Alternatives to Microsoft Visio

Microsoft's diagramming application for flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, network and UML diagrams. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Microsoft Visio.

  • Lucidchart

    A browser-based diagramming app for flowcharts, process maps, org charts and technical diagrams.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Lucidchart is a browser-based diagramming app for flowcharts, org charts and technical diagrams, with a free tier and diagrams stored in Lucid's cloud.

  • draw.io

    A diagram and flowchart editor whose desktop build stores files locally and never sends your data anywhere.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    draw.io is a free, Apache-licensed desktop editor for Windows, macOS and Linux that stores files locally and includes AWS, Azure and Cisco shape libraries.

  • Whimsical

    A collaborative whiteboard for diagrams, wireframes, flowcharts and mind maps aimed at product teams.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Whimsical is a hosted collaborative tool for flowcharts, wireframes and mind maps with real-time editing, aimed at product teams rather than formal technical diagrams.

  • Excalidraw

    Collaborative whiteboard with a hand-drawn look.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Excalidraw is an open-source, self-hostable whiteboard with a hand-drawn look and encrypted collaboration, but it is not built for precise technical diagrams.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.

  • Miro

    An online collaborative whiteboard where teams plan, diagram and brainstorm on a shared canvas.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

  • FigJam

    Figma's online collaborative whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, workshops and planning.

    FreemiumProprietaryiOSWeb

  • Napkin AI

    Web app that turns written text into editable diagrams, charts, flowcharts and mind maps.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

  • tldraw

    Fast infinite-canvas whiteboard that runs in the browser.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

  • Xmind

    A mind mapping and brainstorming app for web, desktop and mobile with AI and Gantt planning.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

  • MindMeister

    An online mind mapping tool with real-time collaboration, AI map generation and a presentation mode.

    FreemiumProprietaryAndroidWeb