One of the essential tasks for IT projects leader or architects is to have an application diagram created. It could be either application flow, infrastructure diagram, or software design. Microsoft Visio is one of the most popular software to create the diagram. However, it costs money, which may not be an interest of small organizations or startup. The following online tools let you create a layout without installing any software. Ready to explore?
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is freemium, and the free plan comes with basic functionality but is good to start with. You can select from more than 100 premade templates in the following categories.
NetworkNetwork infrastructureMindmapEngineeringBusiness analysisSitemapOrg chartFlowchartWireframeand much more…
Creately
You can create one project and five diagrams in a free account with Creately. Creately let you draw a flowchart, organizational chart, wireframe, network diagram, infographics, and much more. It’s a complete drag-n-drop, so creating an infrastructure diagram or flowchart is easy.
Draw.io
Draw.io helps you to create a flow chart or any diagram with plenty of shapes to correctly visualize your infrastructure. There are more than 50 pre-defined templates to get you started in various categories.
Go to draw.ioSelect the location you want to save the diagrams
Click on “Create New Diagram.”
Enter the File Name and click on Create
Start designing the flow by drag-n-drop of shared from the left navigation. If you can’t find the shared, try searching for them.
Once you are done, click on File » Export as
Select the file type you want, and you are done. You see it’s easy, and the best thing is FREE!
Terrastruct
Terrastruct is a diagramming tool designed for software architecture. Unlike other diagramming tools that produce static images, Terrastruct lets you express the complexity of your software designs. You can layer your diagram by the level of abstraction, as well as define scenarios to describe every edge case. Features
Multidimensional diagramsAutolayoutUnique integration with Github that turns its README into a diagram presentationLive collaborationHuge icon set specific to software diagramsPassword protected diagramsTeam features like shared templates and image uploads.
Gliffy
Gliffy is a fantastic drawing tool, which helps you create multiple types of a diagram like Flow Chart, Org Chart, Venn Diagram, Wireframe, Mindmap, Network design, etc. The user interface is similar to Draw.io. However, I see more shapes in color, which is very handy and looks attractive.
Go to gliffy.comClick on “START DRAWING.”
Drag-n-drop the required shapes from left navigation, and once you are done, you can export the file as PNG, JPG, SVG, or Gliffy format to your desktop.
Edraw Max
Trusted by companies like Samsung, Dell, and IBM, Edraw Max can help you create visual-presentation in literally minutes. Just choose a visualization element and then add your data via spreadsheets or their simple sidebar. Once you’re done, you can share it on social media or add them to your documents, slides, or website. They have over 1,000 templates in different areas, like:
FlowchartTimelineInfographicBrochureNetwork visualizationFloor planEngineering plan
It has every single feature required to deliver your message in the form of visuals.
Cacoo
Cacoo is fantastic if you are looking for real-time collaboration with drag-n-drop, grids, and revision history. It allows you to create 25 sheets with a free plan and can export in PNG format. There are plenty of shapes for almost all the required objects to create a diagram or wireframe.
ProcessOn
ProcessOn is another flexible online tool to help you with creating UI Mockups, Mind Maps, Flowcharts, and UML.
Coggle
Work together with your team to create a flowchart and mind maps using Coggle. Some of the features are as follows.
Add multiple starting points to the diagramUpload custom imagesAnnotate text or imageNumerous shapes and design elements
Once you are happy with your diagram, you can download them as PDF or image files. And, also export as .mm or Visio files.
Mindmeister
As the name says, its primarily mind mapping tool. More than 10 million users have used Mindmeister for brainstorming, project planning, knowledge management, idea management, notes taking, and more.
yED
Various samples are available to kickstart, creating a diagram. yED live editing platform is fast and distraction-free. Features
Add your branding color paletteAdd custom dataShare with othersUML diagram editorGraph structure grouping
yED is also available as a desktop version.
SmartDraw
With thousands of templates, tools, and symbols, SmartDraw should definitely be in your radar of consideration. You can create enormous amounts of elements, like:
FlowchartsFloor plansNetwork diagramsGraphsCAD drawingsWireframesAnd so much more
It integrates seamlessly with third-party tools like MS Office, GSuite, and Trello. Moreover, you can even import, export, and modify Visio files and stencils. Overall, it’s powerful and easy to use. You can either download SmartDraw on your desktop or use it online from any device.
Visual Paradigm
With a simple diagram editor and central workplace, Visual Paradigm makes it a whole lot easier to create and maintain your diagrams. Since it’s great for keeping things organized, you’re sure to boost your productivity levels and achieve more in less time. You can collaborate with your team members and build projects under one workplace. Either start from scratch or select from a variety of pre-made templates. You also get over 2,000 examples of diagrams, which can help when you’re stuck and need ideas. If you are using this tool for a non-profit purpose, then you can get it for free. Or else, it costs only $4/month/user to get started. Conclusion I hope the above tools help you to create and visualize your flow, process in an attractive way. If you are new to enterprise architecture, then you may be interested in learning TOGAF. Next, find out how you can create a process diagram with a Flowchart maker.
