draw.io (diagrams.net)

draw.io (now branded as diagrams.net) is a completely free, web-based diagramming application for creating flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, and technical drawings. The platform requires no account, has no premium features, and stores files wherever you choose - local storage, Google Drive, OneDrive, or GitHub - making it the go-to free alternative to Microsoft Visio.

Best For: Anyone needing professional diagramming capabilities for free, especially technical users creating flowcharts, architecture diagrams, or network topology without software licenses or subscriptions.

Key Features

What types of diagrams can draw.io create?
Flowcharts and process diagrams. Org charts and hierarchies. UML diagrams (class, sequence, use case, etc.). Network and infrastructure diagrams. Entity-relationship diagrams for databases. Wireframes and mockups. Mind maps and concept maps. BPMN business process diagrams. Extensive shape libraries for every use case.

Where can draw.io save files?
Local device storage (no account required). Google Drive integration for cloud storage. OneDrive and Dropbox support. GitHub for version-controlled diagrams. Choose storage location - no forced cloud account. Files saved as editable XML or PNG/SVG with embedded XML for future editing.

What makes draw.io suitable for technical users?
Precision grid and alignment tools. Extensive keyboard shortcuts. Custom shape creation. Plugins extend functionality. Import Visio files (VSDX). PlantUML integration for code-generated diagrams. Embed diagrams in Confluence, Notion, or wikis. SQL database import creates ER diagrams automatically. Export to many formats.

Is draw.io really completely free?
No premium tier, paid features, or upsells. No account required to use. Open-source codebase (Apache License 2.0). Self-host option for complete control. No watermarks or branding requirements. No file size limits or diagram complexity limits. Monetized through optional paid integrations (Confluence, Jira plugins).

Pricing & Plans

Free: All features, unlimited diagrams, no account required, commercial use allowed

Completely free forever. Optional paid integrations exist for Atlassian products, but core app is free.

Limitations

• Web-based only for full features (desktop apps exist but less developed)
• Interface less polished than commercial alternatives like Lucidchart
• No real-time collaboration (concurrent editing not supported)
• Requires choosing storage location (no automatic cloud)

Getting Started

1. Go to app.diagrams.net (no signup required)
2. Choose where to save files (local, Google Drive, etc.)
3. Select diagram type or start with blank canvas
4. Drag shapes from left sidebar onto canvas
5. Connect shapes with arrows and add text

Learn More: diagrams.net