Draw.io

What is Draw.io?

Draw.io, now officially rebranded as diagrams.net, is a completely free and open-source diagramming application that enables users to create flowcharts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, organizational charts, and virtually any other type of visual diagram. Originally launched in 2005 by JGraph Ltd, the software has evolved into one of the most versatile and privacy-focused diagramming solutions available. Unlike cloud-dependent alternatives, Draw.io operates entirely in your browser with no account required, storing files locally or in your choice of cloud storage. This commitment to user privacy and data sovereignty, combined with professional-grade features at zero cost, has made Draw.io the preferred diagramming tool for privacy-conscious individuals, enterprises, and open-source projects worldwide.

What distinguishes Draw.io from commercial diagramming software is its unique combination of power, freedom, and privacy. The application offers an extensive library of shapes covering technical diagrams, business processes, software architecture, infrastructure planning, and countless specialized domains. All features are available without paywalls, user accounts, or data collection. The software runs entirely client-side in your browser, meaning your diagrams never touch external servers unless you explicitly choose cloud storage. This architecture ensures complete data privacy while maintaining the convenience of web-based access from any device with a modern browser.

Draw.io has established itself as the go-to solution for organizations and individuals who require professional diagramming capabilities without vendor lock-in or subscription costs. Major enterprises, government agencies, educational institutions, and open-source projects rely on Draw.io for everything from simple flowcharts to complex system architecture diagrams. The software integrates seamlessly with popular cloud storage platforms including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and GitHub, while also supporting local file storage and self-hosted deployments. With active development, comprehensive format support, and a thriving community, Draw.io proves that free, open-source software can match or exceed commercial alternatives in capability and reliability.

Key Features

• Extensive Shape Libraries: Thousands of pre-built shapes covering flowcharts, UML, BPMN, network diagrams, cloud architecture, mockups, and specialized technical domains for comprehensive visual communication.
• No Account Required: Use immediately without registration, login, or personal information, ensuring complete privacy and instant access from any browser without barriers.
• Multiple Storage Options: Save diagrams locally, to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, GitHub, or GitLab, providing flexibility and control over where your data resides.
• Desktop and Web Apps: Available as browser application, standalone desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and integrations for Confluence and Jira.
• Professional Export Options: Export diagrams to PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, HTML, and XML formats with customizable quality settings for various use cases and workflows.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborative editing when storing files in shared cloud storage enables multiple users to work on diagrams simultaneously with conflict resolution.
• Custom Shape Creation: Design custom shapes, import SVG graphics, and create reusable component libraries to standardize visual language across organizational diagrams.
• Version Control Integration: Native GitHub and GitLab integration allows storing diagrams as code with full version history and pull request workflows.
• Layering and Pages: Organize complex diagrams with multiple layers and pages, enabling hierarchical information architecture and progressive disclosure in presentations.
• Extensive Import Support: Import diagrams from Visio, Lucidchart, Gliffy, and other formats, facilitating migration from commercial tools without data loss.

What’s New

Draw.io continues active development with regular updates that expand capabilities, improve usability, and introduce features requested by the global user community.

• Enhanced Cloud Architecture Shapes: Expanded libraries for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Kubernetes with updated icons reflecting current cloud service offerings.
• Improved Collaboration: Better concurrent editing support with enhanced conflict detection and resolution when multiple users edit shared cloud-stored diagrams.
• Performance Optimizations: Faster rendering of complex diagrams with thousands of shapes and improved responsiveness for large documents across all platforms.
• Smart Templates: Expanded template collection including modern design patterns, architectural frameworks, and industry-specific diagram types for faster project starts.
• Advanced Connector Routing: Improved automatic routing of connection lines with better pathfinding algorithms that avoid overlaps and maintain visual clarity.
• Dark Mode Support: Native dark theme reduces eye strain during extended diagramming sessions and matches modern operating system appearance preferences.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Growing collection of community-developed plugins extends functionality for specialized use cases and workflow integrations.
• Accessibility Improvements: Enhanced keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and contrast options make diagramming more accessible to users with disabilities.

System Requirements

Web Browser (Recommended)

• Browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+, or any modern browser
• Internet: Optional (works offline after initial load)
• Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended for complex diagrams)
• Display: 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
• Note: Runs entirely client-side with no server requirements

Desktop App – Windows

• Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (64-bit)
• Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 200 MB available space
• Graphics: Any graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0

Desktop App – macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
• Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum
• Storage: 200 MB available space

Desktop App – Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu 16.04+, Debian 9+, Fedora, or compatible
• Architecture: 64-bit x86 or ARM
• Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum
• Storage: 200 MB available space

How to Install Draw.io

Web Browser Access (No Installation)

1. Navigate to app.diagrams.net in any modern web browser
2. Choose storage location (Device, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.)
3. Start creating diagrams immediately without any registration
4. Bookmark the URL for quick future access
5. Works offline after initial page load

# Access Draw.io online
# Navigate to: https://app.diagrams.net

# For offline use, open the page and enable browser offline mode
# The application will continue working without internet

# Create desktop shortcut (browser-based)
# Chrome: Menu > More Tools > Create Shortcut

Windows Desktop Installation

1. Visit github.com/jgraph/drawio-desktop/releases
2. Download the latest Windows installer (.exe)
3. Run the installer with administrator privileges
4. Follow installation wizard and choose installation directory
5. Launch Draw.io from Start menu or desktop shortcut
6. Choose default storage location for diagrams

# Using Windows Package Manager
winget install JGraph.Draw.io

# Using Chocolatey
choco install drawio

# Using Scoop
scoop install drawio

# Verify installation
drawio --version

macOS Desktop Installation

1. Visit github.com/jgraph/drawio-desktop/releases
2. Download the macOS DMG file
3. Open the DMG and drag Draw.io to Applications folder
4. Launch from Applications (may require security approval)
5. Choose storage location and configure preferences

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask drawio

# Verify installation
open -a draw.io

# Launch from terminal
drawio

Linux Desktop Installation

# Using Snap (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo snap install drawio

# Using AppImage (all distributions)
wget https://github.com/jgraph/drawio-desktop/releases/download/vX.X.X/drawio-x86_64-X.X.X.AppImage
chmod +x drawio-x86_64-X.X.X.AppImage
./drawio-x86_64-X.X.X.AppImage

# Using Flatpak
flatpak install flathub com.jgraph.drawio.desktop

# Debian/Ubuntu package
wget https://github.com/jgraph/drawio-desktop/releases/download/vX.X.X/drawio-amd64-X.X.X.deb
sudo dpkg -i drawio-amd64-X.X.X.deb

# Launch
drawio

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely Free: All features available at no cost with no premium tiers, subscriptions, watermarks, or feature limitations, providing professional capabilities to everyone.
• Privacy-Focused: Runs entirely client-side with no account required and no data collection, ensuring complete privacy and data sovereignty for sensitive diagrams.
• Flexible Storage: Choose between local files, multiple cloud platforms, or self-hosted deployments, avoiding vendor lock-in and maintaining control over data location.
• Open Source: Fully open-source codebase allows auditing, customization, and self-hosting, with transparency ensuring no hidden functionality or data collection.
• Comprehensive Features: Professional-grade capabilities including extensive shape libraries, layering, collaboration, and export options rival expensive commercial alternatives.
• Cross-Platform: Consistent experience across web, Windows, macOS, and Linux with synchronized features and format compatibility across all platforms.
• No Internet Required: Desktop apps and browser version work offline, enabling diagram creation anywhere without connectivity dependencies or cloud service availability.

Cons

• Interface Complexity: The extensive feature set can feel overwhelming for new users, with a steeper learning curve compared to simpler, more opinionated diagramming tools.
• Collaboration Limitations: Real-time collaboration depends on cloud storage conflict resolution rather than purpose-built collaborative editing, making simultaneous editing less smooth.
• Performance with Large Diagrams: Very complex diagrams with thousands of elements may experience slowdowns, particularly in browser versions on less powerful hardware.
• Template Organization: While templates exist, they are less organized and curated compared to commercial alternatives with professionally designed starting points.
• Limited Design Polish: Interface and default styling feel functional rather than refined, lacking the visual polish of modern commercial design tools.

Draw.io vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Draw.io?

Draw.io is ideal for:

• Privacy-Conscious Users: Individuals and organizations that require complete data privacy and prefer tools that run client-side without mandatory cloud services or accounts.
• Budget-Conscious Teams: Organizations seeking professional diagramming capabilities without subscription costs, making it perfect for nonprofits, schools, and startups.
• Open Source Projects: Development teams that prefer open-source tools and want to store diagrams alongside code in version control systems like GitHub.
• System Architects: Technical professionals creating network diagrams, cloud infrastructure maps, and software architecture documentation with specialized technical shape libraries.
• Enterprise IT Departments: Organizations requiring self-hosted solutions, air-gapped deployments, or specific data residency compliance for sensitive technical diagrams.
• Educators and Students: Academic users who need professional diagramming tools without cost barriers or complicated licensing for educational purposes.

Draw.io may not be ideal for:

• Design-Focused Teams: Those prioritizing visual polish and modern interface aesthetics may prefer more design-oriented tools with contemporary user experiences.
• Real-Time Collaboration Intensive: Teams requiring seamless simultaneous multi-user editing may find purpose-built collaborative platforms more effective.
• Non-Technical Users: Individuals seeking the simplest possible diagramming experience might find the extensive features and options overwhelming initially.
• Marketing Teams: Those creating presentation graphics and marketing materials may need more sophisticated visual design capabilities beyond technical diagramming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Draw.io really completely free?

Yes, Draw.io is genuinely free with no premium features, paid tiers, or subscription options. All functionality including the full shape library, export options, cloud storage integrations, and desktop applications are available at zero cost. The software is open-source under the Apache License, meaning the source code is publicly available and you can even self-host it if desired. There are no watermarks on exported diagrams, no feature limitations, and no advertisements. The development is funded by JGraph Ltd through consulting services and enterprise support contracts, not by restricting features or collecting user data.

Can I use Draw.io without creating an account?

Absolutely. Draw.io requires no account creation or registration to use. When you first open the application, you simply choose where to save your diagrams—on your device, in Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other cloud storage—and start working immediately. The browser version runs entirely client-side, meaning your diagrams never touch Draw.io servers. This design ensures complete privacy and eliminates barriers to getting started. Even when using cloud storage integration, you are authenticating with your chosen storage provider directly, not creating a Draw.io account. This commitment to privacy and accessibility differentiates Draw.io from virtually all commercial alternatives.

How does Draw.io handle collaboration?

Draw.io enables collaboration through cloud storage platforms rather than building proprietary collaborative editing infrastructure. When you save diagrams to shared Google Drive, OneDrive, or other cloud folders, multiple team members can access and edit the same files. The application includes conflict detection and resolution when multiple users edit simultaneously, though the experience is less seamless than purpose-built real-time collaboration tools. For version control-centric teams, the GitHub and GitLab integrations allow treating diagrams as code with full version history, branching, and pull request workflows. This approach prioritizes flexibility and storage choice over the convenience of built-in collaboration servers.

Can Draw.io import diagrams from Microsoft Visio?

Yes, Draw.io provides robust import capabilities for Microsoft Visio files. The application can open VSDX files (Visio XML format) directly, converting shapes, connectors, text, and formatting with good fidelity. Most standard Visio diagrams import successfully, though complex custom shapes or advanced Visio-specific features may require adjustment after import. Draw.io also supports importing from Lucidchart and Gliffy formats, facilitating migration from commercial tools. The export functionality allows saving diagrams back to VSDX format for compatibility with Visio users, making Draw.io viable as a free Visio alternative or for mixed-tool environments where some team members use Visio.

What is the difference between Draw.io and diagrams.net?

Draw.io and diagrams.net are the same application. The software was originally branded as Draw.io but was officially renamed to diagrams.net to avoid confusion with the draw.io domain, which is owned separately. The application itself, features, and development team remain identical regardless of which name you use. The web version is accessible at app.diagrams.net, while the desktop applications may still show Draw.io branding in some cases. Users can use either name interchangeably—they refer to the exact same free, open-source diagramming tool. The rebranding caused some initial confusion, but both names are widely recognized and accepted within the user community.

Final Verdict

Draw.io stands as a remarkable achievement in open-source software, proving that free tools can match or exceed commercial alternatives in capability and reliability. The combination of comprehensive features, complete privacy, zero cost, and flexible deployment options creates exceptional value for individuals and organizations alike. The extensive shape libraries cover virtually every diagramming need from simple flowcharts to complex cloud architecture diagrams, while the multiple storage options ensure data sovereignty and workflow flexibility. For users who value privacy, dislike vendor lock-in, or simply refuse to pay subscription fees for diagramming capabilities, Draw.io represents the obvious choice.

The software particularly excels for technical users, open-source projects, and privacy-conscious organizations. The Git integration makes it natural to store diagrams alongside code, the self-hosting option enables air-gapped deployments, and the no-account-required approach eliminates privacy concerns. While the interface lacks the polish of modern design tools and real-time collaboration is less sophisticated than purpose-built platforms, these trade-offs are reasonable given the complete feature accessibility at zero cost. The active development and responsive community ensure ongoing improvements and adaptation to evolving user needs.

Draw.io earns strong recommendation for anyone seeking professional diagramming capabilities without subscription costs or privacy compromises. Technical teams, educators, students, and budget-conscious organizations will find it provides everything needed for creating clear, professional diagrams. Those requiring the absolute best collaborative editing experience or pixel-perfect design aesthetics might consider specialized alternatives, but for the vast majority of diagramming needs, Draw.io delivers professional results without the professional price tag. In a software landscape increasingly dominated by subscriptions and data collection, Draw.io reminds us that powerful, privacy-respecting tools can still be completely free.