Side by side
Creately vs Dia
Both stand on diagram software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Creately combines visual planning and diagramming with real-time collaboration, templates, and role-based sharing. The free plan has clear canvas and import limits, while the listed paid amounts are not exposed beyond the $5/mo (annual) starting note.
Visit Creately 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.
Visit DiaThe facts
| Creately | Dia | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Business: $89 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Creately | Not published |
| Website | creately.com | dia-installer.de |
| On diagram software | #4 of 36 | #8 of 36 |
Creately: what it does well
- Infinite canvas supports several visual workflows
- Real-time editing includes comments and tasks
- Free plan includes unlimited canvases and collaborators
- On-Prem offers self-hosted deployment
What to know first
- Free canvases are limited to 45 items
- Free plan includes one folder and two imports
- SVG and PDF exports require premium plans
Dia: what it does well
- Supports entity-relationship, UML, flowchart, and network diagrams
- Imports Dia XML and Visio XML files
- Exports EPS, SVG, XFIG, WMF, and PNG
- Free under the GNU General Public License, GPLv2
- Packages available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
What to know first
- Desktop application rather than a browser-based tool
- Supported imports are limited to Dia XML and Visio XML
- Windows download is version 0.97.2