Visio’s collaboration isn’t entirely realtime, and Draw.io only offers limited realtime collaboration, and even then only for documents shared in Google Drive. This is unique among the applications we’ve reviewed. This means that, similar to Google Docs, you can see edits your co-workers are making in real-time. Lucidchart also offers real-time online collaboration. This is a lot of flexibility, meaning it can fit nicely into your existing workflow. Lucidchart can also export to PDF, image files, SVG vectors, and is also the only web-based application we found that can export to Microsoft Visio. This flexible web app can also import files from most competitors including Microsoft Visio, OmniGraffle, Gliffy, and Draw.io–a wider range of import options than any software we tested. Adding and arranging items is intuitive, and the process for making a flowchart is straightforward. The user interface sports a traditional File/Edit/View menu bar, which is easy to navigate and discover relevant features.

The web-based interface offers a wide range of templates for flowcharts, software mockups, and more, and there's a wide range of shapes available. Sign up for a free trial and you'll be creating your first flowchart or diagram right away. Lucidchart is among the best-known online flowchart and diagramming tools on the web right now, and it's not hard to see why. Here are the best applications we found after researching and testing flowchart tools for over two weeks. Tools to help you arrange things in a way that's clear and logical, such as grids and auto-snapping shapes.Įxporting your diagrams to a range of image formats, including vector files that can be easily scaled for printing on large posters.Ĭlean user interfaces that make the program easy and pleasant to use. Templates for making all manner of diagrams in less time than starting from scratch. The best applications also make it easy for you to add your own shapes and graphics. The best apps for creating flowcharts and diagrams share five features in common:Ī variety of shapes to work with, including the standard options, such as ovals, arrows, rectangles, and diamonds. What Makes Great Flowchart and Diagramming Software? In this case, that means dedicated software. Sometimes it's worth investing in the best tool for the job, instead of improvising with what's on hand. You can also use a hammer to drive in screws–but the result won't be pretty. You can kind of twist word processors, image editors, or presentation software into a makeshift flowchart and diagramming app. Actually making flowcharts and diagrams is less easy, however, especially if you don't have the right tools.

Vizio process flow