Free Microsoft Visio alternatives
Microsoft Visio is a paid diagramming app used for flowcharts, network diagrams and floor plans. Many people only need diagrams occasionally, which does not justify a paid desktop app. draw.io is a free diagram tool that runs in a browser and suits formal diagrams, while Excalidraw gives diagrams a hand-drawn look.
Best free alternative to Microsoft Visio: draw.io. Free diagrams for flowcharts, UML and network layouts, with offline use and local file storage.
Side by side
| Option | What you get | What you miss |
|---|---|---|
| draw.io | Free diagrams for flowcharts, UML and network layouts, with offline use and local file storage. | Visio's large template library, data-linked shapes and tight Microsoft Office integration. |
| Excalidraw | Hand-drawn style whiteboard diagrams in the browser, with shareable links and an open source core. | Precise shape alignment, Visio's structured templates and data-driven diagram import. |
Questions people ask
What is the best free alternative to Microsoft Visio?
draw.io. Free diagrams for flowcharts, UML and network layouts, with offline use and local file storage.
Is there a free version of Microsoft Visio?
Not a full one, but draw.io and Excalidraw are free and cover most of what Microsoft Visio does.
What do you miss with a free Microsoft Visio alternative?
Visio's large template library, data-linked shapes and tight Microsoft Office integration.