Overview

Draw.io (diagrams.net) is a free, open-source diagramming tool that works in the browser with no account needed. It handles free, no account, confluence plugin, and many shapes, and it's best suited for anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming. It has been around since 2005, giving it a 21-year head start in building out integrations and refining the product.

The core product is entirely free. Since it's open-source, you can self-host for free with no user limits.

Strengths

  • Open source and transparent
  • Includes Free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
  • Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
  • The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

  • May lack some advanced features
  • Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
  • Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
  • Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in diagramming

Quick info

Category
Diagramming
Starting price
Free
Free tier
Fully free
Open source
Yes
Best for
Any size
Founded
2005

Last updated 2026-04-12

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