Visio is a professional chart and vector software from tech-giant Microsoft. It is widely known as part of the Microsoft Office enterprise, and offers two versions: Standard and Professional. Although it is widely known, only those who can afford this software can really use it. The reason is the steep price range for both versions. The Standard version is priced at $300 while the Professional version costs $590. If you are on the look for a budget-friendly software, then Visio is not for your. Alternatively, you can go for some Visio alternatives that costs less to none. Here are 8 Microsoft Visio alternative tools that you can use without breaking the bank.
Top Microsoft Visio Alternatives:
- GitMind
- Lucidchart
- The Pencil Project
- Diagrams.net
- XMind
- Gliffy
- Dia
- Google Drawings
1. GitMind (https://gitmind.com/)
Platform: Windows and Mac
First of all, if you don’t like to pay for things like Visio alternative software, then you will love GitMind. Unlike Visio, GitMind is a web-based mind map and chart maker, and is absolutely free. Yes! It is free so there is no need to get your credit card or anything. GitMind provides almost the same features with Visio, except the Vectors part. However, if you are into mind maps and charts, then you wont regret using GitMind. It has a lot of templates, and even lets you create your own design. You can even work with other people on a single map, which is really convenient for brainstorming.
2. Lucidcharts (https://www.lucidchart.com/)
Platform: Windows and Mac
Lucidchart is one of the other choices that you can use to replace Visio. Similar to GitMind, Lucidchart is also an online application that lets you create mind maps and collaborate with others. It provides basic features to those who wants to use it for free. However, if you find the basic features unsatisfactory, you can pay $95.40/year to subscribe to its premium benefits. There is a clear difference between the free and premium version in-terms of available features. Nevertheless, if its mind map and chart creation you’re after, then the free version will do the trick.
3. The Pencil Project (https://pencil.evolus.vn/)
Platform: Windows, Android and iOS
The Pencil Project is an open sourced prototyping and diagram tool. It is commonly used by web-designers for technical purposes. On the other hand, it can be also used to create anything from simple to complicated diagrams and charts. Similar to Visio, this tool needs to be installed but doesn’t cost any amount. The tool is also compatible with mobile devices which is really convenient. It is packed with lots of free usable templates, which makes it one of the top Visio alternatives.
4. Diagrams.net (https://www.draw.io/)
Platform: Windows and Mac
Diagrams.net is an online diagram maker, and is a decent Visio replacement. At first glance, it looks like your regular run-off-the-mill chart maker. However, it provides more options compared to your usual tool. DRAW.IO focus its attention to creating stunning and appealing charts, which is why it provides a complex set of options. The only downside though is its lack of ready-to-use templates. Overall, it still is worth using because it’s free, and you can directly save your charts and maps to Google Drive and Dropbox.
5. XMind (https://www.xmind.net/)
Platform: Windows and Mac
Xmind is one of the cleanest, and well-organized chart maker that you can install on your PC. The its interface, to the editing panel, you’ll notice that it was designed. Similar to Visio, XMind is a premium software which means you need to purchase it. However, there is still a way to use it without paying anything and that is by using the free trial version. It has a wide-range of templates, as well as other options that can help optimize your chart.
6. Gliffy (https://www.gliffy.com/)
Platform: Windows
Gliffy is an online diagram maker that you can integrate to other tools like Confluence. It provides different types of diagram options and even lets you add images to your chart. Apart from that, it offers a trial version which gives you unrestricted access to its premium options for a certain duration. It also has a collaborative feature that lets you work with others remotely at the same time. In general, you will never go wrong with Gliffy as it’s cheaper compared to Visio.
7. Dia (http://dia-installer.de/download/index.html)
Platform: Windows, Mac and Linux
If you’ll look at it, you can consider Dia as the open-source counterpart of Visio. This is due to the high resemblance of Dia to Visio in-terms of interface and features. If you are looking for a worthy alternative, then you have it with Dia, as you get the same options, such as UML chart creator. Aside from that, you can even open files created from Visio and edit them on Dia. It also provides templates to make things easier for beginners.
8. Google Drawings (https://docs.google.com/drawings)
Platform Windows, Mac
Lastly, we have Google Drawings. This is Google’s answer to the Microsoft Visio app from the Microsoft Office Enterprise. Unlike the latter, Google Drawings is relatively easy to use, just like other Google document application. Like other Google documents apps, it’s free to use and allows real-time editing which is convenient. Aside from that, you can directly save the file on your Google Drive, or send it to your colleagues via URL.
Conclusion:
Microsoft Visio is indeed realiable, as per its reputation. However, it’s a fact that not everyone can afford it. That is why I provided a list of the most reliable Visio alternatives. On the other hand, the choice is still yours if you’ll use them or not. If you think that there are other tools that deserves to be included in this list, then feel free to leave them in the comments.
