Flowcharts are used as a way to visually represent the logical, step-by-step progression of a process. Flowcharts can be used for any number of different processes, including business processes and software processes. They are often printed out and posted on site walls to serve as an instruction manual or a reminder of the process steps.
The best flowchart maker should be easy to use, offer all pre-made flowchart shapes, has live collaboration and sharing functionalities. Here are the top 10 best flowchart programs in 2024 that we recommend:
Top 11 Best Flowchart Software In 2024
1. Zen Flowchart
Zen Flowchart is dubbed the simplest flowchart maker. Users praise it for its full suite of features as well as incredible ease of use. The app's latest version now supports live collaboration and a robust commenting system.
Besides flowchart, the tool also lets users create mind maps, wireframes, whiteboards — meeting all your diagramming needs.
2. Miro
Miro is a free program that allows users to make flowcharts, mind maps, process diagrams, project workflows, or technical diagrams. It has a variety of templates to suit different needs when creating complex processes.
Miro integrates with many platforms such as Dropbox, Google Suite, Sketch, Slack.
3. Lucidchart
Lucidchart has been around for a while and is a well-known diagramming tool. On its website, it is mentioned that more than 99% of the Fortune 500 utilize Lucidchart.
There are over 1,000 types of diagrams supported in this app; users can pick up the one that fits their goals. Like Miro, Lucidchart also has a wide range of integrations with other platforms like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Slack, and Atlassian.
Lucidchart is available on every device. The monthly cost for this app is $7.95/user.
4. Microsoft Visio
Visio is a business tool that has been around for many years and is used by many companies. It helps users to create everything from flowcharts to workflows, or even a simple family tree. There are templates that make it easy for you to make your own diagrams, and you can also import images or Microsoft Word files into Visio if you want more customization.
Visio is a great tool to create flowcharts, but you need to download it and there's no built-in collaboration features.
5. Cacoo
Nulab, a Japanese company, created Cacoo in 2004. After almost 10 years of development, this website’s motto stands still: helping people design workflow diagrams in just a few minutes.
The templates for flowchart in this app may not be as diverse as others, but it still covers the basic ones like Network charts, organization diagrams, and floor plans.
Besides standard pricing, Cacoo does offer educational plans with reasonable prices for students and teachers.
6. Draw.io
For those seeking an affordable flowchart tool, Draw.io should tick the box with the bonus of being easy to maneuver. It has a visual grid layout that is useful in drawing charts. The tool’s functions include a shape library, lots of templates, and drag-and-drop interfaces.
Draw.io is free for individuals, and for Confluence users, it requires a small amount of fee every month. The downsides are the lack of cloud storage and collaboration features.
7. Gliffy
Gliffy is a great flowchart maker for beginners with its intuitive UI. The flowchart program has a sufficient collection of templates and shapes to keep up with users’ demands. Plus, the shapes snap quickly into place with just a click, saving a lot of time spent on adjusting the diagram’s elements.
Project managers can easily identify the errors of the plan with the revision history function.
Gliffy has 2 pricing tiers: personal plan and team plan.
8. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is the oldest platform in this list because it was built in 1994.
The software is a little more complex, and the fee is higher. But frankly, the UI is a bit outdated.
SmartDraw has over 4,500 templates. Once you choose the template, the AI system in this app will find out the most suitable shapes and elements for your topics using keyboard shortcuts. That saves time!
The starting plan is $9.95 per user per month.
9. Edraw Max
Edraw Max is a multi-function program that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This software is geared towards professionals, which means that it lets you build anything from simple flowcharts to complex diagrams.
Edraw Max's UI can be quite complex and the learning curve is steep. Nevertheless, once you master this software, you will find that the tool is highly capable. There are no collaboration or sharing features though.
The cost for a one-year license is $99, which is roughly $8.25 per month.
10. Canva
Canva is no doubt one of the most dominant design tools out there with simple-to-use interface and collaboration features. It does let you create basic flowcharts, but anything complex is a bit of an over-reach.
The price for a PRO account is $5/month.
11. Visual Paradigm Online
Visual Paradigm Online program lets you create flowcharts and other diagrams easily. Its library of tutorials is definitely helpful for beginners.
The tool costs $4 per user per month.
FAQs
What Is Flowchart Software?
Flowchart software is a type of computer program that is used for designing and documenting processes used in various industries. The process has been described as "a visual representation of an ordered sequence of steps, represented by graphical symbols, that directs the actions of people and machines involved in some sort of production or service activity." Flowchart software can be used to efficiently create and maintain more complex diagrams than what would be possible with just pen and paper. This is because flowchart software typically offers features such as the ability to present different levels of detail, add notes to illustrate any particular item on the diagram, and create hyperlinks between individual elements on the diagram.
How To Choose The Best Flowchart Software?
A good flowchart program has to meet 5 main criteria:
- Intuitive interface: It should be easy to use. It shouldn't take too much time to learn how to use it.
- Functions: A competent app should have all the necessary tools any type of flowchart. Basic necessary features include templates, shapes library, drag, and drop feature.
- Integrations: It should have Export feature, or integrate easily with other tools so you can share your work.
- Value: The software should be reasonably priced.
