Find the Best Flowchart Software

What is Flowchart Software?

Flowchart software is a set of programs designed to create a sequence diagram of interconnected shapes that outlines a plan's flow, hierarchy, order, or structure. It is that application that helps provide advanced functionalities in creating graphs and charts needed for your business operations, plans, and projects in the form of a flowchart. With arrows, boxes, and visually appealing design of a process, you can create an optical model of complex documents that were otherwise hard to understand.

How to Select the Right Flowchart Software?

A useful flowchart software will help you to generate a flowchart that is simple and effective, which at the same time removes any ambiguity. You should consider the following factors while choosing a free flowchart software.

1. Reduce Time Taken

   An ideal flowchart software will substantially reduce the time taken to create flowcharts. It will allow you to assign specific keywords that generate specified symbols making the process easy.

2. Customizable

   Good software will allow you to customize the list of your favorite symbols and create a functional-looking diagram.

3. Automates Most Steps

   Software is useful only when it automates various steps; for example, the creation of a specific diagram by entering predefined symbols would make things convenient in project management.

4. Ease of Editing

   You should have the option to edit the flowchart at each step of your process flow without remaking the entire diagram easily, as you do on photo editing tools.

What is the purpose of Flowchart Software?

A flow chart software serves many purposes:

1. Streamline Project Mapping

   Flowcharts are effective when you brainstorm ideas and structure a new project. It is better to convey project information and proceed through it using a flowchart's visual representations and symbols.

2. Effectively Manage the Workflow

   Using a workflow online diagram tool, you can create standardised symbols, shapes, organizational charts, etc, to manage the workflow effectively. Workflow management also benefits from the use of swim lane diagrams and process flowcharts.

3. Simple Documentation

   Flowcharts are used to describe and clarify complex business processes in technical documentation such as tutorials, legal documents, and technical writing, among other things.

4. Explaining the Flow of Activities

   The goal of top flowchart software is to provide a simplified visual representation of the complete process. The flowchart maker open source software can be used to explain policies, guidelines, products, feature descriptions, and more.

5. Computer Algorithm Mapping

   Flowcharts act as a roadmap for algorithms, aiding in the graphical explanation of the processes. Algorithms are explained using the online flowchart maker open source's forms and sizes.

What are the Different Types of Flowcharts?

The different types of flowcharts are:

1. Swimlane flowchart
2. Workflow diagram
3. Process flowchart
4. SDL flowchart
5. Process Map 
6. Process Flow Diagram
7. EPC Diagram
8. Data Flowchart

Let’s understand the uses of the different types of flowcharts.

Swimlane flowchart - Documentation, reporting, and compliance with legal requirements are all made simpler by this kind of flowchart.

Workflow diagram - This kind of flowchart focuses on process integration and human task orientation.

Process Flowchart - This kind of flowchart helps to lay out a new project.

SDL Flowchart - Programmers generate ideas and map out computer methods.

Process Map - Identifying malfunctions and troubleshooting issues.

Process Flow Diagram - Also referred to as a flow sheet, aids in the presentation of complex chemical and process engineering.

EPC Diagram - For modeling business processes.

Data Flowchart - Facilitates communication between system developers and user flows.

What are the Benefits of Using Flowchart Software?

Some of the most effective benefits of using the best flowchart software are:

1. Visual Clarity

   One of flowchart software's main advantages is clear data visualization. It can visualize various developments and their sequence into a single document. The workflow may be clearly understood by all parties involved in an organization, who can then determine which steps are inadequate and which developments need to be addressed.

2. Seamless Communication

   Teams can use open source flowchart software to replace meetings. A simple, graphic approach of directly explaining progress to team members enables them to comprehend what they should fulfill, step by step.

3. Increase Efficiency

   Increased productivity is a key advantage of an open source flow diagram tool. Every step required to complete a process is listed in the flowchart. The flowchart aids a designer in cutting out errors and pointless steps from a procedure. Only the steps necessary to get to the process' conclusion should be listed in the flowchart.

4. Effective Analysis

   The problem can be more effectively evaluated with the help of a free open source flowchart software. It clearly outlines the kind of activity that is necessary for each phase in a process. In general, a square block represents an action taken during the process, a diamond shape indicates the point at which a decision is necessary, and a rectangle with round edges denotes the process's start or end.

   A flowchart diagram may also include symbols that signify the several types of storage media, such as a cylinder to represent a computer hard drive or a rectangle with a curved bottom to represent paper.

5. Improved Coordination

   The merits of an open source flow diagram tool for project managers and resource schedulers include the ability to sequence events and lower the possibility of burdening team members. Time and resources can be saved by removing redundant tasks.

Popular Flowchart Software used by businesses

1. Dia Diagram Editor

   Dia is a flowchart software to create diagrams for GNU/Linux, MacOS X, Unix, and Windows. It is the best free flowchart software that doesn’t just offer a free trial but it is always free to use. It can be used to draw many types of programs, including entity relationship programs, concept maps, flowcharts, network diagrams, process flow diagrams, etc. Microsoft Visio and Google drawings are similar top free open source flowchart software that makes complex diagrams easier.

   Features

   • Optional OGDF based automatic layout plug-in feature
   • Groups can be scaled and rooted
   • Predefined symbols and objects to quickly create diagrams

   Pros

   • Excellent cross-compatibility between various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS X.
   • Very easy to use and layout is quite basic

   Cons

   • The final work when exported may not have the same quality as the initial sketch
   • Very simplistic layout and lacks bright colors

2. Inkscape

   Perhaps the biggest thing that separates Inkscape from the others is the fact that it is a vector graphics software, much like Adobe Illustrator. It makes use of SVG as its native format. Moreover, it has an extension ecosystem and has a passionately fervent user base, especially considering the fact that it is among the best free flowchart software.

   Features

   • It has cross-platform usage
   • Makes use of vector graphics
   • Comes packed with tools such as Bitmap tracking, drawing, calligraphy, and drawing tools

   Pros

   • Abundant and easy to use Path Tools
   • Decent placement design

   Cons

   • The interface needs some work
   • Mac version is a bit tricky to use and comes with no guide for beginners
   • Not very easy to learn and use

3. Lucidchart

   Every user’s favorite part about Lucidchart flowchart tool is how easily it lets you start working on your diagram. Around 500 free templates and an extensive shapes library can be accessed to drag and drop elements to the screen as you start working. Or you can just go for a pre-existing automated layout diagram instead. Lucidchart excels in the areas of features and functionality when compared to other open-source flowchart software. You can make an org chart and a gantt chart with the Lucidchart open source flowchart tool.

   Features

   • You can login and edit your chart before sharing it with your team
   • Lets you import data from Zapier, Excel, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and Salesforce. There are a host of other integration options available, too, including, but not limited to, Google suite, Adobe creative cloud,Microsoft Office, Atlassian, and Github.

   Pros

   • Offers intuitive cloud-based solutions to the users
   • Monthly updates keep users and business processes up to date with new functions and features

   Cons

   • Integration with Microsoft apps and G suite does not go as smoothly as you would expect it to go and consumes time and energy
   • Software faces a few hiccups when handling too many graphical elements

4. Studio Free – Bpm’online

   Studio Free is software by Creatio, which was formerly Bpm’online. It was designed to give users a streamlined design process for creation. It is good for collaborative work, and it simplifies the documentation process. As far as the best free flowchart software goes, Studio Free is a good option for teams of more than 5 and beginners.

   Features

   • Good for collaborative projects
   • Simplistic visual tools, with a helpful process library for storage and management

   Pros

   • Easy to use
   • Streamlined file sharing and collaboration process
   • Simulation models and relational display

   Cons

   • No cross-platform functionality

5. Creately

   Creately is probably one of the most robust flowchart creator software out there. It combines the intuition of drawing tools with hundreds and thousands of freely available shapes and chart templates to give you the option to create the best business flowcharts out there. Their UI is clean and pleasing to the eye, with the design centered around ease of use.

   Features

   • Thousands of freely available templates
   • Works online and offline
   • Option to collaborate with up to three users if you are using the free version
   • User-friendly UI and aesthetically pleasing design

   Pros

   • Configuration options for the UI are fluid and seamlessly implemented
   • The thousands of free shapes let you create the finest business flowcharts by any open-source flowchart software out there

   Cons

   • The free version only lets you collaborate with up to 3 people, so you need to pay if you wish to work with a larger team
   • The organization system lacks flexibility. After the initial setup, moving diagrams between various folders is almost nigh on impossible

6. Calligra Flow

   Calligra Flow is among the most simplistic and best free flowchart software out there. It is tightly integrated with other Calligra Flow apps, which makes for fluent integration and opens up a multitude of features to be used.

   Features

   • It gives access to wireframes
   • Offers up many effects and complex path operations such as path flattening, boolean set operations, whirl/pinch effects, etc
   • The UI is customizable, with freely placeable dockers and toolbars as well

   Pros

   • Comprehensive Path Editing Tool, with capabilities offered for on-canvas editing
   • Layer Docker helps in easily handling complex documents and files

   Cons

   • Does not allow collaboration
   • Can’t import or export graphic elements

7. Diagramo

   Diagramo is among the best free flowchart software that makes use of purely HTML5 and gives you access to a lifetime of storage. Relatively new in the market, this software still has a long way to go in gaining traction, but with regular updates and an intuitive UI, it is already competing with the other heavy hitters in its domain.

   Features

   • Only makes use of HTML 5
   • Diagrams can be shared with “permalinks,” meaning you can share the links with someone and they can see the diagram

   Pros

   • Lets you collaborate and share with ease
   • Allows to export JPEG, PNG, and GIF files via permalinks

   Cons

   • Doesn’t let you use bookmarks
   • Doesn’t allow for track changes

8. SmartDraw

   With over 4000 free templates, close to 35000 symbols, beyond 70 diagram options with quick-start options, SmartDraw is a free flowchart tool that lets you create charts that represent engineering and architectural visuals to scale if needed. This free flowchart tool  itself is robust and combines ease of use of drawing tools with access to various templates. SmartDraw is a free flowchart software that lets you draw and create gliffy diagrams.

   Features

   • Available in desktop and cloud edition
   • Integrates easily with Google slides, Microsoft, Jira, WordPress, etc

   Pros

   • You can collaborate online or work from the comfort of being behind the protection of a firewall
   • Any drawing can be inserted into Excel, Word, PowerPoint and even Google Sheets and Docs

   Cons

   • Has some progress saving issues and can lead to work being lost
   • The software tends to crash a lot, especially when working with too many visual elements

9. Gliffy

   This online diagramming software is very versatile and easy to use. Use this best free flowchart software to effortlessly create AWS architecture diagrams, UML diagrams, floor plans, flowcharts, Venn diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, SWOT analysis, and many more. With Gliffy, mind mapping is extremely intuitive. All you need is an internet connection!

   This will help you to improve team collaboration and communication by quickly explaining all the complex organizational processes in visual form.

   Features

   • Drag and drop option to draw flowcharts with ease
   • Wide variety of symbols available, and you can add your own stencils from an SVG-based artwork.
   • Effortless collaboration for group projects

   Pros

   • Ease in integration with an existing system such as Chrome, Google Drive, Google workspace, MS word Addin, Confluence
   • Extensive library for various kinds of shapes

   Cons

   • The free version will make your diagram public after 15 days

10. yED

    yED is one of the most efficient open-source flowchart software that can be used to draw diagrams manually and even import data from external sources. The automatic layout algorithm of the software will help you to arrange the most complex piece of data.

    The intuitive interface of this free flowchart tool allows you to import your own data from an excel spreadsheet and arrange it in diagrammatic form.

    Features

    • Import data from external sources such as excel spreadsheets
    • Automatically arrange data elements
    • Export bitmap and vector graphics as PNG, JPG, PDF, etc.

    Pros

    • Files can be saved in native format or exported in various other formats.
    • Can be customized and easy to use

    Cons

    • Limited palette of icons available
    • Requires a bit of learning curve to get used to this software

11. Draw.io

    Draw.io is among the best free flowchart software with no premium pay functionality. There is no watermark functionality so that you can own the content that you create. Also, you can use this free flowchart tool to create infographics, er diagrams and commercial flowcharts. The software includes a shape library with all types of components that you need to build your BPMN diagrams.

    Features

    • Use drag and drop interface and automatic layout function to create flowcharts easily
    • Mind map feature to remember the information

    Pros

    • Easily integrates with other systems
    • Seamlessly import and export image
    • Various methods for saving, displaying and sharing content

    Cons

    • There is a limited section for templates that makes certain diagrams repetitive

12. Flowgorithm

    Flowgorithm is a free flowchart software that helps you to create easy flowcharts. The software supports multiple languages, and the programs are written using a text editor. This free flowchart tool allows users to use shapes to represent different actions that are required to be carried.

    Features

    • Supports multiple languages
    • Graphical variable watch window
    • Interactive and easy code generation

    Pros

    • Easy to understand interface
    • Loops, arrays, and flexible expressions

    Cons

    • Using code language requires a learning curve in the beginning

Wrapping it up

Flowcharts help in organizing vital information that turns ideas into actions. These open-source and free flowchart softwares will help you to create a variety of diagrams ranging from floor plans to network diagrams to UML diagrams. This will, in turn, increase employees' efficiency as they will understand the complete information with ease.

Which flowchart software do you use for your business operations? Do you use any of the software mentioned above? Let us know your experience in the comment section below.