Many IT-professionals, technicians, software developers, network engineers, business analysts and project managers use MS Visio® for visualizing and presenting complex information in a visual form with charts, diagrams, graphs and other drawings. The program is quite expensive, and, moreover, it causes problems when you need to collaborate on Visio® files on non-Windows platforms. There are some Visio® alternatives for Mac OS X. Let’s look through them and find the best way to work with Visio® diagrams on a Mac.
1. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is an online tool to view and edit Microsoft Visio® documents. It allows you to to create visual data right in the web browser. The application is cloud-based, so it can be used from desktop computers and mobile devices. It supports native Visio® file import and export, so it may be a good alternative to Visio®. Also the files can be exported to PDF or saved as an image (.jpg, .png). With a registered account you can save the drawings in a gallery service.
Cost – from $4.95 to $20 per month depending on license type.
Microsoft Visio is a powerful piece of software, allowing IT professionals, business people, engineers, and others working in highly technical fields to map out and display complex information in the form of flowcharts, site plans, floor plans, diagrams and more. Genogram Maker for Mac: Enjoy the Latest Visio Alternative. 10 Best Mac Wireframe Software. 5 Best Network Diagram Software Mac. Top 4 Infographic Software for Mac. Visio for Linux. Easy Organizational Chart Visio Alternative for Linux.
2. OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle is another Visio® replacement. The application is designed for Mac and iOS and used to create complex graphs, layouts or charts. The app provides a wide range of design tools including canvases, templates, stencils, vector drawing, and grid guides. It supports Visio® files importing and exporting the graffles to JPEG, BMP, EPS, GIF, HTML Images, Template, Stencil, PNG, OO3, TIFF, and PDF file formats.
Omnigraffle is a very powerful tool, similar to Microsoft Visio®, however, layers cannot be shared among some versions of Visio® and OmniGraffle.
Cost – $199.99 for a Pro license and $99.99 for a Standard license.
3. ConceptDraw
ConceptDraw Office is a package of tools for creating and processing mind maps and professional business graphics. If you need Microsoft Visio®for Mac, this app may be a goodequivalent. This app is available for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X. It provides a collection of 1000+ ready to use add-ons, samples, and templates designed to help in creating efficient drawings. It should be noted that formatting may sometimes be translated with low quality. Importing PowerPoint files and Exporting to PowerPoint are supported.
Cost – from $199 to $499 depending on tools included.
The tools we have mentioned are quite powerful Microsoft Visio® alternatives.
However, they cost a lot and there are no reasons to pay so much if you just need to view Visio® files on a Mac.
If you need a simpler app for viewing .vsd, .vdx and .vsdx files on OS X operating system we recommend that you use use VSD Viewer. To view and edit Visio® Documents try VSDX Annotator. Both applications allow you to convert Visio® flowcharts and preview all Visio® drawings content, including shape data.
Visio® Viewers by Nektony
A lot of readers may think of it as a comparison guide to best flowchart makers, but it is not. The purpose of this article is just to make sure that the best Microsoft Visio alternatives are talked about in detail with their features highlighted.
Microsoft Visio has been a favored choice for visual communication purposes out there. Unfortunately, its high price of $589.99 for just one copy not to mention a string of changes have resulted in a negative review of the program. Though it still offers a plethora of templates and tools for strong and comprehensive visual communications, we highly recommend that you check out these Visio replacements because you never know when you might strike gold on the very first choice.
10 Best Alternatives to Microsoft Visio 2019
Edraw Max
If you are looking for a stellar alternative to Visio, you should definitely start looking at Edraw Max. In my review, I called it the definitive experience that you can get when it comes to drawing software solutions. in all honesty, I still adhere to my opinion.
Whether you are looking to make floor plans, mind maps, charts, infographics, or flowcharts; having an all in one solution is only going to make things easier, and simple for you.
The software is extremely easy to use, the best part is the interface; it is simple to use, to the point, and most importantly, extremely cohesive through and through. The good news is that even if you are just starting out with drawing, the software is going to give you a lot to try and experiment until you can master your art. Which is great. It works great even if you are a beginner or an expert.
Overall, Edraw Max is among the finest drawing software that has little to no comparison. It works like a charm and gets the job done without creating any issues that might come in the way.
Pros
- Great list of features.
- The templates are amazing.
- Super simple to use for beginners, as well.
- Multiple pricing options.
- An all-in-one solution.
Cons
- None.
OpenOffice Draw – Best Open Source Visio Alternative
The tried and test OpenOffice.org was acquired by Apache and since then it has remained free and open-source to the public. In this way, the limitations in the program can eventually be overcome thanks to constant developments of the application. For a Visio alternative, it remains to be a popular choice where you are able to create plans, diagrams plus flowcharts. The app also uses a combination of shapes in order to create professional-looking flowcharts.
OpenOffice Draw also features a similar user interface to Microsoft Visio, so you will feel right at home when attempting to use it for the very first time. In addition, this app is going to be free for the foreseeable future, negating the need to pay a single cent for it.
Apart from this, there are no paid plans provided, no pesky advertisements running or trial limits displayed. Unfortunately, since the application is not web-based, you will have to download it for Mac, Windows or Linux operating system. However, it does not provide support for Chrome OS so if you’re using a Chromebook, it is time to pick up a machine that is running a different operating system.
Pros
- Open source software so users can develop and make changes to improve it whenever they like
- Similar interface to Visio will allow users to save time and get started right away
- No running ads and no trial limits that you need to start paying afterward
Cons
- No ChromeOS support
- No web-based application so you will have to download it
Draw.io
Draw.io is another free alternative to Visio and like most of them out there, this one exists in your web browser rather than being available as a downloadable program for your Mac or Windows operating system.
You also have cloud support, with several options to choose from when you want to sync your files with services like Google Drive, Dropbox and more. The interface will take some getting used to but if you can get around this, looks like you have found a winner on your hands.
Pros
- A web program that does not require you to sign in or make an account
- It supports a variety of web browsers, even those running on Chrome OS
- It can import or export Microsoft Visio.vdx files effortlessly
- You can sync files from cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive for easier access
Cons
- Comprehensive tools like the ones present in Microsoft Visio are not present here
- The interface could take some getting used to depending on your own preference
Google Drawings
Last but certainly not least we have Google Drawings, which is pretty much a Visio alternative from another tech giant. Google has its dedicated office suite to tackle Microsoft’s software and for Visio, you have Google Drawings. This is a web-based diagramming tool that is included in the same Google Drive suite as Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Google Drawings is also available as a web application and as an offline Chrome app in the Web Store, so you have the option to choose which approach you are most comfortable with. Now, this advantage you might already be aware of but syncing to Google Drive is going to be a piece of cake to take your work and flowcharts wherever you happen to be but just make sure to be connected to an active internet connection.
You can also export your diagrams easily, making it one of the best solutions out there from a top-notch tech company.
Pros
- Belongs to Google so continuous updates and improvements are more than guaranteed
- Web-based service and desktop application are available
- Directly competes with Visio and at no cost
- Syncs with Google Drive so you will be able to take your work as long as there is an active internet connection
- Exporting diagrams can be done in the blink of an eye
- Support for Chrome OS is present
Cons
- Those coming from a different alternative might not get immediately comfortable using the app for the very first time
Gliffy – Best Flowchart Making App
Gliffy is also a terrific tool that works in your browser and uses the HTML5 language to render and create beautiful, functional diagrams. The web-based service is optimized for performance, and since it supports Google Drive syncing, you will be able to keep track of your progress without losing it at any time. There is no third-party application meaning you will not have to waste time downloading a separate file and then install it on various operating systems.
The freebie version of this Visio replacement is more than capable of getting the work done and since the paid version will set you back by $7.99, you are better off with the freeware. However, if you’re a professional or have several team members with you, then you will get access to a lot of features in the paid version, so make sure to try this one out before you decide to become a paid member.
Pros
- Web-based service is only available, so you do not have to download an app to carry out your work
- Is extremely fast and snappy so you’ll complete your work swiftly
- Google Drive syncing is available so you’ll take your work and progress with you at any time and at any location
Cons
- Paid version of the application is more expensive than Office 365 so you should only use it when you need the extra tools or if you are a professional
Creately
Creately is similar to Gliffy in the sense that it is another web-based application and targets Visio’s huge utility belt and is designed to be a fun-filled experience. The way the app has been designed and functions, it becomes ideal for business users and classroom. Also, it does things in a very simple manner to allow convenience for the user but there are disadvantages of using it.
Creately is not entirely free and while there is a free web-based service to use around, there is also a paid service while provides more features. Unfortunately, the free service is going to be extremely limited in terms of documents and other changes so if you want to gain access to a lot of tools, then you will have to opt for the paid version. Luckily, Creately is quite cheap for the paid version, requiring a $5 fee per month or a $49 price for a 12-month period, which seems quite reasonable.
There is also a dedicated desktop app for those that do not like to use other web-based alternatives to Visio, but it carries a one-time fee of $75. While it is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, Chrome OS support is dead in the water.
Pros
- Web and desktop service available
- Meant for businesses and for fun purposes
- Simple interface means you can work on this app very comfortably
Cons
- Free version is limited to what it can deliver
- There is no Chrome OS support to be offered at this current time
- There is a dedicated desktop app, but it has a paywall that needs to be scaled through
Dia
Dia is a very competent Visio alternative and allows you to import a variety of formats to save and open files effortlessly. It also has a full selection of shape packages depending on what you want to work on. Unfortunately, it does not have a web-based service so you are limited to running it on either your Mac, Windows, or Linux operating system.
Since Chrome OS support is not present, it is better to look for something else if you are still a Chromebook. Still, if you have can create engaging visual presentations and diagrams but unfortunately happen to be on a budget, then this free tool is going to provide you with a gateway to make your progress possible. It is not a perfect tool, but then again, what tool is?
Pros
- Free desktop service that is compatible with a variety of operating systems
- Easy access to a wide-range of visuals and diagrams, especially if you are on a strict budget
Cons
- Lack of Chrome OS support
- No web-based application present
LibreOffice Draw
LibreOffice Draw is an open-source program, allowing developers to make adjustments to the application in order to improve it accordingly. It is available for operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux but there is no Chrome OS support provided, most likely due to the lack of storage on such machines. LibreOffice Draw is very similar to Visio and OpenOffice Draw, so you will get accustomed to using it right away.
If there was a single gripe to be found from all of this, it is that the app has a user interface that looks ancient, like someone did not bother to make a few cosmetic changes here and there to improve the overall look. Still, if you are not bothered by this, then there is no way why you should not make this your daily driver.
Pros
- Looks very similar to Visio, so you will get used to it in no time
- Open-source program to allow developers to improve it over time
Microsoft Visio Equivalent For Mac
Cons
- No Chrome OS support unfortunately
- User interface looks a bit dated, which will give the impression that it has not been updated in a long time
Pencil Project
Pencil Project is free, and is an open-source alternative to Visio, making its nature appear very similar to the applications that we recommended you to try out earlier. It features one of the best user interfaces for an open-source visual development tool so be sure to check this out before you try out the others. There is also a wide collection of shape varieties, and lines that you can create flowcharts using a copious number of tools at your fingertips.
Though it does not have a web-based service, it sees regular updates that optimize the application and is expected to run better with every update rolled out. If you’re looking for a desktop-based application to create visual presentations, you should totally try this one.
Pros
- Open source program so regular updates are guaranteed
- One of the best user interfaces available for you from a program that is open-source and free
- Lots of tools for you to create flowcharts, diagrams and more
Cons
- No web-based service available
- Desktop application means that Chromebook users will not be able to use this
yEd Graph Editor
yEd as a viable Visio alternative is one of the best programs available to use at this time. With a tremendously sharp and solid user interface with which you can get a whole lot of customization options, feel free to create one of the most appealing flowcharts there are without any obstacle standing in your path. The application also supports importing files from Visio right down to creating your own ones from scratch.
The files that you end up saving are also accessible on your own website, and everything that you end up using is considered free. If that does not satisfy you, then you will be very happy to hear that a desktop application for Windows is present, and so is a web-based client plus support for mobile devices.
Pros
- Extremely well-made user interface
- Tons of customization options available at your fingertips
- Importing files from Microsoft Visio can be done painlessly
- Desktop and web-based application are both available
- So is support for smartphones and tablets
Cons
- No desktop application for Mac but you can use the web-based service for that
- No Chrome OS support
LucidChart – Best Free Online Flowchart Maker
One of the best Visio substitute out there that are both free and does not require you to open up an account or sign up for one is LucidChart. Not only are you able to make diagrams but you can invite your entire team to do the changes if something seems off to you.
You can also import or export Microsoft Visio files as if you were using the company’s software all along. However, there are still limitations to being a free user and once you start opting for the paid plans, you will find out that they will end up becoming an expensive proposition. For a free web program, this is one of the best out there.
Pros
- No need to sign up to use the program, just open the site and start to draw
- Multiple people can work on the same diagram, allowing better integration and less time consumption
- Drag-and-drop interface is available if you want to draw any diagram
- It can import or export Microsoft Visio.vdx files effortlessly
Cons
- Different shapes are not categorized properly so you will have look and select different diagrams very carefully
- You can only open up three active documents at one
- Paid options will quickly end up becoming a pricey solution in the end
Best Visio Alternative For Mac
Final Words
Using Microsoft Visio might not always be the best choice for you, given its current pricing and other cosmetic changes. With these 10 alternatives to Visio, you are free to try out different choices and we are confident that you will find one according to your liking.