19 Best Free Software for Flowcharts: – Stuck with a college project or an office presentation? You know that a flowchart will be the best solution and you even have the blueprint in your mind, but the only thing you need right now is a good Flowchart software that can help you finish your task effectively. And, if it’s free then nothing like it, isn’t it?
For those who are new to Flowcharts, it is a diagram full of shapes and symbols that collectively represent a process. Using a flowchart you can easily explain a complicated process via 2D or 3D graphical images of the data and represent the connection between any content and information. If your task includes statistics, a flowchart can explain it even better.
Also read: – Top Free Architecture software for architects
However, creating a flowchart is easier said than done hence, we need a software that makes the entire process much quick and convenient. There are many such tools available online that can help you design your flowchart, however, not all are free and the ones that are paid may be heavy on your pocket.
See also : – Top 10 best free animation softwares for windows
If you are student, a small business owner or someone looking to impress the boss or the interviewer that requires you to design a powerful flowchart, but not too keen to shell that extra dough, free software is the best alternative for you. We have compiled a list of best free software for flowcharts that will help you draw charts quickly and with ease. So let’s take a quick look..
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Gliffy
An HTML 5 based diagraming tool, Gliffy is an online tool that offers 2 diagrams for free to start with. Gliffy is a cloud-based application that helps you to draw cool flowcharts along with other diagrams (SWOT Analysis, Floor Plans, Site Maps, etc.) in your web browser. Create real-time flowcharts and even edit them while on the browser and when finished you can simply share the URL (read-only) of your flowchart on various social networking sites.
Gliffy offers a straightforward and simple process where it requires you to only drag and drop the contents, and your flowchart is ready. Merges smoothly with Google Drive enabling you to create flowcharts easily and even allows you to import documents from Microsofi Visio which you can view and edit from your web browser. Plenty of themes/templates, revision control, and easy collaboration makes it one of the best software for flowcharts.
Price: Free (5 Diagrams, 2MB); after that price starts from $3.99
Go To Website: https://www.gliffy.com/uses/flowchart-software/
LucidChart
Another HTML5 and Javascript backed software, LucidChart is a unique tool that not only allows you to design flowcharts along with UML diagrams etc. but also enables you to create mock websites and Android or iOS apps that are completely operative. You can use this mock apps and sites just as you would do with the real ones. You can even create impressive wire-frames which is a much easier process.
Even LucidChart integrates with Google Apps and helps open Visio documents and edit them on your web browser. The easy collaboration functionality makes designing flowchart an even smoother process.
Price: Free for 60 objects up to 25 MB; after that plan starts from $3.3
Go To Website: https://www.lucidchart.com/
yED
A completely free to use software, yED helps in diagramming equally smoothly as others in the category. It comes with a straightforward and simple interface that perks up your entire flowchart making experience. It comes equipped with some pre-made templates that make the entire flowchart designing process quicker.
You can bring in documents, images and designs from Vision and yED then merges all these features that enable you to create top quality flowcharts. yED will help you create amazing flowcharts all for free and with a professional approach. Effortless data import and the automatic designs adds to its features making it one of the sought after free software for flowcharts.
Price: Free
Works with: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and all Java Virtual Machine supported platforms
Go To Website: http://www.yworks.com/products/yed
Creately
Creately is an offline tool that is supported by WYSIWIG based software that allows you to simply drag and drop the elements of your desired flowchart. Apart from flowcharts, you can also design, manage and team up on UI mockups, Infographics and more. Once the flowchart is ready you can share your flowcharts and publish them fast and effortlessly.
While it assimilates smoothly with Google Drive along with sharing read-only links via emails and social networks, it also brings and sends out documents and PDF files from Visio. With all these comprehensive features, Creately becomes one of the widely used software that can help you create flowcharts both online and offline.
An intuitive software, several layouts and templates, real-time collaboration and other premium features make it a great software for flowcharts and other diagrams.
Price: Free for 5 diagrams; after that starts from $5 a month.
Works with: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Go To Website: http://creately.com/
Draw.io
Draw.io is a cloud based program that offers diagramming features for free. It is an online tool that enables you to create any type of diagrams and charts including flowcharts. To start with, it will ask you to select the location of the design which can be your local hard drive
This software is based on simple drag-and-drop concept, so that you can simply drag the desired elements and you have your flowchart ready. The software also integrates with Google Drive effortlessly with which you can share your charts and projects on different social networking sites.
What’s unique about draw.io is that it lets you create unlimited number of flowcharts or any diagram in its wide available space in the cloud storage account. Not just that, as the flowcharts are entirely private to you while they put no limitations on the size of the image entered. Moreover, you also get the free feature of revision control with draw.io.
Price: Free
Go To Website: https://www.draw.io/
OpenOffice.org Draw
OpenOffice.org Draw is an open source software that makes your diagram or flowchart making the process a cake walk. This free tool offers a wide and robust backdrop that uses vector graphics for the editing purpose which is same as the Microsoft Office Drawing functionality. You can also transport the Scalable Vector Graphics using OpenOffice.org Draw.
It was originally built to compete with the drawing feature of the Microsoft Office and offers some great features for your diagraming needs at part with Microsoft.
Price: Free
Works with: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux
Go To Website: https://www.openoffice.org/product/draw.html
Calligra Flow
If you are looking for a free tool that helps meet you diagramming and flowchart making needs, Calligra Flow can be the best choice for you. It is a complete graphic editor that comes as a part of the Calligra Suite. The software comes with a simple and straightforward interface which is identical to the Microsoft Visio’s interface. Additionally, it offers a plugin support that the boost the features of the tool.
CalligraFlow firmly assimilates with other tools from the Calligra Suite and helps you design detailed flowcharts and other intricate diagrams quite easily.
Price: Free
Works with: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD based systems
Go To Website: https://www.calligra.org/flow/
Grapholite
If you are stuck with that puzzling data provided from your office which needs to be converted in a flowchart, Grapholite is one of the best solutions for you. This free tool not only helps you to create intricate flowcharts in matter of seconds, but can also be helpful for other business graphics such as, office designs, organizational charts, venn charts, floor plans, network layouts, mind maps and many more.
Grapholite is a Microsoft product that comes with an unlimited time free trail offer that lets you use all the features for free, but does not allow you to save your work. From Windows smartphones and PCs to Android and iOS devices, it works for all.
Price: Free trial period for unlimited time without data saving; Price sarts from $9.99 and varies for different platforms.
Works with: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Window 10, Windows RT systems, desktop, iOS and Android.
Go To Website: https://grapholite.com/
Cacoo
With an interface similar to another diagramming tool, Gliffy, Cacoo is an online solution for your diagramming needs that also helps you to design flowcharts, mind maps, network charts, site maps and more with ease. The features offered by Cacoo are pretty simple that can be comprehended easily by one and all and hence, lets you create some great flowcharts in no time.
While it enables you to work in collaboration with your team, online, you can also share your flowcharts with friends and colleagues online.
Price: Free (up to 25 sheets. Limited sharing, export to PNG format only); plans start from $4.08 per month
Works with: Windows and Mac OS platforms only.
Go To Website: https://cacoo.com/
Lovely Charts
Make your diagrams look professional with this application, Lovely Charts that helps you to create all kinds of diagrams that includes flowcharts, basic symbols, site map, wire frames, BPMN general and more. The tool comes with a wonderful interface which can be accessed once you have a free account. You can simply drag and drop contents and images to create your flowcharts and connect.
It’s easy to use interface allows you to draw your flowcharts effortlessly with its desktop and web versions. It does not require much learning curve and you can export files to PNG and JPEG formats. While the desktop can be even downloaded for free, it has limited features compared to the web app and data cannot be saved unless purchased.
Price: Free desktop download with no data saving, opening or maintaining revisions facility; plans start from $3.99/year.
Works with: Desktop, Web, iPad
Go To Website: http://lovelycharts.com/
Flowchart
Flowchart is the only diagramming application that is solely dedicated to create flow charts. The multi-user interface that the tool features is straightforward and simple which allows team collaboration in real-time. You can also invite acquaintances and colleagues to work together where you all can chat and create fantastic flow charts at the same time.
The best part about this tool is that it does not need you to download any software and works with almost all popular browsers and operating systems. Once finished designing the flow chart you can even export it to PNG or PDF formats.
Price: Free (till it’s in BETA version and access limited by invitation only)
Works with: Web
Go To Website: http://flowchart.com/
Dia
Dia is a free open source online diagramming software that is strikingly similar to Microsoft’s Viso and offers features close to the app. From Flowcharts, UML diagrams, Assorted Diagrams, Circuit to Network Diagrams it helps you to create many different types of diagrams with ease.
Moreover, it equips you with a large variety of symbols and tools for your diagramming needs while it also helps you to make several flowcharts or diagrams in multiple tabs at the same time. You can also add support for new shapes in Dia by creating simple XML files with the help of a SVG subset to create the shape.
Dia also allows you to load and save flowcharts or diagrams to a custom XML version that can be exported to XFIG, PNG, EPS, WMF or SVG formats. You can also take a printout of the diagrams.
Price: Free open source
Works with: Windows 10/8.1, 8, 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS X
Go To Website: http://dia-installer.de/
Dynamic Draw
As the name suggests, Dynamic Draw is indeed dynamic as it offers over 15 different varieties of flow chart types some of which includes Decision, Connector, Terminator, Process and more. Apart from helping you to create flow charts, this free and open source software also helps you to create other diagrams.
Even though it has a puzzling interface that needs a bit of learning curve, the output is eventually more than satisfying. The toll offers a great tutorial and instructions that appear on the screen as you proceed. Using the hot key you can create charts even fast and smoothly.
Specially designed for business users, Dynamic Draw helps you to create some really elaborate flow charts that look professional. It allows you to export your creations to PNG, SVG, GIF, WMF and other formats. It is available in both portable and installer editions.
Price: Free open source
Works with: Windows XP and later, Linux
Go To Website: http://www.dynamicdraw.com/
ClickCharts Diagram Flowchart Software
While you can create complex flow charts, organizational maps, mind maps and other diagrams effortlessly with ClickCharts Diagram Flowcharts Software, it also provides many different types of helpful symbols for creating the best flow chart. Add pointers, images and text with this software. Once you have completed the diagram you can export the creation to PDF files and other popular image formats.
In addition, you can also create Data Flow Diagram, UML Diagram and ER Diagram while you can also edit and customize colors, fills or strokes. It offers flawless sheet overlapping from developing and printing large sized diagrams. It also allows you to open and edit several diagrams at the same time.
ClickCharts is compact software that takes up very less disk space (420KB) and can be used on different devices.
Price: Free
Works with: Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8, 8.1 and 10, Mac OS X, Android and Kindle devices
Go To Website: http://www.nchsoftware.com/chart/index.html
Pencil
Pencil is basically a drawing tool that helps in creating designs for mobile phones and desktop, however, you can also draw flow charts and diagrams using this tool. It is an easy to use software that can be installed equally easily and helps create mockups on desktop platforms.
Apart from the ability to create multiple flow charts at the same time, it also helps you with 10 different varieties of shape categories each of which consists of several shapes. Once completed you can save them in PDF, SVG, PNG, HTML and in different other formats. Moreover, you also have access to some cool clip art images with Pencil which you can download from its server.
Price: Free
Works with: Mac OS, Linux OS and Firefox extension
Go To Website: http://pencil.evolus.vn/
Diagram Designer
From flow charts, UML Class, electric circuit to GUI design, Diagram Designer helps you with all. The application provides over 25 symbols for flow chart and there is also a section that displays a complete list of symbols that are used in the flow charts. For the diagrams and flow charts, it uses vector graphics editor.
It is a compact tool that barely takes up any disk space and can be installed in a matter of seconds. Diagram Designer is a free and fast software that helps you to create your desired flowcharts on the fly. You can simply drag the required elements in the interface, insert images, add text, change background, add color, delete and so on. Finally you can save your creations in different formats like, PNG, PDF, JPEG or simply create a slideshow.
The best part about this application is that it can help import more template layouts for more polygons, websites, electronic symbols, genograms etc.
Price: Free
Works with: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8
Go To Website: http://www.fosshub.com/Diagram-Designer.html
Diagram Ring
Create vivid colorful flow charts, graphs, UMLs, Pie Charts and more with Diagram Ring. It is a free application that also equips you with different types of shapes in different styles and connects them with the help of 10 different edges. This open source tool offers 45 different predefined symbols along with more than 15 predefined styles to help create flow charts faster.
Once you have completed the diagrams or the flow charts you can then convert them into JPG file format. It is small sized software (1 MB file size) that takes up very little disk space.
Price: Free
Works with: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Go To Website: http://diagramring.codeplex.com/
Software Ideas Modeler
With Software Ideas Modeler you can create flow charts, BPMN diagrams, UML and diagrams and other diagrams effortlessly. You can create multiple flow charts simultaneously using many different types of useful shapes. Eventually, you can save your creations in different formats like GIF, PNG, SVG, TIFF, PDF and so on.
It is a freeware available only in portable version and for non-commercial use only.
Price: Free; Paid versions available as well
Go To Website: https://www.softwareideas.net/Download/338/Software-Ideas-Modeler-7-71–32-bit-Portable-
Google Drawings (Chrome extension)
Created by the online search giant Google, Google Drawings is a free cloud based software that helps you draw the most complicated flowcharts or any other diagram for that matter effortlessly. It was initially called as Google Doc Drawings and was launched to help make and edit designs from Google Docs.
It’s now assimilated with Google Drive and lets you draw and work in team real-time. The best part is that you can now design offline as well using the Google Drawings plugin on your web browser and the final output can be then converted to SVG, PDF, JPEG or in PNG formats.
With Google Drive, you can simply drag and drop the flowchart elements (contents and images) and your diagram is ready in minutes.
Price: Free
Works with: Web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and IE 8+
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Aziz says
Nice collection on flowchart editor software. Thank you.
Darryl says
are there any applications that allow you to animate your flowchart?
Joanne says
I have some site navigation in a Word doc. basically just a big list of our menu structure. Looking for a tool that will allow me to start with this list and easily build a visual representation. Know if any of the tools you mentioned do this?
Thank you!
Joanne