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Open source Microsoft Visio alternatives

Top Whiteboards & Diagramming like Microsoft Visio

The most popular alternative to Microsoft Visio is draw.io, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Microsoft Visio are Excalidraw.

Most alternatives to Microsoft Visio are in the Whiteboards & Diagramming category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Microsoft Visio alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
2 apps

All Microsoft Visio alternatives

  1. draw.io

    8.7Kstars

    draw.io, also known as diagrams.net, is a free and open source diagramming tool from JGraph for flowcharts, UML, network, BPMN and org charts. It requires no account, saves diagrams wherever you choose, such as your device, Google Drive, OneDrive or GitHub, and is available as a desktop app for offline use and as an integration for Confluence and Jira.

    10 draw.io alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source, with no account required
    • Saves diagrams to your device, Google Drive, OneDrive or GitHub
    • Offline desktop app plus Confluence and Jira integrations

    Cons

    • Interface looks dated next to modern whiteboard tools
    • Real-time collaboration is more limited than in paid rivals
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Whiteboards & Diagramming
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxSelf-hosted
    Features
    Ad-freeDiagrams & flowchartsIntegrationsOffline modeTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about draw.io

  2. Excalidraw

    133.7Kstars

    Excalidraw is an open source virtual whiteboard that produces diagrams and sketches with a hand-drawn look. It runs in the browser without an account, works offline, offers end-to-end encrypted live collaboration and shareable links, and has a large community library of shapes. Excalidraw+ adds cloud workspaces and team features, and the editor can be embedded as a React component.

    11 Excalidraw alternatives

    Pros

    • Hand-drawn style that makes sketches feel approachable
    • Works in the browser offline and without an account
    • End-to-end encrypted live collaboration

    Cons

    • Hand-drawn look is less suited to formal diagrams
    • Cloud workspaces and team features require Excalidraw+
    • Fewer diagramming features than dedicated tools
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Whiteboards & Diagramming
    Platforms
    WebSelf-hosted
    Features
    Diagrams & flowchartsEnd-to-end encryptionInfinite canvasOffline modeReal-time collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Excalidraw

Microsoft Visio vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Microsoft Visio, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Microsoft Visio vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsDiagrams & flowchartsIntegrationsReal-time collaborationTemplates
Microsoft VisioPaidWeb, Windows
draw.ioFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted
ExcalidrawFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Self-hosted

Microsoft Visio alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Microsoft Visio?

The most popular alternative to Microsoft Visio is draw.io: Free open source diagram editor for the web and desktop. Other great alternatives are Excalidraw.

Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Visio?

Yes, 2 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including draw.io and Excalidraw.

Is there an open source alternative to Microsoft Visio?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including draw.io and Excalidraw.

Is Microsoft Visio free?

No, Microsoft Visio is a paid app.

Compare Microsoft Visio with its alternatives

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