Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Rick Darlinton
Are you in need of a reliable flowchart diagram, but can’t seem to pick an ideal solution? Don’t worry – just like you, a lot of other people also encounter a similar issue. It doesn’t matter if you wish to draft a flowchart or an ER diagram, you can easily save your time using a dedicated tool. Since there are plenty of diagramming software out there for Windows and Mac, picking the right tools can be tough. In this post, I will let you know about the 8 best flowchart diagram software that you should consider using.
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Draw.io
Available for: Mac, Windows, and Linux
When we talk about a basic and free flowchart software for different platforms, Draw.io is the first name that comes to our mind. The web-based tool has been revamped into Diagrams.net, but you can still use its desktop version like before.
1. Presently, the Draw.io desktop applications are available for free that can be downloaded from its GitHub page.
2. It has a user-friendly interface, having a wide range of shapes and other tools to make all kinds of diagrams easily.
3. Users can take the assistance of its grids, pre-set templates, and other guides to work on different diagrams.
4. Apart from its desktop version, you can also use its web-based open-source flowchart application on any leading browser.
Pros
- Integration with Dropbox, One Drive, and Google Drive
- Freely available
Cons
- Users have to pay for JIRA and Confluence integration
- No mobile apps
- Limited features compared to professional tools
Pricing: Free and pay-for services
Edraw Max
Available for: Windows, Mac, and Linux
If you are looking for a more professional flowchart diagram maker, then you can consider trying Edraw Max. It calls itself as an all-in-one workflow diagram software tool since it can be used to create flowcharts, infographics, graphs, presentations, and all kinds of visual contents easily.
1. There are more than 250 different kinds of diagrams and visual content in Edraw Max that we can use.
2. It supports all kinds of platforms and can be accessed on the web via different browsers.
3. To make it easier for us, it has included a wide range of templates for flowcharts, timelines, brochures, floor plans, etc. that we can use to save time.
4. You can also import or export content into different formats like Visio, PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Pros
- Apart from third-party cloud integration, it also provides 1 GB storage in its own cloud.
- The interface is available in different languages
- Tons of features with dedicated customer support
Cons
- Only limited features for the free trial version
Adobe Illustrator
Available for: Windows 10 and macOS 10.12+
Developed by Adobe, Illustrator is a popular flowchart diagram that is mostly used by professionals due to its high-end features. Ideally, it is a vector graphic application that can help you draft different kinds of visuals. Originally released in 1987, the product is currently running in its 24th generation.
1. The proprietary application can be used to draft vectors, logos, flowcharts, and more in one place.
2. You can also recolor graphics and work on different kinds of artworks as well.
3. It includes tons of graphics and readily available templates to design HD diagrams.
Pros
- Several add-on features to meet your creative needs
- Mobile apps and cross-platform support
Cons
- Learning it can be complicated for beginners
- A bit expensive
- Does not support Windows 8 or 7
Cacoo Web Design Tool
Available for: Web
Apart from desktop applications, a lot of people also look for online flowchart diagram tools. In this case, you can consider trying Cacoo by Nulab that can be loaded on all the leading browsers. This will give you the freedom to run the graphics application on any system you like.
1. The web-based application has different sources to draft flowcharts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, organizational charts, etc.
2. The tool provides several useful features like real-time editing, commenting, revision history, and more.
3. There are more than 100 different styles of pre-made templates in Cacoo that you can use to save time.
4. It can be used for individual applications (even supports a free version) and can be updated to work in teams as well.
Pros
- Integration with different apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, AWS, etc.
- Affordable and easy to use
Cons
- Only web-based version (no offline application)
Lucidchart Visual Solution
Available for: Web and mobile apps
Lucidchart is another popular online flowchart maker that you can use to draft different visuals. This flowchart maker software was initially released in 2008 and presently provides free and paid services. Since it is a web-based application, you can access it on almost every platform.
1. On Lucidchart’s interface, you can find all kinds of templates for engineering, sales, marketing, and other professions that you can readily use.
2. There are hundreds of graphics and visual tools it provides that you can use to design flowcharts, operational graphics, ER diagrams, etc.
3. There are professional templates and support for collaborating with other people remotely.
4. If you work in a team, then you can use its centralized account management system as well.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use and resourceful
- More than 900 professional templates
- Can be loaded on any leading platform
Cons
- Only web version (no offline desktop support)
- Only available in English presently
SmartDraw
Available for: Windows, Mac, and Web
SmartDraw is one of the most extensive flowchart diagram software that you can use on leading systems. You can either use its online tool or install its dedicated desktop application to draft mind maps, flowcharts, organizational charts, UML diagrams, and so much more.
1. SmartDraw has a user-friendly interface that has included all kinds of graphics that you can use to work on your visual aids.
2. You can also integrate it with Office applications (like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint) as well as G Suite apps.
3. There are more than 70 different styles of diagrams that one can make using SmartDraw.
4. As of now, SmartDraw features more than 34 thousand symbols and 4500 different templates that you can readily use.
Pros
- Tons of inbuilt features
- Can be linked to your cloud accounts like Google Drive or Dropbox
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Can be tough for beginners (mostly used by pros)
Microsoft Visio
Available for: Windows and Web
Developed by Microsoft, Visio flowchart is a powerful desktop application and online flowchart maker to work on various vector-based graphics. The product was first released in 1992 and has gone through several changes in the past. Although it is a trialware, most of the advanced features would be unlocked after buying its subscription.
1. One can create all kinds of floor plans, organizational diagrams, flowcharts, engineering designs, etc. using Visio.
2. You can also integrate it with Office 365 and easily import/export content in different formats.
3. Apart from its Windows application, you can use its web-based tool to work with your team on a real-time basis.
4. To save your time and efforts, the application has made various templates available to use.
Pros
- Integration with Office 365 and OneDrive
- Web-based application also available
Cons
- Not available on Mac
- Can be a bit complicated at first
Dia Diagram Editor
Available for: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Lastly, you can also try Dia Diagram software, which is an open-source and free flowchart software. Since its last version was released in 2014, the overall interface hasn’t been updated much. Nevertheless, you can still use it to draft different diagrams on your system for free.
- It is a free flowchart maker that can help you draw UML diagrams, ER models, flowcharts, and other vector-based graphics.
- There are tons of vectors and readily available shapes in the toolkit that are listed under different categories.
- Most of these visual tools are scalable, which means you can edit and customize them easily.
- You can also export your files into different formats like XML, SVG, EPS, PNG, JPEG, etc.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Available on all leading platforms
Cons
- Limited features
- Hasn’t been updated in a while
Pricing: Free
That’s a wrap, folks! Now when you know about 8 different flowchart diagram software for Windows and Mac, you can easily pick a preferred application. While some of these applications are available for desktop, a few of them can be accessed via the web as well. To make things simpler, I have even included both free and paid flowchart tools in this post. You can further explore them on your own and pick the best flowchart software to meet your professional needs.