Draw.io: A Review of the Best Free Diagramming Software in 2023
Is draw.io free to download?
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile diagramming tool that works with different platforms and applications, you might have heard of draw.io. But what is draw.io exactly and what can you do with it? And more importantly, is it free to download and use?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what draw.io is and what features it offers. We will also compare the different pricing plans and options for draw.io depending on your team size and needs. Finally, we will summarize the main benefits of using draw.io for your diagramming needs.
is draw.io free to download
What is draw.io and what can you do with it?
Draw.io is a web-based diagramming tool that lets you create various types of diagrams quickly and easily. You can use it to create flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, infographics, and more.
Draw.io has many features that make it a great choice for diagramming enthusiasts and professionals alike. Some of these features are:
Diagram types
With draw.io, you can create a wide range of diagram types for different purposes and audiences. Whether you need to visualize a process , organize your ideas, map out your network, or design your software, draw.io has you covered. Some of the common diagram types that you can create with draw.io are:
Flowcharts: Show the steps and decisions of a process or workflow.
Mind maps: Capture and organize your thoughts and ideas.
Org charts: Display the structure and hierarchy of an organization or team.
UML diagrams: Model the structure and behavior of a software system.
Network diagrams: Illustrate the connections and components of a computer network.
Infographics: Present data and information in a visual and engaging way.
And these are just some examples. You can also create other diagram types, such as ER diagrams, BPMN diagrams, SWOT analysis, Venn diagrams, etc. You can even create your own custom diagram types by combining different shapes and elements.
Shape libraries
One of the best things about draw.io is that it offers a vast library of shapes and templates that you can use to create your diagrams. You can choose from hundreds of icons, symbols, images, and smart templates that suit your diagram type and style.
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Draw.io integrations with Google Drive, OneDrive, and other platforms
Draw.io desktop app: how to install and use it offline
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How to import and export files in draw.io format
Draw.io templates and examples for different use cases
How to collaborate and share diagrams with draw.io
Draw.io security and privacy: how to protect your data
How to customize and style your diagrams with draw.io
Draw.io tips and tricks: how to use advanced features
Draw.io support and feedback: how to get help and improve the product
Draw.io reviews and testimonials: what users say about it
How to create UML diagrams with draw.io
How to create network diagrams with draw.io
How to create ER diagrams with draw.io
How to create BPMN diagrams with draw.io
How to create circuit diagrams with draw.io
How to create mind maps with draw.io
How to create org charts with draw.io
How to create SWOT analysis with draw.io
How to create Venn diagrams with draw.io
How to create flowcharts with draw.io
How to create Gantt charts with draw.io
How to create wireframes with draw.io
How to create sitemaps with draw.io
How to create infographics with draw.io
How to create logos with draw.io
How to create mockups with draw.io
How to create icons with draw.io
How to create banners with draw.io
How to create posters with draw.io
How to create flyers with draw.io
How to create brochures with draw.io
How to create business cards with draw.io
How to create resumes with draw.io
How to create presentations with draw.io
How to create newsletters with draw.io
How to create reports with draw.io
How to create invoices with draw.io
How to create certificates with draw.io
How to create labels with draw.io
How to create stickers with draw.io
How to create comics with draw.io
How to create memes with draw.io
For example, you can use the flowchart shapes to create a process diagram, the mind map shapes to create a brainstorming diagram, the UML shapes to create a class diagram, etc. You can also use the icons library to add some flair to your diagrams, such as emojis, flags, logos, etc.
Moreover, you can use the smart templates to create professional-looking diagrams in minutes. These are pre-made diagrams that you can customize with your own data and information. For example, you can use the SWOT analysis template to create a strategic planning diagram, the Gantt chart template to create a project management diagram, etc.
Integrations
Another great feature of draw.io is that it integrates with different platforms and applications that you might already use. This means that you can access and edit your diagrams from anywhere and anytime, without having to switch between different tools.
Some of the platforms and applications that draw.io integrates with are:
Google Drive: Save and sync your diagrams with your Google account.
Microsoft OneDrive: Save and sync your diagrams with your Microsoft account.
Dropbox: Save and sync your diagrams with your Dropbox account.
Confluence: Create and embed diagrams in your Confluence pages.
Jira: Create and attach diagrams to your Jira issues.
Office 365: Create and insert diagrams in your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents.
Google Workspace: Create and insert diagrams in your Docs, Sheets, or Slides documents.
And these are just some examples. You can also integrate draw.io with other platforms and applications, such as GitHub, GitLab, Trello, Slack, etc. You can even use draw.io as a standalone web app at app.diagrams.net or as an offline desktop app on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Collaboration
If you need to work with others on your diagrams, draw.io has you covered. Draw.io supports real-time collaboration with shared cursors and synchronization across different cloud platforms. This means that you can see who is working on your diagram and what changes they are making in real-time.
You can also share your diagrams easily with anyone by generating a link or sending an email invitation. You can control who can view or edit your diagrams by setting permissions and passwords. You can also comment on your diagrams and chat with your collaborators within the draw.io app.
Security
Last but not least, draw.io takes security seriously. Draw.io does not store your diagram data on its servers. Instead, it lets you choose where to save your files, such as on your cloud platform of choice or on your local device. This way, you have full control over your data privacy and ownership.
Moreover, draw.io offers data governance options for enterprise users who need to comply with certain regulations or policies. For example, you can enable encryption for your diagram files or disable third-party integrations if needed. You can also use the offline desktop app if you want to work on your diagrams without an internet connection.
How much does draw.io cost and how can you download it?
Now that you know what draw.io is and what it can do for you, you might be wondering how much it costs and how you can download it. The answer depends on how you want to use draw.io and what features you need.
In general, there are two main ways to use draw.io: as an online editor or as an integration with Confluence. The online editor at app.diagrams.net is free to use for anyone, while the integration with Confluence has different pricing plans depending on the number of users and the cloud or server option.
Pricing plans
If you want to use draw.io as an integration with Confluence, you will need to pay a subscription fee based on the number of users and the cloud or server option. The cloud option is hosted by Atlassian and has monthly or annual billing, while the server option is self-hosted and has perpetual licensing.
Here is a table that shows the different pricing plans for draw.io for Confluence:
Number of users
Cloud option (per month)
Server option (one-time)
Up to 10
$5
$10
11 to 100
$0.5 per user
$500
101 to 250
$0.4 per user
$1,000
251 to 500
$0.3 per user
$2,000
501 to 1,000
$0.2 per user
$4,000
1,001 to 2,000
$0.15 per user
$8,000
2,001 to 10,000+
$0.1 per user
$16,000+
Note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on your location and currency. You can check the latest prices and discounts on the draw.io website or the Atlassian marketplace.
Download options
If you want to download and use draw.io on your device or browser, you have several options to choose from. Some of these options are:
The online editor