Top 10 Free Alternatives to Diagrams.net (Draw.io) in 2025

In 2025, the landscape for diagramming tools has expanded significantly, offering diverse functionalities to cater to various user needs. Whether it's for collaborative work, advanced AI features, or simply a robust free option, here are the top 10 free alternatives to Diagrams.net to consider.

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1. Miro

Description: Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard that excels in diagramming, brainstorming, and project planning. It offers a vast, infinite canvas for teams to work together in real-time.
Key Features:
Real-time collaboration with multiple users.
Extensive template library, including mind maps, flowcharts, and more.
Integrates with tools like Jira and Confluence.
AI-powered features, including generative AI for chart creation and an AI chatbot assistant.
Versatile use for various purposes beyond diagramming, such as meetings and project management.
Free Plan: Limited to 3 boards.
Explore Miro
Sources: [2], [11], [13], [18], [20]

2. Lucidchart

Description: Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagramming tool known for its advanced functionality and collaborative features.
Key Features:
Real-time collaborative editing.
Large canvas for complex diagrams.
Integrations with platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
AI layout assistance.
Suitable for both basic flowcharts and complex technical diagrams.
Free Plan: Available with limited features.
Explore Lucidchart
Sources: [1], [5], [7], [16], [18], [28], [29]

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3. yEd Graph Editor

Description: yEd is a free desktop application for creating high-quality diagrams and flowcharts.
Key Features:
Powerful diagramming and flowchart capabilities.
Supports a variety of diagram types.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Automatic layout algorithms to arrange diagram elements.
Completely free.
Free Plan: Entirely free.
Explore yEd
Sources: [1]

4. Canva Flowchart Maker

Description: Canva is a popular online design tool that includes a flowchart maker with a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
Large collection of starter templates.
Suitable for both individual users and teams.
Good for creating various types of flowcharts.
Free option for personal use.
Free Plan: Available with good flexibility.
Explore Canva
Sources: [4], [7], [18]

5. EdrawMax

Description: EdrawMax is a diagramming tool focused on AI-powered productivity with a wide variety of templates and symbols.
Key Features:
Large library of 14,000+ symbols and 260+ diagram types.
AI-assisted organization and text summarization.
Templates for various diagram types.
Suitable for mind maps, flowcharts, and organizational charts.
Good for complex and detailed diagrams.
Free Plan: Available with limitations.
Explore EdrawMax
Sources: [1], [5], [7], [19]

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6. GitMind

Description: GitMind is a free online tool for mind mapping and flowchart creation with an emphasis on real-time collaboration.
Key Features:
Real-time collaboration.
Multiple export options (JPG, PNG, Word).
Templates for mind maps and flowcharts.
Web-based and entirely free.
Good alternative for collaborative diagramming.
Free Plan: Entirely free.
Explore GitMind
Sources: [5], [28]

7. Whimsical

Description: Whimsical provides an intuitive way to create diagrams and mind maps, featuring AI capabilities for mind mapping.
Key Features:
AI mind-mapping capabilities.
Easy-to-use interface.
Suitable for creating mind maps and flowcharts.
Collaborative and easy to share.
Aesthetically pleasing diagrams.
Free Plan: Available.
Explore Whimsical
Sources: [7], [8]

8. Mermaid Chart

Description: Mermaid Chart generates charts and diagrams from text or code, ideal for text-first thinkers.
Key Features:
Converts text or code into charts using Mermaid syntax.
AI-powered text prompt chart creation.
Rapid text-to-chart feature.
Primarily web-based.
Suitable for technical users who prefer a text-based approach.
Free Plan: Available.
Explore Mermaid Chart
Sources: [1]

9. Cacoo

Description: Cacoo is an online diagramming tool great for creating flowcharts, mind maps, and organizational charts with real-time collaboration.
Key Features:
Real-time collaboration.
Suitable for mind maps, flowcharts, and org charts.
Simple online diagramming interface.
Easy sharing options.
Good for simple, straightforward diagrams.
Free Plan: Available with limitations.
Explore Cacoo
Sources: [7], [8], [19], [29]

10. ClickUp

Description: ClickUp is a comprehensive project management tool that includes diagramming capabilities with its whiteboard feature connected to docs and tasks.
Key Features:
AI-supported flowcharts and automated workflows.
Whiteboard feature for diagrams, connected to tasks.
Collaboration features.
Supports various types of diagrams.
Mobile and web-based apps.
Free Plan: Available with limitations.
Explore ClickUp
Sources: [7], [13], [17]

Ensure to check the respective websites for each tool for the most up-to-date information regarding their free plans and functionalities.

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FAQ

1. What is Miro best suited for?

Miro is best suited for collaborative online whiteboarding, brainstorming, and project planning with extensive template libraries and real-time collaboration features. Learn more about Miro

2. What are the key features of Lucidchart?

Lucidchart offers real-time collaborative editing, large canvas for complex diagrams, integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and AI layout assistance, ideal for both basic and technical diagrams. Explore Lucidchart

3. Is yEd Graph Editor truly free to use?

Yes, yEd Graph Editor is entirely free with no hidden costs, and it supports a variety of diagram types with powerful layout algorithms. Discover yEd Graph Editor

4. What makes Canva Flowchart Maker user-friendly?

Canva Flowchart Maker features a drag-and-drop interface with a vast library of templates, making it easy to create various types of flowcharts for both single users and teams. Learn more about Canva

5. What are the benefits of using EdrawMax?

EdrawMax offers AI-assisted productivity features, an extensive library of symbols and templates, and is suitable for detailed and complex diagrams such as mind maps and organizational charts. Explore EdrawMax

6. How does GitMind support collaboration?

GitMind supports real-time collaboration, multiple export options, and a variety of templates for mind maps and flowcharts, making it a good choice for collaborative diagramming. Learn more about GitMind

7. What is unique about Whimsical?

Whimsical stands out with its AI mind-mapping capabilities, intuitive interface, and aesthetically pleasing diagrams, making it good for simple and collaborative use. Explore Whimsical

8. How does Mermaid Chart create diagrams from text?

Mermaid Chart generates diagrams by converting text or code into charts using Mermaid syntax, which is ideal for users who prefer a text-based approach. Discover Mermaid Chart

9. What types of diagrams can be created with Cacoo?

Cacoo is good for creating flowcharts, mind maps, and organizational charts with real-time collaboration features and a simple online interface. Learn more about Cacoo

10. How does ClickUp integrate diagramming with project management?

ClickUp integrates diagramming with its whiteboard feature, supporting AI-generated flowcharts and automated workflows, which connect directly to tasks and documents within the platform. Explore ClickUp

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.