The best flowchart software and diagram tools in 2026

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When a former manager suggested I use a flowchart for brainstorming, I laughed in his face. Wasn’t that like drafting War and Peace in Excel? How can haunted memories of geometry help me plan a social media campaign?

But then I saw it: the misshapen rectangle on my page was an overarching theme. And the blobby circle below that was a good post idea. I could draw another idea, and another…

Whether you call it a flowchart, diagram, or mind map, these are the best diagramming tools to get your creative juices (or boring organizational charts) flowing.

The best flowc…

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But then I saw it: the misshapen rectangle on my page was an overarching theme. And the blobby circle below that was a good post idea. I could draw another idea, and another…

Whether you call it a flowchart, diagram, or mind map, these are the best diagramming tools to get your creative juices (or boring organizational charts) flowing.

The best flowchart software and diagram tools

Lucidchart for advanced functionality

Zapier Canvas for diagramming business processes

SmartDraw for ultra-fast diagramming

EdrawMax for powerful AI tools and PowerPoint integration

Napkin for generating diagrams from existing content

Miro for remote team planning and meetings

Whimsical for an all-in-one workspace

Mermaid Chart for generating charts from text or code

yEd for the best free diagram and flowchart software

What makes the best flowchart and diagramming software?

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Working in marketing agencies for over ten years means I’ve seen my fair share of flowcharts, wireframes, diagrams, and mind maps in everything from website or campaign planning to brainstorming and creative ideation. Even now as a freelancer, I love visually organizing my thoughts when beginning a project.

To test these flowchart apps, I signed up for either a free account or trial of each and started one or more projects the way I normally would in my workflow. I tested the basic functionality of these flowchart apps, as well as advanced features like collaboration (using another account), AI enhancements, and data syncing.

In my opinion, these are the five most important features a good diagramming tool must have:

Easy to use: Whether you’re creating simple org charts or complex network diagrams with self-updating connected databases, a flowchart or diagram app should be easy to get started with right away.

Templates: Having a large library of templates saves time and allows everyone to make aesthetically pleasing, professional flowcharts.

Team collaboration: Real-time team collaboration is a must, especially for remote teams and for sharing projects with clients.

AI and other advanced features: Not all these apps have specific artificial intelligence (AI) features, but they each offer something unique to a specific set of users that other apps don’t. Depending on your needs, that could be a deciding factor for you.

**Value for price: **Cheapest isn’t always best. These flowchart and diagram apps range widely in price, though all present a good value for their specialty.

Alright, let’s get these nodes on the road. I’ve been updating this article for several years, and this year, after weeks of extensive testing, these are the best flowchart software and diagram apps.

The best flowchart and diagram software at a glance

Best diagram software for advanced functionality

Lucidchart (Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, iOS, Android, Web)

Lucidchart pros:

Advanced functionality to handle any need and integrations to connect to everything

Team hubs for easy cross-platform collaboration

Lucidchart cons:

Steep learning curve for understanding all functions

Lucidchart is widely seen as the “industry standard” flowchart/diagram software, and I can see why. The feature set is impressive, but the interface never feels overwhelming as a new user. Everything is organized and works as you’d expect: click and drag shapes and tools into your canvas, and access tooltips and help sections from anywhere.

New AI features also bring ultimate productivity to Lucidchart: create a diagram from a text prompt, create conditional formatting rules, and summarize content within a diagram. Lucidchart uses its own powerful custom GPT for diagram creation, or it can integrate with ChatGPT or your own large language model (LLM) via API connection.

This Microsoft Visio alternative makes it easy to switch from Visio because of its familiar Windows-inspired toolbar and menus. You can even import and export Visio format files for max compatibility, or to replace Visio entirely. Lucidchart’s cross-platform compatibility makes it easy to collaborate with coworkers or clients, and unlike Microsoft Visio, editors don’t need their own accounts to contribute.

Speaking of collaboration, real-time editing works as expected. You can invite anyone to collaborate in the web version via email, and multiple editors can live-edit in the same document. Combined with advanced data syncing from Google Sheets, CSV, and other sources and the per-user pricing structure, Lucidchart is equally suitable for small or large companies wanting the best mix of compatibility and pro features that won’t break the bank.

Lucidchart now has a separate app, Lucidspark, for online collaborative whiteboarding, meetings, and planning, similar to Miro and other team-focused workspace apps. Available separately or bundled with Lucidchart, the combination is at a similar price point to Miro but offers much more advanced diagramming capabilities.

With Zapier’s Lucidchart integration, you can connect it with thousands of other apps, allowing you to orchestrate workflows that scale across teams and systems. For example, when a new process map is finalized, AI can generate documentation, push updated procedures into your knowledge base, and create training tasks in your project management tool.

Lucidchart pricing: Free for up to 3 documents. Premium plans start at $9/month for individuals and $10/user/month for teams (minimum 3 users).

Best flowchart software for diagramming business processes

Zapier Canvas (Web)

Zapier Canvas pros:

Map out workflows and put them into action with the same tool

Share, collaborate, and gather feedback before automating

Find the most efficient automations with Zapier’s AI workflow analysis

Zapier Canvas cons:

May result in a compulsion to automate everything in your life (not sorry)

Canvas is a Zapier product, and you’re on the Zapier blog right now, so I appreciate any skepticism. But Zapier Canvas is the app you’re looking for if you’re having trouble mapping out your business workflows.

It’s a diagramming tool that lets you visualize, plan, and create automated processes—all in one. That last part is key: once you’ve mapped out your processes, including which apps you’ll use to make them work, you can turn those diagrams into live workflows directly on Zapier.

Zapier has also added a healthy dose of AI into the mix. With built-in AI, Canvas helps you discover more automation opportunities and quickly transform ideas and plans into actual processes. It’s perfect for visual thinkers, or anyone who wants a clear and collaborative space to make their business more efficient.

I simply typed one sentence about what I wanted (a system to capture leads from three sources and send them to Salesforce), and Zapier Canvas generated it in a few seconds. Plus, it suggested storing a backup in Zapier Tables and using Zapier Agents to qualify incoming leads first—genius.

You’ll map out your ideas with Zapier’s available tools and integrations, share plans with stakeholders (who can leave feedback), and refine your workflow before you begin building. When you’re ready to start automating, you can use AI to draft a Zap (Zapier’s term for an automated workflow) that’s the most efficient route to your destination.

Zapier Canvas price: Free while in open beta

Best diagram software for ultra-fast diagramming

SmartDraw (Windows, macOS, Web)

SmartDraw pros:

Seriously fast predictive formatting and actions

Extensive template library covering every diagram and charting need

SmartDraw cons:

Lacks flashier AI features like creating diagrams from text prompts; though its predictive formatting is so fast, I didn’t miss it

SmartDraw is the fastest way to start diagramming right now. Its ability to predict my next move, and what formatting I might want, felt like having an assistant creating alongside me.

While starting from scratch is incredibly easy and fast, there are also so many templates. SmartDraw has the most templates of any flowchart app I tested—over 4,500—for floor plans to org charts, decision trees, and everything in between.

SmartDraw makes work seamless, whether working with different file types or collaborators. Import and edit Lucid, Microsoft Visio, and other leading file types, and invite team members or clients without requiring a login or account to provide feedback. For teams, SmartDraw’s live real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work in the same file simultaneously without overwriting anyone’s work, while ensuring you own your data with enterprise-grade security, still with the convenience of cloud syncing.

Besides teamwork within diagram documents, SmartDraw also features a new shared workspace for brainstorming and whiteboarding together, tracking projects, and even pulling in Jira tickets to inspire product and process-focused solutions.

With its new teamwork tools combined with versatile format support and a fast, secure, and collaborative diagramming experience, SmartDraw is an excellent choice for organizations of all sizes.

**SmartDraw pricing: **Free trial for 7 days. $10.95/month for individuals; or $9.95/user/month for teams (minimum 3 users)

Best diagram software for AI-powered productivity

EdrawMax / Edraw.AI (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web)

EdrawMax pros:

All the advanced diagramming functions you need, plus best-in-class AI productivity tools

Create and edit diagrams inside Microsoft PowerPoint

EdrawMax cons:

Website is a bit confusing by listing Edraw.AI and other specific diagram tools separately from the main EdrawMax app; but once inside the app, it’s easy to find what you need

There are plenty of diagramming apps with powerful AI features, but if you’re looking for flowchart software with the best AI productivity tools, EdrawMax is it.

Besides assisting with diagram creation, EdrawMax can summarize files and documents, pull text out of and edit images, generate reports and images, write copy, and create entire diagrams in the style you select from text prompts. It’s easy to get a draft of a diagram in just a few clicks that you can edit with all the expected manual tools, speeding up the diagramming process.

When using EdrawMax, the biggest thing that stood out to me was how it combines advanced features that the “big guys” (like Lucidchart and Visio) have with useful AI tools to do everything from draft charts to website copy and image generation, too. There’s a lot to unpack in EdrawMax, including some really unique features, like the ability to embed diagrams into your site with HTML. With support for Microsoft Visio format, you can upload and edit Visio files, plus collaborate in real-time with your team, apply one-click design styles, and create multi-page files to keep charts organized.

Plus, new this year is deep integration with Microsoft PowerPoint, including creating, editing, and syncing diagrams and charts from right inside PowerPoint. You can even use EdrawMax’s powerful AI text-to-slide to create multiple layouts from prompts and access icons, symbols, and templates without leaving PowerPoint.

If you want just one business tool for your entire team to create diagrams and speed up their work with AI tools, rather than paying for many separate, specialized AI app subscriptions, EdrawMax is the powerhouse you want.

EdrawMax pricing: $99/year for individuals or a $198 one-time payment including desktop access and three years of online access; Team plans start at $238/year for 2 users with custom plans available for teams over 10 users

Best diagram software for generating diagrams from existing content

Napkin (Web)

Napkin pros:

Create diagrams by pasting text from documents; no AI prompt engineering required

500 free weekly AI credits is a good amount for occasional or low-volume users

Napkin cons:

Web-based only and lagged a few times in Safari; dedicated desktop apps would be nice, but overall my experience was great

Napkin surprised me with its different take on turning text content into chart graphics. If you need visually-appealing diagrams and charts for reports, social media posts, web pages, or any other presentation-focused project, Napkin is your new BFF.

I love that there’s no need to craft a wordy text prompt. Napkin’s smart AI takes your full text document and extracts what it needs to create accurate, good-looking visuals, ready to download and use. Because how much time does an AI tool really save you if you spend 30 minutes drafting the “perfect” prompt?

When I pasted this article into Napkin to test it out, it gave me plenty of useful charts, from a table summarizing all the apps I mention here, to a pro/con comparison of Lucidchart and Microsoft Visio with real data that makes sense. That’s what impressed me most: there’s no AI content filler you need to weed through and replace; it’s all instantly usable.

What if Napkin makes you a bar chart but you wanted a pie graph? No problem. Swap diagram types or change formatting and colors with a few clicks. Every part of Napkin’s diagrams are editable, from the icon to text, formatting, connectors, fonts, and more. I found Napkin’s output pretty great from the start, but changes are easy to make too. When ready to export, save your diagram as a PowerPoint, PDF, SVG, or PNG.

Napkin makes it easy for everyone to create visual aids to help their data be better understood by any audience, both within your organization or for marketing materials. Humans love visual explainers, and Napkin is a fast and easy way to include them.

**Napkin pricing: **Free up to 500 weekly AI credits. Premium plans are $9/user/month for 10,000 monthly AI credits and team management, and $22/user/month for 30,000 monthly AI credits, custom branding, and more.

Best diagram software for remote team planning and meetings

Miro (Windows, macOS, Windows Displays, iOS, Android, Web)

Miro pros:

Every tool remote working teams need in one app, including diagramming, meetings, documents, generative AI tools, and more

Brainstorm ideas with your team and turn notes into a working prototype

Miro cons:

Pricing and feature set is more than individuals need; best suited for teams

You probably use some sort of project management app at your organization already. Most likely also a meeting tool, cloud storage solution, and online documents app like Google Docs or similar for remote team collaboration. Even with those basic business needs, that could easily be five or more separate app subscriptions you’re paying for.

If you need all of that and diagramming… say hello to a Miro-cle.

My favorite way to use Miro is actually as a brainstorming and planning tool. The whiteboard-style layout makes individual or collaborative research and work easy, all in an aesthetically-pleasing, minimal-yet-functional layout sure to be a hit with nerds and the designer-minded alike. And now, your team can brainstorm together then turn those ideas into working prototypes to get solutions to market fast.

Miro has plenty of AI power to keep your team productive, including prompt-to-chart functionality and an AI Expert mode to offer suggestions on what you’re working on, tailored to your industry or topic. While the suggestions I received on my test marketing plan were fairly basic, they were helpful, making this far from a gimmicky feature. You can also draft content, proofread and edit grammar, translate text, and build shortcuts with AI to speed up workflows.

Miro has expanded its AI tools even more this year, including a new AI Innovation Workspace. You and your team work together on a canvas, and Miro’s smart AI Sidekick learns what’s on the board to assist you by adding new slides, building prototypes, and suggesting next steps. Plus, you can set up custom AI Sidekicks trained on your brand and industry to start new projects quickly. And if that* *weren’t enough, Miro connects with your AI coding tools (Cursor, GitHub, Windsurf, Claude Code) to flow your projects—prototypes, designs, diagrams, etc.—to these tools, so you can go from planning to production instantly.

Miro is an essential planning and meeting tool for any organization with a remote work model. There’s so much packed into this app, I can’t begin to cover it in just a few paragraphs.

Miro also offers a marketplace with over 250 integrations to top business apps and a public template library. And for everything else, Miro connects with Zapier, letting you orchestrate workflows that tie brainstorming directly to execution. For example, when a new strategy board is finalized, AI can turn sticky notes into structured project tasks, add deadlines into your calendar, and update an internal wiki with a summary—so ideation, planning, and knowledge sharing all move forward together. Learn more about how to automate Miro.

If I could marry an app, it would be Miro. Yep, I said it.

**Miro pricing: **Get 3 boards for free. Starter plan is $8/user/month for unlimited boards, meetings, and premium features. The Business plan for $16/user/month includes unlimited private workspaces, advanced meeting tools, and more.

Best diagram software for an all-in-one workspace

Whimsical (Windows, macOS, Web)

Whimsical pros:

Fast, smart AI

Docs area is excellent for writers and content teams

Whimsical cons:

Lacks advanced niche features such as syncing with coding tools, but highly functional for most organizations

If you love what Miro offers—brainstorming space, project management, AI productivity, and of course, diagramming—but have a small team or are an individual in search of the perfect all-in-one workspace app, Whimsical is for you.

Whimsical’s project management features got a major overhaul recently, including due dates, color-coded progress labeling, time tracking, and filtering and sorting capabilities. Collaboration is weaved throughout Whimsical, allowing teams to work together within documents, boards, and notes across all projects in a workspace.

As a freelancer, I like that Whimsical also makes sense for solo users as a space to do pretty much everything you need for creative work, from writing documents to planning and keeping track of to-dos.

Speaking of Whimsical’s Docs functionality, I love it. As a writer, I want a reliable writing space with fast access to formatting tools, the ability to add media and links, and editing tools for client feedback and revisions. Surprisingly, this combination of things is nearly impossible to find in most apps, let alone diagramming apps—but Whimsical does it well. I can write when I need to with all tools I need within reach (plus the ability to block out distractions when needed), and use Whimsical’s other features to plan projects, create tasks, collaborate with clients, and brainstorm ideas with AI—all in one space.

It’s refreshing to find such a capable flowchart and diagramming app that’s also a business BFF for teams and freelancers alike to streamline their tech stack.

**Whimsical pricing: **Free up to 3 boards and 100 total AI prompts. The Pro plan is $10/user/month for unlimited boards and 500 monthly AI actions. The Business plan is $15/user/month for larger file uploads and 1,000 monthly AI actions. The Enterprise plan is $20/user/month for advanced security, 2,000 monthly AI actions, and more.

Best diagram software for generating charts from text or code

Mermaid (Web)

Mermaid pros:

The fastest diagramming tool for users familiar with Mermaid syntax (or Markdown)

Easy-to-use AI text prompt chart creation for those who aren’t

Mermaid cons:

Limited to a web-based app only

You won’t be drowning in deadlines with Mermaid Chart’s rapid text-to-chart features. The aptly named tool understands Mermaid, a programming syntax similar to Markdown, to turn text or code commands into diagrams and charts.

For those already familiar with Mermaid syntax, you can create charts in seconds. For those who aren’t, you can learn it in a day. Or don’t use it at all, and still harness the time-saving benefits by creating charts with AI from text prompts.

Many flowchart apps also incorporate AI prompting, but Mermaid is one of the few tools aimed at text-first thinkers that combines Markdown-style chart creation and AI in the same app, while also still offering visual editing tools for the charts it creates.

While Mermaid Chart is a web-only app, there are plugins for top apps to make it a seamless part of your coding or planning workflow. Currently supported are Jira, Visual Code Studio, ChatGPT, Google Docs, and others with more future integrations planned.

Personally, I like the appeal of creating a chart quickly with text prompts but then fine-tuning it in Mermaid Chart’s visual editor. Add in handy tools like one-click design themes, templates, and real-time collaboration, and you have a well-rounded, yet lightweight, flowchart app capable of working equally well for wordy or visual thinkers.

**Mermaid Chart pricing: **Free version is limited to 5 diagrams without sharing features. Premium plans are $6.67/user/month for all features, or $17/user/month for enhanced Enterprise features.

Best free diagram and flowchart software

yEd (Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Confluence Plugin)

yEd pros:

It’s free!

Advanced feature set, including AI, for all types of diagrams and charts

yEd cons:

Real-time collaboration only available in Confluence plugin version

A free diagramming tool with AI chart creation features, team collaboration, data import, and cross-platform compatibility? If my eyebrows were a bar graph, they’d be all the way up the Y-axis.

The look of yEd is a little outdated, but if budget is tight, it offers all the features you could ever want in both dedicated desktop apps and a web version.

yEd has plenty of little bonus features that don’t sound particularly impressive on paper but make a big difference in use, such as the ability to have multiple diagrams open at once, customizable settings and layouts, custom icons, and multiple automatic chart layout options for instantly tidy diagrams.

Like the big guys, you can start a diagram from a text prompt with the ChatGPT integration, import data from multiple formats, including Excel, and create all types of diagrams with a built-in icon and template library. The only drawback to yEd is that real-time collaboration is only possible with the Confluence plugin version, though the web and desktop apps allow you to export and save your work multiple ways. For the (lack of) price, and especially if you use Confluence as a team, yEd is still a great diagram app.

**yEd pricing: **Free

Honorable mentions

These apps came close to making the list, so I wanted to be sure to give them a shout-out here.

Cacoo is a web-based diagramming app that’s perfect for easy real-time collaboration with clients.

Moqups excels at UX design and wireframing.

Microsoft Visio is ideal for Microsoft 365 users who don’t need cutting-edge AI features.

Venngage can turn AI prompts into charts and social media graphics for marketing or to add to presentations.

Creately offers advanced features, such as two-way data syncing, advanced AI diagramming, and remote team collaboration—much like Miro—at a fraction of the cost.

FigJam is the most fun collaborative brainstorming, meeting, and diagramming tool that can be used alone, and it integrates perfectly with Figma.

Mockitt is a simple and free diagramming app with collaboration features.

Which diagram and flowchart app is best for you?

Is there ever a perfect app in any category? Usually not, though I believe these are the best diagram and flowchart software options for most types of people.

To decide, make a list of your must-have features first and eliminate anything that doesn’t provide those. That way you’re only left with good options: an enviable place to be.

End of article.

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Go make a diagram.

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Now.

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Reader exit.

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