Side by side
Dia vs Mermaid Chart
Both stand on flowchart software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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 Dia Free plan APIExtensionWeb
Mermaid Chart combines text-driven diagrams with AI generation, collaboration, and integrations. Its free Basic plan has a three-diagram limit, and its content policy differs between Basic and trial or paid tiers.
Visit Mermaid ChartThe facts
| Dia | Mermaid Chart | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Extension, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Plus: $12 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | dia-installer.de | mermaid.ai |
| On flowchart software | #4 of 17 | #8 of 17 |
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
Mermaid Chart: what it does well
- Converts plain-text syntax into diagrams.
- Includes a range of diagram types.
- Supports real-time co-editing, comments, and live links.
- Basic costs nothing.
What to know first
- Basic includes three diagrams.
- Basic-tier content may be used to improve services.
- Plus costs $12 a month billed annually.
- Premium costs $24 a month billed annually.
Alternatives to Dia Alternatives to Mermaid Chart The whole list