based diagramming, with a free plan for up to five editors and 100 model objects.

Eclipse Papyrus is a free, open-source modeling environment with no usage limits stated.

Verdict

draw.io is a strong choice for individuals and teams who want a capable, no-cost diagramming tool with broad format support, cross-platform editing and control over storage. Its main advantage is the breadth it delivers without an account or subscription; organizations that need enterprise SSO should look elsewhere.