12 Best Flowchart Software to Help You Simplify Your Workflows

A flowchart, also known as a flow diagram, is an essential tool for simplifying complex processes, aiding learning, and enhancing communication. Its application is of great importance in making daily decisions and understanding how business processes unfold. But what’s even better is that with flowchart software, you can create diagrams in just a few clicks!

That’s why companies adopted a culture of using these valuable tools. However, the flowchart software market offers a variety of options, which can make finding the right fit for your company a demanding task.

But don’t worry! All you need to do is explore our list of the top 12 flowchart software options to gain an understanding of the features and pricing plans and choose a suitable one with ease.

So, let’s get started!

What is Flowchart Software?

Flowchart software is a tool used to visually represent processes and workflows within a company. In other words, it simplifies complex systems into easy-to-understand diagrams. The reason why companies should embrace flowchart software lies in its ability to improve communication and organizational effectiveness.

This software is beneficial to various industries, including project management, where a well-created flowchart becomes a roadmap, outlining tasks, project dependencies, and timelines, offering teams a clear path for efficient project planning and execution.

Flowcharts can be quite useful for software development as well, as they clarify the logic of a program or in manufacturing since they optimize production by visually mapping out task sequences, ensuring seamless workflow.

Regardless of the industry, flowchart software empowers employees to grasp complex concepts swiftly. This is what makes it versatile and why companies use it to simplify their processes and elevate their business to a higher level.

Desirable Features of Flowchart Software

Let’s now explore the desirable features of flowchart software, which will help you choose the finest option for your needs:

• User-Friendly Interface: A flowchart software should prioritize a user-friendly interface, ensuring that both beginners and experienced users can easily create flowcharts without a steep learning curve.
• Affordable Pricing: Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration for any software, so desirable flowchart software should offer a good price point, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Versatile Templates: Templates serve as a valuable starting point for users who may not have the time or design expertise to create flowcharts from scratch. A comprehensive selection of templates for various industries and purposes allows users to choose pre-designed frameworks that suit their specific needs.
• Collaboration Features: The software should facilitate easy collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same flowchart simultaneously because real-time editing, commenting, and sharing features improve teamwork and streamline communication.

12 Best Flowchart Software

Now, let’s explore the list of 12 best flowchart software, such as:

#1. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a tool that helps teams work together more effectively by using visuals to plan and communicate their ideas. It makes complex information clearer, connects different parts of a project, and brings remote teams together.

Features:

• Visio Compatibility: Lucidchart is compatible with Microsoft Visio, allowing easy import and export of Visio format files.
• Real-time Collaboration: Users can collaborate in real-time on the same document with multiple editors.
• Integration and Automation: It can be extended using Zapier integrations, connecting it to numerous other apps for better functionality.

Pros	Cons
Lucidchart is widely used in the industry, with a 96% adoption rate among Fortune 500 companies. Its interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It works well for both Windows and Mac users.	The free plan is limited to three projects. Access to premium features may require a paid subscription. It relies on a stable internet connection.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Up to three documents at no cost.
• Premium Plans: For individuals, it starts at $7.95 per month, and for teams, it starts at $9 per user per month.

#2. Creately

Creately is a platform that helps businesses manage tasks like creating diagrams, flowcharts, and data-driven reports. It also serves as a versatile tool that can replace multiple other applications, making business tasks more efficient.

Features:

• Brainstorm and Ideate: Collaboratively generate and explore ideas using this software.
• Diagram and Visualize: Create a visual representation of concepts and data.
• Plan and Strategies: Develop and organize plans and strategies seamlessly.
• Run Workshop and Meetings: Facilitate effective workshops and meetings with visual aids using Creately.
• Manage Projects: Support project management and project tracking.
• Research and Analysis: Effectively research and analyze data using this software.

Pros:	Cons:
Creately offers a wide range of features for various business needs. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all levels.	Some users may find the pricing structure less competitive. Mastering all features may require some time.

Pricing:

• Personal plan (for individuals): $5 per user per month.
• Team plan (for small teams): $10 per user per month.
• Business plan (unlimited users): $89 per month.
• Enterprise plan (all features, unlimited users): Contact Creately for detailed information.

#3. Miro

Miro is a tool that allows users to visualize complex projects through various features and understand task relationships and project dependencies, and it integrates seamlessly with project management tools like Jira, Monday.com, Asana, and more.

Features:

• Diagramming and Process Mapping: This software allows the fast creation of flowcharts and journey maps with intelligent formatting, a rich shapes library, advanced mind mapping, and connectors.
• Miro Assist: Miro Assist automates monotonous tasks with auto-generated mind maps, diagrams, code, and intelligent summaries of sticky notes.
• Content and Data Visualization: It brings documentation, workflow designs, survey results, videos, and live data into a shared collaborative workspace.

Pros:	Cons:
Users find Miro to be a great platform for collaborating with clients. Miro integrates seamlessly with third-party tools and platforms. It offers a good set of inbuilt templates.	Miro is noted for its minimal offline support capabilities. Some boards can be slow to load due to the amount of information. Room for improvement in providing assistance.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: For exploring Miro (unlimited team members).
• Starter Plan: For teams collaborating within their organization, $8 per member/month billed annually or $10 billed monthly.
• Business Plan: For professionals, teams, or consultants working with external partners, $16 per member/month billed annually or $20 billed monthly.
• Enterprise Plan: For enterprises with complex collaboration workflows, contact Miro for pricing.

#4. Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is a software that provides users with intuitive and powerful tools to create and visualize their ideas, as well as collaborate effortlessly. It aims to offer a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing individuals and teams to easily translate their ideas into structured flowcharts.

Features:

• Diagram: Visualize organizational structures with charts, design precise layouts using Floor Plans, and plan network architectures with Network Diagrams.
• Flows: With this software, you can streamline workflow by visually mapping each step with process mapping and enhance process comprehension with a clear representation of workflow steps using flowcharts.
• Planning: This feature stimulates creativity and collaboration with Brainstorming, integrates optimized business processes using Optimize with BPMN, and gains valuable insights by transforming complex data into a visual representation with Visualize Data.

Pros:	Cons:
Offers powerful features for diverse diagram creation. Provides a rich library of templates and objects for streamlined project development.	Unavailable on Mac and Linux, and restricts user accessibility as a web app. The purchase process can be confusing.

Pricing:

• Visio Plan 1: $5 per user per month.
• Visio Plan 2: $15 per user per month.
• Vision Standard 2021: $309.99.
• Visio Professional 2021: $579.99

#5. Cacoo

Cacoo is a simple and powerful online flowchart software diagramming tool that allows you to brainstorm, plan, refine, and turn your best ideas into reality. It offers a range of features to help users create, collaborate, and deliver their visual concepts effectively.

Features:

• Templates & Shapes: This software has access to hundreds of pre-made designs, making it easy to get started on various projects.
• Integrations: It can import assets from Google Drive, Adobe Creative Cloud, Confluence, and other applications or export your diagrams in various formats, such as SVG, PDF, and PowerPoint.
• Comments & Activity Notifications: This software gives you the possibility to leave comments on diagrams and receive notifications when others make updates.

Pros:	Cons:
Cacoo has a diverse range of well-realized templates, from workflows to organizational charts, simplifying the start of projects. It’s budget-friendly, with free options for universities. This software makes it easy to convert your thought processes or ideas into visual diagrams, and it is especially well-suited for creating swimlane charts.	Free users may encounter limitations when working on more extensive projects. Connector flexibility and moving elements within a group could be improved. The line tool needs to be more intuitive and user-friendly.

Pricing:

• Free: For small projects with unlimited users.
• Pro: For individual users, priced at $6 per month.
• Team: For growing teams, accommodating up to 1,000 users at $6 per user per month.

#6. Diagrams.net

Diagrams.net (draw.io) is a free, open-source web-based diagramming tool that offers a user-friendly environment for creating, editing, and sharing various diagrams and visual representations.

Features:

• Flexible Cloud Storage: This software allows you to store your diagrams on different cloud platforms, such as Google Drive and Dropbox, or locally on your device, providing you with convenient access to your files from anywhere.
• Collaborative Editing: With Diagrams.net, you can collaborate in real time with team members or external collaborators using Atlassian Confluence and Jira integration. No account or format conversions are needed for others to view and edit your diagrams.
• Rich Diagramming Tools: Diagrams.net offers a wide range of advanced tools, including infinite canvas, rulers, customizable grids, auto-layouts for flowcharts, and tree diagrams.

Pros:	Cons:
Diagrams.net welcomes users of all backgrounds, allowing you to utilize it even without design experience. It provides rich features, which is helpful when creating flowcharts and prototype diagrams. It’s free, which is a significant advantage for individuals and businesses on a budget.	Diagrams.net lacks a comprehensive file management system, making organizing and finding your diagrams challenging. Before shutting down your device, you have to save or download your work to avoid losing your drafts. If there’s an issue with Google Drive, it may restrict access to your diagrams.

Pricing:

Diagrams.net is a free flowchart software.

#7. Gliffy

Gliffy is an online flowchart software tool with powerful collaboration features that allow integration with Jira and Confluence. With Gliffy, teams can communicate and collaborate swiftly.

Features:

• Versatile Usage: Gliffy is a tool for creating flowcharts, diagrams, and visual representations, which help empower teams to capture and clarify their ideas quickly.
• Integrated Atlassian App: Deep integrations with Atlassian tools provide an interactive diagram maker within Confluence that enables users to toggle through layers and information in the diagram viewer.
• Always-Updated Diagrams: Gliffy allows users to embed or share secure links to diagrams. When the original diagram is updated, the shared link automatically updates, ensuring that references stay current.

Pros:	Cons:
Gliffy’s cloud-based functionality enables work from anywhere. It offers a well-organized set of predefined templates that simplify converting ideas into diagrams quickly. Gliffy’s drag-and-drop interface accelerates idea generation and allows teams to represent processes and organizational priorities quickly and precisely.	Improvements in integration capabilities are desired, particularly for automatic updates of organizational charts. Text placement on diagram elements can be challenging and can obstruct other parts of the diagram. Handling multiple elements in complex workflows can be challenging, making it harder to move specific actions or parts of the workflow.

Pricing:

• 1 to 9 users—$8 per user/month (billed annually) or $10 per user/month (billed monthly).
• 10 to 50 users—$6 per user/month (billed annually) or $8 per user/month (billed monthly).
• Enterprise Pricing—Tailored for large teams and organizations. You have to contact the software for custom pricing packages.

#8. EdrawMax

EdrawMax is a diagramming software that uses the power of AI to simplify the process of creating a wide range of visual representations, including Gantt charts, workflow charts, mind maps, organizational diagrams, and more.

Features:

• Multi-Format Compatibility: This software supports multiple file formats, including Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, HTML, TIFF, and more, ensuring flexibility in sharing and exporting your diagrams.
• Intelligent Symbol Libraries: It has access to a vast library of pre-built symbols, making it easy to create various diagrams.
• Diagram Types: EdrawMax simplifies the creation of over 210 diagrams, from mind maps and workflow diagrams to floor plans and database diagrams.

Pros:	Cons:
The software boasts a vast library of drawing objects and symbols for enhanced creativity. Users can effortlessly manage and customize drawing objects. It has diverse export options that cater to various document needs.	Beginners can find EdrawMax challenging initially, potentially slowing down productivity. The software is not available for mobile platforms. It doesn’t integrate with other software, which can be limiting for users who require a seamless transition.

Pricing:

• Individuals Pricing—Subscription Plan (Annual): $99 per year
• Lifetime Plan: $198 (one-time payment)
• Lifetime Bundle Plan: $245 (one-time payment)
• Team-business Pricing—You can calculate your pricing for team usage, and for business plans, you have to fill out a form for more than 20 users.
• Education Pricing—Semi-Annual Plan: $62
• Yearly Plan: $85
• 2-Year Plan: $139

#9. Visme

Visme is a dynamic content creation tool that empowers users to turn data and statistics into captivating visuals. It is ideal for individuals and businesses looking to create impactful presentations, infographics, and interactive content.

Features:

• Branded Content Creation: With Visme, you can input your website URL, and Visme will automatically generate branded visuals, saving time and effort in the design process.
• Interactivity and Animations: You can enhance audience engagement with hotspots, hover effects, and clickable menus and create an interactive and immersive experience.
• Extensive Media Library: With this tool, you can access a vast library of high-resolution photos, icons, videos, audio, and exclusive 3D graphics to add depth and creativity to your presentations.

Pros:	Cons:
Visme offers a free plan, allowing users to explore and utilize its basic features at no cost. The software provides a stable platform for smooth and reliable content creation. This tool offers access to a rich collection of high-quality stock images that enhance the visual appeal of your design.	Visme has a significant learning curve. The pricing structure can be complex, with different plans and options available for monthly and annual subscriptions. Some users may find the pre-built templates generic and unsuitable for more intense design needs.

Pricing:

• Monthly: Basic plan is free, Starter is $29, and Pro is $59
• Annual: Basic plan is free, Starter is $12.25 per month when billed annually, and Pro is $24.75 per month when billed annually.
• Visme for Teams: Custom pricing is available, but you have to contact the company for more details.

#10. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a collaborative planning, documentation, and data visualization tool. With features catering to various industries, this software benefits teams that aim to create high-quality flow diagrams, flowcharts, and presentations.

Features:

• Team Collaboration Workspace: With SmartDraw, you can plan, develop, and meet objectives using intuitive tools and templates, like organizational charts, BPMN diagrams, and space plans.
• Presentation-Quality Documentation: The Smart Panel feature enhances productivity by providing helpful suggestions and options during flowchart design.
• Visualization of Data: This software generates diagrams from data sources like AWS, Azure, Active Directory, and Jira that enrich existing visuals and facilitate data-driven decision-making.

Pros:	Cons:
SmartDraw excels at drawing layouts and diagrams with intuitive tools and templates. Its compatibility with flowchart software Visio and LucidChart facilitates seamless transitions for users with existing workflows. This software is easy to use and accessible for users of varying technical expertise.	The user interface could be enhanced for touchscreen interfaces to improve usability. SmartDraw cannot export diagrams to Visio format, which can be a limitation for users requiring compatibility with this specific format. Some reviews reported instability and repeated crashes, which can impact the overall user experience and workflow.

Pricing:

• Individual: $9.95 per month, billed annually
• Team: $8.25 per user-month, billed annually (3 users minimum)
• Site: $2.995 billed annually (a fixed price for your entire organization)

#11. Pencil Project

PencilProject is a user-friendly GUI prototyping tool that simplifies creating mockups and wireframes for various platforms, from desktop to mobile.

Features:

• Easy GUI Prototyping: PencilProject offers a variety of built-in shape collections tailored for different user interface designs, including Android and iOS UI stencils.
• Built-in Shape Collections: It includes an extensive shape collection, ranging from general-purpose shapes to flowchart elements and desktop-web UI shapes.
• Inter-Page Linking: With PencilProject, elements in a drawing can be linked to specific pages within the document, enabling users to define the UI flow in application or website mockups.

Pros:	Cons:
It provides a highly intuitive experience, especially for users familiar with mockup and wireframe tools. Users benefit from various shapes and blocks at no cost, enhancing the range of elements available for prototyping. PencilProject supports exporting documents in multiple file formats.	The tool has some limitations in adding elements to mockups, potentially restricting the design possibilities. Users can encounter issues with project files that are not saved correctly, leading to crashes and displaying a size of 0KB.

Pricing:

PencilProject is free, which makes this software a cost-effective choice for individuals and teams looking for an open-source GUI prototyping solution.

#12. Balsamiq

Balsamiq is a wireframing tool designed for both individuals and teams and offers an intuitive interface with powerful features catering to online collaboration and offline design work.

Features:

• UI Components & Icons: This software has access to built-in and community-generated UI controls and icons to enhance the visual representation of your wireframes.
• Export options: With Balsamiq, you can share or present wireframes conveniently through images or interactive PDFs, facilitating collaboration and feedback.
• Reusable Symbols. This tool creates templates, masters, and reusable and customizable component libraries to stream and standardize your design elements.

Pros:	Cons:
It combines simplicity with endless options for swift iterations. This tool can produce clean wireframes immediately, with pre-set buttons that simplify the wireframing process. It offers a range of functionalities suitable for small projects in various stages.	Due to its design limitations, there may be better choices for flowchart software design. This tool can be challenging when resizing or editing elements within the wireframes. It has a limited selection of UI elements, which could be a drawback as UI trends constantly evolve.

Pricing:

• Balsamiq Cloud Plans—2 Projects: $9/month or $90/year, 20 Projects: $49/month or $490/year, 200 Projects: $199/month or $1,990/year.
• Wireframes for Desktop—One user: $129 (one-time purchase), and additional users can be added to an existing license.

Conclusion

Embracing flowchart software is not just a technological choice for companies; it is a strategic investment in improving communication, developing organizational performance, and ultimately accelerating corporate success.

To achieve all of this, it is essential to analyze the needs of your company and the characteristics of your team. Then, you can choose flowchart software from our list that will be your perfect match.

Regardless of the industry your company belongs to, you have a wide range of options, and it’s up to you to make an optimal choice and grab all the benefits that the use of these tools can bring.

Flowchart Software FAQ

#1. What program is best for flowcharts?

Lucidchart is widely regarded as one of the best flowchart software, alongside Microsoft Vision and Creately. With an intuitive interface and compatibility with other tools and software, they are extensively used in the industry.

#2. Does Microsoft Office have a flowchart program?

Yes. Microsoft Visio, a part of the Microsoft Office suite, serves as a dedicated flowchart software.

#3. What are the types of flowcharts?

Common types of flowcharts include process flowcharts, data flow diagrams, workflow diagrams, and swimlane flowcharts.

#4. Is there free flowchart software?

If you’re looking for flowchart software free of charge, Diagram.net is an excellent choice.