Once you’ve logged into your cloud account to allow Draw.io a place to save your files, you gain access to a number of templates you can use to control the basic design of your diagram. Draw.io doesn’t feature the same amount of complexity or depth as a dedicated application like Visio, but it does feature full cloud support, with the option to sync into Google Drive, Dropbox, and even Github. For some, this gives it an edge over other programs, particularly because it supports web-only platforms like Chrome OS, a popular choice for some business users. Like most free alternatives, Draw.io lives in your web browser, instead of as a downloadable program for Mac or Windows. Here’s our picks for the best Visio alternatives in 2021. Visio alternatives are a dime a dozen online, but not every application is created equally. If you don’t have access to Visio, or if you just want to try something different, there are a number of alternatives to try out on your PC. While Microsoft does offer a free Visio Viewer application, allowing users to view and comment on Visio files, there’s no free plan to speak of. In addition, there is no version of Visio for Mac OS X, so Mac users are locked out of the platform unless they’re working from the web. You either have to buy Office 2019, sign up for Microsoft’s Office 365 subscription service to use the product, or subscribe to a standalone Visio Online subscription.

However, because Visio is part of the Office suite, it’s an expensive program if you don’t already have access to it. If you need a diagram made quickly, chances are you’ll be using Visio to make your chart. For many users, the app is essential, allowing for quickly-drawn flowcharts, control diagrams, and more, while also integrating directly into PowerPoint. Visio is terrific for creating organization charts, workflow charts, and many other kinds of graphics.

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