What is draw.io?
draw.io, also known as diagrams.net, is a diagramming tool for flowcharts, process maps, network and architecture diagrams, org charts, UML and more. You can open it in your browser without creating an account, drag shapes from big libraries onto the canvas and connect them, then export the result as SVG, PNG or PDF or keep it as an editable file.
Its big selling point is privacy and freedom. You choose where diagrams are stored, such as your own device, Google Drive, OneDrive or GitHub, and the company says it cannot access your data. The source code is Apache 2.0 licensed, there are no paywalls for features like SSO, and it plugs into Google Docs and Slides, Microsoft Teams, Confluence, Jira, VS Code and Notion.
Main Features
- Free in the browser with no sign-up or account
- Shape libraries for flowcharts, UML, network and cloud diagrams
- Real-time collaboration with shared cursors
- Save to your device, Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint or GitHub
- Export to SVG, PNG and PDF or embed editable diagrams
- Integrations with Google Docs, Slides, Teams, Confluence, Jira, VS Code and Notion
- Desktop app for offline work
- Apache 2.0 licensed source code
How to Get Started with draw.io
- Go to drawio.com and click Start Diagramming.
- Choose where to save your diagram, such as your device or Google Drive.
- Pick a template or start blank and drag shapes onto the canvas.
- Export the diagram as PNG, SVG or PDF from the File menu.
draw.io Pricing
draw.io is free. The site says it is free forever with no sign-up, no lock-in and no paywalls, and the source code is Apache 2.0 licensed. The web app and desktop app have no paid tier listed on drawio.com.
Who Should Use It?
- Software engineers drawing architecture diagrams
- Business analysts mapping processes
- IT teams documenting networks
- Teachers and students making flowcharts
- Teams that want diagrams stored in their own cloud
draw.io Alternatives
- Excalidraw: a hand-drawn style whiteboard for quick sketches and diagrams.
- Mermaid: diagrams written as text, ideal for docs and code repositories.
- Whimsical: a polished workspace for flowcharts, wireframes and mind maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is draw.io free?
Yes. draw.io is free to use in the browser and as a desktop app with no sign-up required. The company says there are no paywalls and no enterprise-only tier, and the source code is open under the Apache 2.0 license.
Is draw.io the same as diagrams.net?
Yes. diagrams.net is the same product and the editor still runs at app.diagrams.net, while the main website is drawio.com. Files saved with either name open in the same app and stay backward compatible with diagrams made years ago.
Where does draw.io store my diagrams?
Wherever you choose. You can save to your own device or connect Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint or GitHub. draw.io says it cannot access your data, which is why many security-conscious teams prefer it.