Best Software for Creating Flowcharts (Drag and Drop)
Imagine you need to explain a complex process to your readers, but words alone aren’t enough. This is where flowchart software comes in. A good flowchart software helps you transform complicated steps into simple, visual diagrams, making communication within the team easier and understanding any workflow or operation straightforward. Choosing the right flowchart software can also save time and allow you to create professional diagrams even without design skills.
In this guide, we will explore best flowchart software like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, Diagrams.net (Draw.io), Miro, and Creately, looking at their features, pricing, pros, and cons. All of these tools are widely used in areas where it is essential to clarify processes, workflows, and decisions. They are not just visual tools—they play a crucial role in explaining processes, improving team coordination, and providing training.
Whether you are a student, architect, developer, business owner, or project manager, you will find a solution that fits your workflow and budget. Free tools are perfect for beginners, while premium software offers advanced automation and integrations. This post will help you choose the right flowchart software so you can create clear, attractive diagrams that enhance your content, presentations, and documentation while boosting productivity and engagement for better results.
Best software for creating flowcharts
1. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a modern and smart visual diagramming tool, specially designed for people who want to explain their ideas, processes, and systems in an easy and visual way. It is not just a diagram-making tool, but a complete visual collaboration platform.
Its interface is very simple and user-friendly. With the help of the Drag & Drop system, anyone can create professional-quality diagrams within minutes, whether they have design experience or not. It also provides ready-made templates for all types of diagrams, which saves a lot of time.
One of the biggest strengths of Lucidchart is its real-time collaboration feature. Multiple people can work on the same diagram at the same time, changes appear instantly, and feedback can be shared easily through comments. In addition, it has a Presentation Mode that allows you to present your diagrams directly in meetings or classes without using any extra software. It is useful for students, architects, developers, business analysts, and project managers alike.
Key Features of Lucidchart
• Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Diagramming
• Real-Time Collaboration
• Cloud-Based & Cross-Device Access
• Extensive Templates and Shape Libraries
• Data Linking & Visualization
• Conditional Formatting
• Version History & Revision Control
• Presentation Mode
• Strong Integrations
• AI and Automation Tools
Pros of Lucidchart :
> Easy to Use
> Works in the Browser
> Cloud-Based & Accessible Anywhere
> Real-Time Collaboration
> Wide Range of Templates
> Integrations with Popular Tools
> Good for Teams and Individuals
Cons of Lucidchart :
> No Official Desktop App
> Limited Free Plan
> Internet Dependence
> Some Features Require Higher Plans
> Can Be Pricey for Large Teams
Pricing Overview
Lucidchart offers multiple subscription tiers, including a completely free plan and paid plans designed for individuals, teams, and large organizations. Pricing can vary slightly depending on how you pay (monthly vs. annual), and for some regions only annual billing is supported.
Free Plan – $0
• Cost: Free forever
• Best for: Beginners, students, or occasional diagram creators
Individual Plan – Around $9 (varies)
• Cost: Around $9 per month (billed annually)
• Best for: Freelancers, solo creators, professionals
Team Plan – Around $10 per user
• Cost: Around $10 per user per month (billed annually)
• Best for: Small teams or departments
Enterprise Plan – Custom Pricing
• Cost: Contact Lucidchart for a quote (pricing tailored to organization size)
• Best for: Large businesses and corporations
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Lucidchart’s official website.
Lucidchart Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Web Browser — Any OS with Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari
• Desktop App — No Official Desktop App for PC
• Mobile App — Android, iOS
2. Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is a professional diagramming software used to create visual diagrams and flowcharts. It is developed by Microsoft and is widely used in fields such as business, education, IT, engineering, and project management. With Visio, complex information can be transformed into simple and easy-to-understand visuals.
The main purpose of Microsoft Visio is to visually represent processes, systems, and workflows. It allows you to create flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, floor plans, timelines, and many other technical and business diagrams. The software works on a drag-and-drop interface, which makes it easy to use even for beginners.
Visio includes a large library of pre-built templates and shapes, enabling users to create diagrams quickly and in a professional way. Its smart connectors automatically connect shapes correctly and keep the diagram clean and well-organized.
Key Features of Microsoft Visio
• Ready-Made Templates
• Drag-and-Drop Shapes
• Smart Connectors
• Auto-Alignment and Spacing
• Data Linking
• Shape Data
• Layer Management
• Collaboration Tools
• Professional Formatting Tools
• Export and Sharing Options
• Integration with Microsoft Apps
• Validation Rules
Pros of Microsoft Visio :
> Professional Diagram Quality
> Large Template Library
> Easy to Use
> Smart Connectors
> Microsoft Integration
> Collaboration Support
> Export in Multiple Formats
> Web Version Available
Cons of Microsoft Visio :
> Not Free
> Windows-Focused
> Learning Curve for Advanced Use
> Limited Design Creativity
> Online Version Has Fewer Features
> Heavy Software
> No Mobile App for Full Editing
> Pricing Can Be Expensive for Small Users
Pricing Overview
Microsoft Visio pricing is divided into two main types: Subscription plans and One-time purchase licenses. This flexible pricing system allows users to choose between monthly payments or a single permanent payment, depending on their needs.
I. Subscription Plans (Per User / Per Month)
Subscription plans are ideal for users who want continuous updates, cloud access, and collaboration features.
Visio Plan 1
• Cost: $5/user/month (cloud only)
• Best For: Professional diagrammers on a budget
Visio Plan 2
• Cost: $15/user/month (web + desktop)
• Best For: Power users & teams
II. One-Time Purchase (Perpetual License)
For users who prefer to pay once and own the software forever (without a subscription), Microsoft also offers traditional desktop versions.
Visio Standard 2024
• Cost: (One-Time) — $309.99
• Best For: Individuals / offline users
Visio Professional 2024
• Cost: (One-Time) — $579.99
• Best For: Advanced offline diagramming
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Microsoft Visio’s official website.
Microsoft Visio Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Web Browser — Any OS with Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari
• Desktop App — Windows
• Mobile App — No native mobile app
3. Creately
Creately is one of the best tools for creating flowcharts, as it turns complex processes into simple and clear visuals. If you want to present processes, steps, workflows, decision-making, or system working in an easy and visual way, then Creately is a perfect platform for flowcharts.
In Creately, you can create flowcharts using the drag-and-drop system. This means you don’t need deep knowledge of coding or designing. Just drag the shapes onto the canvas, connect them, and your flowchart is ready. All important flowchart symbols like start, process, decision, and input-output are already available.
Creately also allows you to customize colors, fonts, shape sizes, and layouts according to your preference. This makes your flowchart look attractive and unique. You can export your created flowchart in PNG, JPG, PDF, and SVG formats.
Key Features of Creately
• User-Friendly Interface
• Wide Range of Templates
• Multiple Diagram Types
• Real-Time Collaboration
• Cloud-Based Access
• Offline Editing
• Smart Shapes and Connectors
• Export and Sharing Options
• Presentation Mode
• Integrations with Other Tools
• High-Quality Visual Output
Pros of Creately :
> Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
> Large collection of ready-made templates
> Supports many diagram types (flowcharts, mind maps, UML, ER, etc.)
> Cloud-based, accessible from any device
> Real-time collaboration with team members
> Smart connectors and auto-alignment for clean designs
> Customizable colors, fonts, and layouts
> Export in multiple formats (PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG)
Cons of Creately :
> Free version has limited features and storage
> Some advanced templates and tools require a paid plan
> Internet connection is needed for full cloud features
> Can feel slow with very large or complex diagrams
> Limited advanced graphic design options
> compared to professional design tools
> Export quality options may be restricted in the free plan
Pricing Overview
Creately offers flexible pricing for individuals, teams, and businesses. It has a Free plan for basic diagram creation, while paid plans provide advanced tools, more templates, and wider export options.
Free Plan — $0
• Cost: $0/month forever.
• Best for: Beginners, students, or casual users who want to test the tool.
Personal Plan — Around $8
• Cost: Typically around $5–$8 per month (billed annually gets a lower price).
• Best for: Bloggers, freelancers & individual professionals.
Team Plan — Around $8
• Cost: Around $8 per user/month (annual billing is cheaper).
• Best for: Small teams working together on diagrams and workflows.
Business Plan — Around $149
• Cost: Around $149 per month (flat rate) or similar depending on source.
• Best for: Larger teams and companies needing strong collaboration and integrations.
Enterprise — Custom Pricing
• Cost: Custom — contact sales for a tailored quote.
• Best for: Big organizations with custom needs.
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Creately’s official website.
Creately Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Web Browser — Any OS with Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari
• Desktop App — Windows, macOS and Linux
• Mobile App — No native mobile app
4. Miro
Miro is an online whiteboard tool that is used to create flowcharts. With it, you can show any process, system, or workflow in a simple and clear visual form. Its interface is based on drag and drop, so even beginners can easily create professional flowcharts without any technical knowledge.
In this tool, you can design your flowchart using different shapes, arrows, text, and colors. You can customize the layout and style according to your topic, which makes the flowchart more attractive and easier to understand.
It supports real-time collaboration, so teams can work together smoothly, and diagrams can be exported in multiple formats such as PNG, PDF, and SVG. Miro is best for anyone who wants to explain complex processes in visual form, whether you are a student, a business professional, or a developer and IT professional.
Key Features of Miro
• Drag-and-Drop Interface
• Extensive Shape Library
• Pre-Built Templates
• Custom Styling
• Real-Time Collaboration
• Cross-Platform Access
• Export Options
• Infinite Canvas
• Integration with Other Tools
• Version History & Undo/Redo
• AI-Assisted Diagramming
• Team & Permission Controls
• Visual Clarity for Complex Processes
Pros of Miro :
> Easy drag‑and‑drop flowchart creation
> Lots of customizable templates
> Real‑time team collaboration
> Works on any device and browser
> Multiple export formats (PNG, PDF, SVG, JPG)
> Integrates with popular tools
> Infinite canvas for large diagrams
Cons of Miro :
> Free plan has limited features
> Some advanced tools require paid subscription
> Learning curve for beginners with lots of features
> Internet connection needed for full access
> Can feel slow with very large or detailed boards
Pricing Overview
Miro offers flexible pricing for individuals, teams, and businesses. It has a Free plan for basic use, while paid plans provide more boards, advanced tools, stronger collaboration, and better security, with per-user monthly pricing and discounts on annual billing.
Free Plan — $0
• Cost: $0 per user/month
• Best for: Individual users or beginners to explore features
Starter Plan — Around $8
• Cost: Around $8 per user/month (billed annually)
• Best for: Small teams or power users who want more control
Business Plan — Around $16
• Cost: Around $16 per user/month (billed annually)
• Best for: Growing teams and businesses
Enterprise Plan — Custom Pricing
• Cost: Custom Pricing
• Best for: Big organizations with custom needs.
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Miro’s official website.
Miro Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Web Browser — Any OS with Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari
• Desktop App — Windows and macOS
• Mobile App — No native mobile app
5. Diagrams.net (formerly draw.io)
Diagrams.net, previously known as draw.io, is a free and open-source diagramming tool that is highly useful for both personal and professional purposes. This tool allows users to create flowcharts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, mind maps, organizational charts, wireframes, and many other types of visual diagrams. The main objective of Diagrams.net is to present complex ideas and data in a simple and clear visual form, which helps in teamwork, project management, and educational activities.
The interface of Diagrams.net is easy to use and intuitive. It includes drag-and-drop shapes, pre-built templates, layers, and auto-alignment features that make the process of creating complex diagrams simple and fast. In addition, it offers custom shapes and icons, themes, export options (PNG, SVG, PDF, XML), and import options, making it easy to integrate diagrams into any type of project.
The biggest advantage of Diagrams.net is that it is completely free and open-source, which means there is no cost for personal or commercial use.
Key Features of Diagrams.net
• Free & Open‑Source
• Cross‑Platform & Flexible Access
• Wide Range of Diagram Types
• Easy‑to‑Use Drag‑and‑Drop Interface
• Cloud & Local Storage Integration
• Collaboration & Versioning
• Import & Export Options
• Data Privacy & Security
• Customization & Advanced Tools
Pros of Diagrams.net :
> Free & Open‑Source
> No Account Needed + Cross‑Platform
> Cloud & Local Storage Support
> Wide Diagram Support
> Flexible Export & File Options
> Collaboration via Cloud
> Lightweight & Fast
> Large Shape & Icon Library
Cons of Diagrams.net :
> Interface Feels Outdated
> Limited Advanced Features
> Collaboration Depends on Storage
> Learning Curve for Complex Tools
> Import/Export Limitations
Pricing Overview
Completely Free Core Version (Best for Most Users)
Free to use: The main Diagrams.net web app and desktop apps are completely free with no subscription required.
Paid Integrations & Apps (Optional / Enterprise Use)
While the core tool is free, some integration or enterprise features are offered under paid plans — especially when using Diagrams.net inside business ecosystems like Atlassian’s Confluence or Jira:
Note:- Prices are for example purposes only and may vary slightly depending on the billing method or region. For the latest and most accurate information, always check Diagrams.net’s official website.
Diagrams.net Supported Operating Systems & Platforms
• Web Browser — Any OS with Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari
• Desktop App — Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS
• Mobile App — No native mobile app
Conclusion
Flowchart software is now used not only for design, but also for clarifying ideas, simplifying processes, and improving teamwork. By using the best flowchart software, you can turn complex processes into simple, attractive, and impactful diagrams. Almost all the tools mentioned in this blog post offer features like drag-and-drop functionality, ready-made templates, customizable shapes, and real-time collaboration. This not only makes workflows easier, but also increases clarity and engagement among readers, clients, and team members.
FAQ's about best software for creating flowcharts
What is the best software for creating flowcharts?
Some of the best and most popular tools are Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, and Diagrams.net (Draw.io). They are easy to use and offer powerful diagramming features.
Which flowchart software is best for team collaboration?
Tools like Lucidchart, Miro, and Creately are best for collaboration because they allow real-time editing, comments, and sharing with team members.
Which software is best for professional use?
For professional and business use, Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Creately are excellent choices.
Can I export flowcharts as PDF or images?
Yes, most flowchart software allows exporting in formats like PDF, PNG, JPG, and SVG, making it easy to share or print.
What is the difference between online and offline flowchart tools?
Online tools: Work in a browser, store files in the cloud, and make sharing easy.
Offline tools: Installed on your computer and can be used without an internet connection.
Vikram kumar
Hello everyone, My name is Vikram and i am from India. I am very interested in blogging. I will do my best to keep you happy with my posts. I do my work seriously. I hope you enjoy this blog. Thanks you!
