Flowchart software is an essential tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to visualize and communicate complex processes and workflows.
The very best flowchart software will provide users with easy solutions to organize and manage ideas, projects, and workflows.
Many businesses and individuals are put off the idea of paying for flowchart software as they believe it is not necessary. But, once they try it, they soon realize how helpful it is for brainstorming and exploring creativity ideas in businesses.
Not only that, but its overall cost will nearly always be far less than using a whiteboard.
Not all flowchart software systems are the same, however. Some have more features than others, but the best tend to have the same fundamental features, such as predefined objects and templates to use.
One quick glance at the market and you will see that it is jam packed with different software. With so many options available in the market, it can be difficult to know which flowchart software is the best fit for your needs, especially if you have never used it before.
Flowchart Software – Product Reviews
In today’s article, we will review some of the best flowchart software available, based on factors such as ease of use, versatility, customization options, collaboration features, and pricing.
Whether you are a project manager, software developer, or student, this article will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the best flowchart software for your needs (Curious about project management software? Check out our review of Jira)
1. Creately
Our Take
Our first of five product reviews today is on Creately. Available online, on mobile platforms, and as a desktop app, this flowchart software doesn’t require an application installation like many others do.
Moreover, it’s not only for flowcharts, either. Creately can be used to produce different types of infographics, diagrams, maps, and organizational charts.
| Best For | Infographics, diagrams, maps, and organizational charts |
| Price | Click to reveal |
It comes with an extensive selection of templates to choose from, and best of all, you can try out an outline first before deciding to buy it. We were impressed by its organized, smooth-running interface, allowing for simple navigation throughout the software.
It is easy to search for diagrams based on your field of work that have already been designed. There are also a range of color options to choose from and over fifty shapes to make your design unique.
One drawback is that its cloud version has a limited free plan (up to five documents), but the personal plan is affordable. You can also invest in a team cloud plan which has as many documents as you like.
Pros
- Affordable – different plans available to suit different budgets
- Available on different platforms – can access it features online, on mobile devices, and as a desktop app
- Free public version available – can try out its features for free rather than spend money on it to realize it’s not quite right
Cons
- Can only cancel by email – if you feel it is not for you, you can only cancel your subscription via email, which can take some time
2. ConceptDraw Diagram
Our Take
The perfect software for teachers and students alike, ConceptDraw Diagram is unique in that it combines three separate products in one single application suite, allowing enhanced productivity and business planning.
Included are platforms for mind-mapping, project management, and cover diagrams.
| Best For | Enhanced productivity and business planning |
| Price | Click to reveal |
Highly versatile, this software is a fantastic diagramming and business graphics product offering thousands of stencils, as well as a few hundred templates, all ready to utilize.
Flexible is the name of the game with ConceptDraw Diagram as it enables users to design any elements of stencils from scratch and use them in designs. Such custom elements can also utilize the tree and chain connecting modes that are also available.
ConceptDraw Diagram is completely compatible with Visio and can be installed on Apple Mac as well as Microsoft Windows platforms. For teachers and students, there are also discounts to take advantage of, and there is a free trial to see if it is right for you.
Pros
- Compatible with Visio – can work on stencils and drawings using Visio with absolute ease
- Large template selection – hundreds of templates to choose from to help in various projects
- Available on Windows and Mac – compatible with different platforms for everyone to enjoy its features
Cons
- Pretty expensive – it is one of the costlier pieces of flowchart software currently on the market
3. Lucidchart
Our Take
Third up is Lucidchart, an application with intelligent collaboration features and impressive data visualization. This software helps support businesses and teams as they progress and improve by aiding in their visualization processes and systems.
| Best For | Intelligent collaboration features and impressive data visualization |
| Price | Click to reveal |
One reason many users love Lucidchart is because of how easy it is to build any kind of flowchart.
This includes data flowcharts, process maps, entity relationship diagrams, BPMN diagrams, cross-functional flowcharts, and many, many more. It is also possible to import data to generate different visuals, too.
We love the features Lucidchart has to offer, such as tasks, sharing, comments, embedding, and revision. Together, these make collaboration much easier, especially for remote or hybrid teams.
Its interface is also intuitive and simple to use so navigation is no issue. Lastly, it also offers “Feature Find,” allowing users to search for various features or tools quickly, without any fuss.
Pros
- Excellent set of features – includes real-time collaboration, revision history, comments, mentions, and more for a more streamlined service
- Ideal for remote and hybrid teams – its mixture of features makes collaboration easier for remote businesses
- Very easy to use – interface is intuitive and everything is streamlined for a smooth user experience
Cons
- Limited offline functionality – primarily a cloud-based application, which means you will need an internet connection to use it
4. Miro
Our Take
Miro is one of the best examples of flowchart software with built-in communication features. It is a collaborative online whiteboard offering over a thousand templates. These include Gantt charts, mind maps, Kanban boards, research boards, product wireframes, and flowcharts.
| Best For | Flowchart software with built-in communication features |
| Price | Click to reveal |
This software is well regarded with 99% of the Fortune 100 trusting it. It is used by teams including Upwork, Qlik, Atkins, and TransUnion, to name just a few.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the visual platform of Miro is designed for hybrid work. It also has an extensive library of resources, such as online events, a community forum, and the Miro Academy for continuous learning.
When using the Miro online whiteboard, you can construct top quality flowcharts with a library jam packed with icons and shapes. There is also a vast range of built-in communication features, from comments to notes, and videos to reactions.
If you need to brainstorm ideas with your team, have 1-1s, or meetings, this flowchart software is ideal.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive set up – can get to grips with how to use Miro in no time at all
- A free plan is available – you can opt for the “Free Forever Plan” giving users access to the software’s basic features
- Built-in communication features – the large number of features make for a streamlined collaboration process
Cons
- Zooming can be a little jumpy – when working on larger projects, zooming in and out can make the user experience poor
5. Cacoo
Our Take
Cacoo is designed to make collaboration as intuitive and simple as possible. You can track changes, edit them, and collaborate using flowcharts designed by yourself and then update each one with easy to use sharing and embed links.
| Best For | Making collaboration as intuitive and simple as possible |
| Price | Click to reveal |
We like that you can keep team assets easily organized with shared project folders and save work in Cacoo directly. You can also monitor the status of your projects via activity notifications to keep on top of everything as you work.
We found Cacoo pretty simple to navigate and learn. Its interface is smooth and overall usability is excellent. Even if you’re new to flowchart software or are not tech savvy, you should get to grips with Cacoo pretty quickly.
There are many integrations available so, if you already have an established workflow, you can seamlessly adapt it. Integrations available include Google Docs, Google Drive, AWS, Typetalk, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Visio, Box, and Dropbox.
There is even a “suggestion box” where users can input ideas of what apps the software should integrate with later down the line.
One small drawback is the screen space available as this can be a little challenging to navigate. The zoom-in feature is a little “clunky,” but this is only a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of usability. Elsewhere, Cacoo is a superb piece of software.
You can try it out for yourself with a 14-day free trial to see if it is what you require.
Pros
- User-friendly interface – accessible to users of all skill levels, even those who have never used flowchart software in the past
- Extensive template library – offers a vast library of templates and stencils that you can use to create professional-looking diagrams quickly
- Excellent collaboration features – allows multiple users to work on a diagram simultaneously, making it an excellent tool for team collaboration
Cons
- Limited export options – can make it challenging to integrate with other tools or share your diagrams with non-Cacoo users
- Expensive – pricing is relatively high compared to other diagramming tools on the market, especially if you need to use it for business purposes
Buyer’s Guide
So, there are our top five flowchart software available today. Before you decide which one you should use, however, we want you to consider various important factors.
Take a look at our buyer’s guide below to ensure you find the correct flowchart software for your needs. Keep each point in mind when making that final decision.
User-Friendly Software
The software you choose should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and edit diagrams. It should also be easy to share and collaborate on diagrams with other team members.
Make sure it is clean and has clear presentation tools to share your flowcharts with teams and clients. Most importantly, flowchart software is entirely visual. Therefore, the graphical interface should be of top priority.
Consider Your Needs
Before selecting a flowchart software, identify what types of diagrams you need to create, and how frequently you will use the software. Think about the level of customization and collaboration required, as well as any specific features that are essential for your work.
Usability
Think about whether the software is easy to learn and use. You’ll want to master it as quickly as possible, rather than spend a lot of time trying to figure out how certain features work.
Also, find out whether the software company offers good support, tutorials, templates, and training. All of these will make your user experience the best it can possibly be. Overall, it should be straightforward to build a UML diagram, org charts, and complex flowcharts.
Check For Compatibility And Integration With Other Software
The software you choose should be compatible with other tools you use, such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Google Docs, or project management software. This will make it easier to integrate your diagrams into other documents and workflows.
You’ll want your software to expand its functionality via third-party software, which can include pre-built integrations, custom integrations with an API, and those you need to connect via an external vendor, such as Zapier.
Security And Privacy
Ensure that the software you choose provides adequate security measures to protect your data and diagrams. Check for features such as role-based access control, two-factor authentication, and encryption.
Support And Resources
As touched upon above, you should choose software that offers adequate support and resources, such as user guides, video tutorials, and customer service. This will help you quickly resolve any issues that arise and make the most of the software’s features.
Templates
Consider how many templates and objects the application offers. Then, think about whether they are tailored to your specific requirements. Maybe you need coding templates but not command structures. One application may be more appropriate than another.
Pricing
Consider the pricing structure of the software and whether it fits within your budget. Some software offers a free version or trial, while others require a subscription. Look for a pricing plan that provides the right balance of features and affordability for your needs.
We recommend looking at starting prices, possible free trials, price tiers, and even free versions of the software. A free trial can be particularly useful as you can decide whether it is right for you before you put any money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Flowchart Software?
Flowchart software is a very useful tool that helps users create diagrams that represent a process or system flow. These diagrams can be used for various purposes, such as planning, documentation, communication, and problem-solving.
Many businesses and individuals rely on such software on a day-to-day basis to complete projects swiftly and to the highest quality.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Flowchart Software?
Using flowchart software can help you create clear and organized diagrams that convey information quickly and effectively. It can also help you collaborate with team members, identify process inefficiencies, and improve decision-making.
In a world where hybrid and remote working has become evermore common, flowchart software allows teams and businesses to collaborate more easily.
You may be oceans apart from a team member but a few clicks can share your flowchart with them and you can work simultaneously on a project together.
Can You Use Flowchart Software To Create Other Types Of Diagrams?
Yes, many flowchart software tools also offer other diagram types such as organizational charts, swimlane diagrams, Gantt charts, and more. You can choose a software that offers the right mix of diagram types for your needs.
Some common diagrams and their meanings are:
- Process flow diagrams – These diagrams depict the flow of a process from start to finish, with inputs, outputs, and decision points.
- Swimlane diagrams – These organize the flowchart into horizontal lanes representing different departments or individuals involved in the process.
- Gantt charts – This type of chart allows users to display a project schedule and task dependencies, with bars representing tasks and their duration.
- Mind maps – Mind maps represent a hierarchy of ideas or concepts, with branches representing subtopics or details.
- Venn diagrams – This diagram shows the overlap between sets of data or concepts, with circles representing each set and overlapping areas showing the intersection.
- Organizational charts – These charts illustrate the hierarchy of an organization, with boxes representing individuals or departments and lines representing relationships or reporting structures.
- Network diagram – A Network diagram displays the connections between devices, systems, or components in a network, with nodes representing the elements and lines showing the connections.
What Features Should You Be Looking For In Flowchart Software?
Some essential features to look for in flowchart software include customizable shapes and templates, an intuitive interface, various collaboration tools, export and import options, and compatibility with other software.
The more features flowchart software has, the better you will be able to manage and complete projects. Of course, to access all features, you will typically need to pay a certain amount.
Nevertheless, there are free versions of flowchart software available with basic functions and features that may be enough for you.
