Flowchart
Independently reviewed
Updated
Flowchart software helps turn a process into connected steps and decisions that other people can follow. It can support onboarding, business-process documentation, software planning and discussions about where a workflow breaks down. Compare the basics first: shapes, connectors, templates, page sizes and exports. For team…
yEd Graph Editor
42
Needs work
Free planFree
Individual process documentation, technical graphs
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Free desktop flowchart and graph editor with automatic layout and data import yEd Graph Editor is a free desktop diagramming application from yWorks.
yEd is worth trying when automatic layout and structured data import are central to your diagram work. The free desktop app has useful palettes and export choices, but a learning curve and license limits. This desk review does not claim hands-on testing, real-time collaboration or automation rights.
Flowchart, BPMN, UML, entity-relationship and network symbols.
Arrange connected nodes with layout algorithms, then refine the result.
Load GraphML, XLS, GML, GEDCOM or transformed XML.
Export PNG, JPG, SVG or PDF for documents and presentations.
Map imported custom properties to visible node and edge characteristics.
Free flowcharts and diagrams in your browser or on your desktop What draw.io does draw.io, also known through its free web editor at diagrams.net, is diagramming software for flowcharts, process maps, network diagrams and other visual documentation.
draw.io is worth considering for free core diagramming, editable files and the choice between a browser workflow and an offline desktop app. Its storage model fits teams that want diagrams alongside their existing documentation rather than in another hosted account.This recommendation is based on official documentation, not a hands-on collaboration test. Confirm storage permissions, file versioning and the price of any separate integration before rolling it out.
Use shapes, connectors and reusable templates to build flowcharts and other diagrams.
Keep source diagrams editable and export SVG, PNG or PDF for documentation.
Use the desktop app on Windows, macOS and Linux without relying on browser connectivity.
Save locally or through supported storage integrations; sharing permissions remain with the storage provider.
Free browser editor for text-based flowcharts and technical diagrams Mermaid Live Editor is a free browser editor for creating diagrams from Mermaid text.
Mermaid Live Editor is useful when a flowchart belongs alongside editable technical text. Start with a small non-sensitive example, keep your source separately and inspect the destination output. Use a visual editor instead when precise manual layout is the main need.
Write Mermaid syntax and inspect the rendered preview.
Built-in flowchart, sequence, ER and other examples help learn syntax.
Adjust supported rendering and appearance options through Config.
PNG/SVG controls, external renderer links and encoded-state share links.
Browser History, official PWA guidance and MIT repository with Docker instructions.
Transparent criteria and editorial standards behind every score in this guide.
We evaluate each app on features, ease of use, value for money, integrations, and real user feedback. Apps are ranked by overall editor score within this category, with manual adjustments when hands-on testing reveals a clear winner.
| Feature | yEd Graph Editor | draw.io | Mermaid Live Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor rating | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Pricing | Free plan | Open source | Open source |
| Starting price | Free | — | — |
| Free plan | Included | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No | No |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Web app, macOS, Windows, Linux | Web app |
Quick answers about the best Flowchart software.
Our editors rank yEd Graph Editor #1 for most teams in Flowchart based on features, value, and user feedback. See the full ranked list above for alternatives.
Yes — many Flowchart apps offer free plans or trials. Use the pricing filter in our directory to browse free and freemium options.
We evaluate each app on features, ease of use, value for money, integrations, and real user feedback. Apps are ranked by overall editor score within this category, with manual adjustments when hands-on testing reveals a clear winner.
Free desktop flowchart and graph editor with automatic layout and data import yEd Graph Editor is a free desktop diagramming application from yWorks.
Free flowcharts and diagrams in your browser or on your desktop What draw.io does draw.io, also known through its free web editor at diagrams.net, is diagramming software for flowcharts, process maps, network diagrams and other visual documentation.
Free browser editor for text-based flowcharts and technical diagrams Mermaid Live Editor is a free browser editor for creating diagrams from Mermaid text.
Free browser editor for text-based flowcharts and technical diagrams
Free desktop flowchart and graph editor with automatic layout and data import
Free flowcharts and diagrams in your browser or on your desktop
