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Best Diagramming tools in 2026

Diagramming tools help you create flowcharts, mind maps, software models, process maps and other visual diagrams. This list covers web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API and self-hosted options for people choosing a tool on a budget.

46 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

draw.io
by draw.io
Free plan Open source WebWindowsMac+3

draw.io offers a broad set of diagram types, collaboration, and flexible storage choices at no cost. Teams that require Enterprise SSO should note that no such tier is listed.

9.3 Free plan Visit site
2

Structurizr
by Structurizr
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

Structurizr brings model-based architecture diagrams, multiple editing options, and export tools together. Check the per-installation user bands and hosting details against your team’s requirements.

8.9 Free plan · paid from £300/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
3

PlantUML
by PlantUML
Free plan APIExtensionLinux+4

PlantUML offers a text-based route to many diagram types, with browser editing, integrations, and local hosting options.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
4

Sparx Enterprise Architect
by Sparx Enterprise Architect
Free plan APILinuxMac+3

Enterprise Architect combines modeling, requirements traceability, simulation, code engineering and collaboration in one tool.

7.6 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
5

Lucidchart
by Lucidchart
Free plan WebiPhoneAndroid

Choose Lucidchart for a broad range of diagrams, real-time collaboration, offline editing, and connections to spreadsheet data.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
6

Creately
by Creately
Free plan APILinuxMac+3

Creately combines visual planning and diagramming with real-time collaboration, templates, and role-based sharing.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $5/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
7

Eraser

Free plan APIExtensionSelf-hosted+1

Eraser combines AI diagram creation with manual editing and team collaboration. The free plan is constrained, while private files and API calls begin with Starter.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $15/user/mo (annual) Visit site
8

EdrawMax
by EdrawMax
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

EdrawMax combines a large diagram catalogue, templates, AI tools and broad file support across desktop, browser and mobile platforms.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $5.90/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
9

yEd Graph Editor
by yEd Graph Editor
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

yEd offers broad diagram formats and layout options at no charge, with desktop versions for three operating systems.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
10

Mermaid

Free plan APIExtensionLinux+4

Mermaid supports a broad range of diagram types and multiple ways to create, edit and share diagrams. Review the Basic tier’s limits and the stated browser or runtime requirements for your setup.

7.4 Open source Visit site
11

Bizagi Modeler
by Bizagi Modeler
Free plan WebWindows

Bizagi Modeler combines BPMN modeling with simulation and multiple publishing routes, including a free single-user option.

7.3 Free plan · pricing on request Visit site
12

Cacoo
by Cacoo
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Cacoo covers a wide range of diagram types and offers collaboration, integrations, and multiple deployment options.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $6/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
13

UMLet
by UMLet
Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+2

Choose UMLet for free UML sketching across desktop, browser, Eclipse, or Visual Studio Code. Its text-based editing and broad desktop export formats suit quick diagram work.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
14

Software Ideas Modeler
by Software Ideas Modeler
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

Software Ideas Modeler brings broad diagram coverage together with code and database modeling tools. Its edition features vary, and real-time collaboration requires Software Ideas Server.

7.3 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
15

Visual Paradigm
by Visual Paradigm
Free plan Web

Visual Paradigm spans modeling, diagramming, and development tools, with browser and desktop workflows and collaboration options.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $4/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Visit site
16

ClickCharts

Free plan AndroidMacWindows

ClickCharts covers a broad range of diagram types with templates, symbols, graphing, and export options.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
17

Arcentry
by Arcentry
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Choose Arcentry if you need interactive infrastructure diagrams, template imports, live updates, or a way to show several providers on one canvas.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $9.90/mo Visit site
18

Ilograph
by Ilograph
Free plan APILinuxMac+3

Ilograph offers interactive system diagrams, offline desktop editing, and an export route that can run without external internet access.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $11.99/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
19

Graphviz

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

Choose Graphviz if you want free, open-source graph visualization with configurable layouts and broad export options.

7.1 Open source Visit site
20

Gliffy

Free plan Web

Gliffy covers varied diagram types, imports, exports and Confluence workflows, with a free option for smaller groups.

7.0 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
21

Pencil Project

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pencil combines interface-specific stencils, diagram shapes, and a range of export options in a desktop tool. Its links between document pages can carry through to web exports as hyperlinks.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
22

IcePanel
by IcePanel
Free plan APIWeb

IcePanel connects C4-style diagrams through a shared model and supports collaboration, overlays, and share links. The Free plan has editor and object caps; paid plans are billed annually.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $40/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
23

D2

Free plan APILinuxMac+3

D2 offers text-based diagram creation with broad export, layout and editor options at no cost. Its documented scale limitation matters for very large diagrams.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
24

Dia

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pick Dia if you need a free desktop diagrammer covering UML, flowcharts, networks, and entity relationships. Look elsewhere if you need a different platform or file-import route than those provided.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
25

Hava
by Hava
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Hava combines cloud diagrams, change history, and resource-level cost estimates. Check source and user allowances against your needs, and note that exports are disabled during the trial.

6.9 From $59/mo · 14-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, collaboration, diagram types, desktop and offline use, file import and export, and editor seat limits. If code access matters, check the open-source licence; also check free-trial terms before choosing.

Questions

Are diagramming tools available for free?

Yes. Tools on this list offer free plans or use free pricing models, and a free trial is available from tools on the list. Check limits and trial terms before relying on one.

Can I use a diagramming tool offline?

Offline editing is a comparison field for this list. Check the product details for the platform and plan you intend to use.

Do these tools support open-source code?

Open-source code is available from tools on this list. Read the licence before modifying or redistributing code.

Which platforms are covered?

The list includes web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API and self-hosted options. Confirm support for your device or deployment before choosing.

What should I compare besides price?

Compare real-time collaboration, diagram types, desktop apps, offline editing, import and export formats, and editor seat limits.

Questions

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