Top 12 Open Source Flowchart Software in 2024

Priya Naha

Senior Writer

Free & Open Source Flowchart Software

Key Takeaways:

  1. Open-source flowchart software is a type of software that allows users to create visual representations of processes, workflows, and algorithms using various shapes and symbols.
  2. The purpose of open-source flowchart software is to streamline project mapping, effectively manage workflows, create simple documentation, explain the flow of activities, and map computer algorithms.
  3. When selecting the right open-source flowchart software, consider factors such as reducing time taken, customization options, automation of steps, and ease of editing.
  4. Some top free and open-source flowchart software used by businesses include Dia Diagram Editor, Inkscape, Lucidchart, Studio Free – Bpm’online, Creately, Venngage and Calligra Flow.

Do you want to convert complex processes of your business in a pictorial form? Or do you want to turn your ideas into a flowchart to make it easy to understand? If your answer is yes, then you should consider choosing a flowchart software for your organization.

Looking for Flowchart Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Flowchart Software solutions.

The purpose of this software is to make sharing of information about processes or systems easy to understand by quickly creating flow graphs. Flowchart templates help you to gain insights into the sequence of steps to be followed to accomplish a task.

What is Open Source Flowchart Software?

Open-source flowchart software is that application that will help 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.

protip image
Pro-tip

When exploring free and open-source flowchart software, prioritize solutions that offer a wide range of pre-built templates and shapes to streamline the creation process. Look for software that supports collaborative features, allowing multiple users to work on flowcharts simultaneously. Also, consider the ease of use and intuitive interface to ensure efficient diagramming and visualization.

How to Select the Right Open Source 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 Open Source Flowchart Software?

Open-source 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 standardized 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

Computer algorithm mapping involves using an online flowchart maker to create visual representations of processes, making it easier to understand complex algorithms. By using open-source flowchart software, you can create standardized symbols and shapes to explain the flow of activities in algorithms.

What are the Different Types of Open Source Flowcharts?

The different types of free flowchart software a

  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.

Type of Flowchart
Use
Swimlane flowchartDocumentation, reporting, and compliance with legal requirements are all made simpler by this kind of flowchart.
Workflow diagramThis kind of flowchart focuses on process integration and human task orientation.
Process flowchartThis kind of flowchart helps to lay out a new project.
SDL FlowchartThis kind of flowchart lets programmers generate ideas and map out computer methods.
Process MapThis kind of flowchart is helpful for identifying malfunctions and troubleshooting issues.
Process Flow DiagramThis type of flowchart, also referred to as a flow sheet, aids in the presentation of complex chemical and process engineering.
EPC DiagramThis kind of flowchart is crucial for modeling business processes.
Data FlowchartThis kind of flowchart facilitates communication between system developers and user flows.

What are the Benefits of Using Open-Source Flowchart Software?

Some of the most effective benefits of using open source 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 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.

Top 12 Open Source Flowchart Software Used by Businesses

Software Name
Free Trail
Features
NoneOptional OGDF based automatic layout plug-in feature
NoneIt has cross-platform usage
14 daysYou can login and edit your chart before sharing it with your team
14 daysGood for collaborative projects
30 daysThousands of freely available templates
7 daysFully customizable smart flowchart templates
NoneIt gives access to wireframes
NoneOnly makes use of HTML 5
14 daysAvailable in desktop and cloud edition
14 daysDrag and drop option to draw flowcharts with ease
NoneImport data from external sources such as excel spreadsheets
NoneUse drag and drop interface and automatic layout function to create flowcharts easily
14 daysSupports multiple languages

1. Dia Diagram Editor

Dia Diagram Editor logo

Dia Diagram Editor

Dia is an open-source 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 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Dia Diagram Editor offers seamless Windows, Linux, and macOS X compatibility
  • Tickmark img
  • The software's user-friendly interface makes it accessible to users of all levels
  • Tickmark img
  • It provides versatile capabilities for creating diverse diagram types, such as flowcharts and UML diagrams
  • Tickmark img
  • Dia Diagram Editor runs efficiently on older or less powerful computers due to its lightweight nature
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • The final exported diagrams may not retain the same quality as the initial sketch
  • Cross img
  • The software's simplistic layout may lack vibrant colors and visual customization options
  • Cross img
  • The software's support and community resources are relatively limited

2. Inkscape

Inkscape logo

Inkscape

4.8 out of 5 stars

4 Reviews

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 vibrant 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Abundant and easy-to-use Path Tools make creating and editing paths convenient
  • Tickmark img
  • Inkscape offers various advanced features and tools for graphic design and vector illustration
  • Tickmark img
  • It supports various file formats, including SVG, EPS, PDF, and more, ensuring compatibility with other design software
  • Tickmark img
  • Inkscape is open-source software that provides a free and accessible option for graphic designers and artists
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • The interface of Inkscape needs improvements to enhance user experience
  • Cross img
  • The Mac version of Inkscape can be tricky to use, especially for beginners, as it lacks a comprehensive guide
  • Cross img
  • Inkscape has a steeper learning curve compared to some other graphic design software

3. Lucidchart

Lucidchart logo

Lucidchart

4 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

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 flow chart software.

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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Lucidchart offers intuitive cloud-based solutions, allowing users easy access to their diagrams and collaborative features
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides regular updates, ensuring users stay updated with new functions and features
  • Tickmark img
  • Lucidchart offers a wide range of templates and shapes, making it easy to create professional-looking diagrams
  • Tickmark img
  • The software supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work together
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Integration with Microsoft apps and G Suite does not go as smoothly as expected and consumes time and energy
  • Cross img
  • Software often lags 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • It is easy to use, making it accessible to users with varying technical expertise
  • Tickmark img
  • The software offers streamlined file-sharing and collaboration features, facilitating efficient teamwork and communication
  • Tickmark img
  • It provides simulation models, allowing users to visualize and analyze business processes for improved decision-making
  • Tickmark img
  • Studio Free - Bpm'Online offers relational display capabilities, enabling users to visually represent relationships between entities
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Studio Free - Bpm'Online lacks cross-platform functionality, limiting its usage to specific operating systems or devices
  • Cross img
  • It has limited customization and integration options

5. Creately

Creately logo

Creately

4 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Configuration options for the Creately user interface (UI) are fluid and seamlessly implemented
  • Tickmark img
  • The software offers thousands of free shapes, enabling users to create detailed and professional business flowcharts
  • Tickmark img
  • Creately provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience, making it accessible to users of all levels of expertise
  • Tickmark img
  • It offers collaboration features, allowing users to easily collaborate on diagrams and share their work
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • The free version of Creately limits collaboration to only three people, requiring payment for larger team collaboration
  • Cross img
  • The organization system in Creately lacks flexibility, making it difficult to move diagrams between different folders after the initial setup
  • Cross img
  • While Creately offers customization options for the UI, some users may find limitations in terms of overall flexibility

6. Venngage

Venngage logo

Venngage

Venngage is a user-friendly online platform that specializes in infographic creation, offering a variety of templates, design elements, and customization options to easily craft visually engaging and informative graphics. Easily create visually stunning flowcharts, diagrams, and more using Venngage Flowchart Maker. Whether you’re visualizing structures, processes, or concepts, this user-friendly tool empowers you to design beautiful diagrams without any prior design experience. Venngage Infographic Maker offers a range of smart templates that are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the colors, shapes, and lines to your specific needs. 

With the ability to add icons, illustrations, and backgrounds, you can enhance your creations and make them uniquely yours. Plus, you can apply your organization’s branding to every design, ensuring a consistent and professional look across all your visuals. Discover the power of Venngage Flowchart Maker and unlock your creativity today.

Features

  • Fully customizable smart flowchart templates
  • Unique illustrations, icons, colors, and fonts to use
  • With just a single click, you can effortlessly download your flowchart or instantly share it directly from Venngage

Pros and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Venngage provides 24-hour priority support, ensuring timely assistance for users
  • Tickmark img
  • The platform offers a user-friendly editor, making it easy for users to create and customize their designs
  • Tickmark img
  • It keeps your team in the loop by allowing them to edit your flowcharts and share designs for feedback and collaboration
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Venngage does not allow collaboration in its free version, limiting the ability to collaborate on designs
  • Cross img
  • The download feature in Venngage is only available for premium or business account users, requiring an upgrade to access this functionality

7. 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Calligra Flow offers a comprehensive Path Editing Tool, providing advanced capabilities for editing paths directly on the canvas
  • Tickmark img
  • The Layer Docker feature in Calligra Flow makes it easier to handle complex documents and files by allowing efficient layer management
  • Tickmark img
  • The software supports numerous document formats, providing flexibility in importing and exporting files
  • Tickmark img
  • Calligra Flow is part of the Calligra Suite, which offers a complete set of office productivity tools
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Calligra Flow does not have built-in collaboration features, limiting the ability to work together on documents with team members
  • Cross img
  • The software cannot import or export graphic elements, potentially restricting interoperability with other design tools
  • Cross img
  • The limited availability of templates and shapes may require additional effort to create complex diagrams from scratch

8. 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Diagramo allows for easy collaboration and sharing, facilitating seamless teamwork and feedback exchange
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides the capability to export diagrams as JPEG, PNG, and GIF files, ensuring compatibility
  • Tickmark img
  • Diagramo offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of expertise
  • Tickmark img
  • The software supports various diagram types, including flowcharts, organizational charts, and UML diagrams
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Diagramo doesn't provide the ability to use bookmarks, which may limit the organization and navigation of large diagrams
  • Cross img
  • The software lacks track changes functionality, making it difficult to track and review revisions made to diagrams over time
  • Cross img
  • Some users may find the user interface of Diagramo to be less intuitive or visually appealing compared to other diagramming tools

9. SmartDraw

SmartDraw logo

SmartDraw

5 out of 5 stars

1 Reviews

With over 4000 free templates, close to 35000 symbols, and 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 the ease of use of drawing tools with access to various templates. SmartDraw is a free flowchart software that lets you draw and create cliffy diagrams.

Features

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

Pros and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • SmartDraw offers robust online collaboration capabilities, allowing users to collaborate on diagrams anywhere and anytime
  • Tickmark img
  • The software integrates with popular tools like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Sheets
  • Tickmark img
  • SmartDraw offers a vast library of professionally designed templates and symbols
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • SmartDraw may experience progress-saving issues, potentially losing work if not properly saved
  • Cross img
  • The software has been reported to crash frequently, especially when working with many visual elements or complex diagrams
  • Cross img
  • Some users may find the pricing of SmartDraw to be relatively high compared to other diagramming software options on the market

10. 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
  • A wide variety of symbols is available, and you can add your own stencils from an SVG-based artwork.
  • Effortless collaboration for group projects

Pros and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Gliffy offers seamless integration with existing systems such as Chrome, Google Drive, Google Workspace, MS Word Add-in, and Confluence
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides an extensive shapes, icons, and templates library
  • Tickmark img
  • Gliffy offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
  • Tickmark img
  • It provides real-time collaboration and version control features, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Users may find the user interface of Gliffy to be less intuitive or visually appealing compared to other diagramming tools
  • Cross img
  • Gliffy's customer support has limited resources compared to other diagramming software providers

11. 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 software’s automatic layout algorithm will help you 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • yED offers a wide range of layout algorithms, enabling automatic arrangement and organization of complex diagrams
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create diagrams
  • Tickmark img
  • yED supports various diagram types, including flowcharts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, and more, offering versatility for various visualizations
  • Tickmark img
  • The software supports customization with different visual styles, colors, and fonts, providing flexibility in visually appealing diagrams
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • yED has limited advanced features compared to other diagramming tools
  • Cross img
  • The software lacks real-time collaboration capabilities
  • Cross img
  • Some users may find the learning curve for yED to be steeper than other diagramming software

12. Draw.io

Draw.io logo

Draw.io

Draw.io is among the best free flowchart software with no premium pay functionality. There is no watermark functionality, so you can own the content 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 and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Draw.io offers various diagramming options and templates, allowing users to create diagrams
  • Tickmark img
  • The software provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making creating and customizing diagrams easy
  • Tickmark img
  • It supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same diagram and see real-time changes simultaneously
  • Tickmark img
  • It seamlessly integrates with popular cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • The software may have a steeper learning curve for users new to diagramming or graphic design
  • Cross img
  • It lacks advanced features and customization options compared to specialized diagramming tools
  • Cross img
  • Users may experience occasional performance issues, especially when working with complex or large-scale diagrams

13. Flowgorithm

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

Features

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

Pros and Cons

Thumb up img
    Tickmark img
  • Flowgorithm provides a simple and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners and learners
  • Tickmark img
  • The software offers a visual programming environment that helps users understand and design algorithms through flowcharts
  • Tickmark img
  • Flowgorithm supports multiple programming languages, allowing users to generate code in languages like C++, Java, Python, and more
  • Tickmark img
  • It offers step-by-step execution of algorithms, helping users verify and understand the logic and flow of their programs
Thumb down img
    Cross img
  • Flowgorithm lacks advanced features and functionalities that are present in more comprehensive Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
  • Cross img
  • Users may find the software limiting for complex programming tasks or larger-scale projects
  • Cross img
  • Flowgorithm does not provide extensive debugging capabilities compared to dedicated debugging tools available in full-fledged IDEs

Wrapping it up

Flowcharts help in organizing vital information that turns ideas into actions. These open source and free flowchart software will help you create various diagrams ranging from floor plans to network diagrams to UML diagrams. This will, in turn, increase employees’ efficiency as they will easily understand the complete information.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the challenges in open source flowchart software are:

  1. Lack of Security
  2. Lack of Warranty
  3. Operational insufficiency

The user requirements for a flowchart tool are:

  1. Understanding the customer journey
  2. Identifying user goals
  3. Identifying where the users are coming from
  4. Identifying the information that the visitors need
  5. Visualizing the user flows
  6. Prototyping the flow
  7. Reviewing, refining and testing it

Some of the limitations of an open source flowchart tool are:

  1. Offering challenging projects and programmes can be challenging.
  2. No room for modification or adjustment.
  3. A difficulty comes with reproduction.
  4. It takes a long time to complete.
  5. Confusing to people who are unfamiliar with flowchart symbols

You can identify the right open source flowchart software if it fulfills the following requirements:

  1. It should be time-saving
  2. It should be customizable
  3. It should automate most of the steps
  4. It should be easy to edit
Google News
subscribe image
Let’s Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

people subscribed+21K people have already subscribed 
Related Articles
No posts found.
sitemap
Share This