Flowcharts are visual tools that guide users through a specific, organized process. So, it often leads to greater results, especially when working with larger teams. Flowcharts are not limited to particular industries, as they are used across the board for many functions.
If you want to create flowcharts yourself but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. This guide lists five of the best open-source flowchart makers.
Best Open-Source Flowchart Makers
- Draw.io: Platform With Collaboration Tools and Integrations
- Dia Diagram Editor: Customizable Platform for Various Use Cases
- Karbon: Productivity and Diagramming Software
- Pencil Project: Tool for Wireframing and Diagrams
- Inkscape: Vector Graphics and Flowchart Maker With Plugins
- Which One Is Right for You
- Bonus: Try a Free Online AI Flowchart Maker
Open-Source Flowchart Maker No.1: Draw.io
Draw.io (or Diagrams.net) is one of the most popular open-source options. It integrates with popular online drives like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Also, it offers robust drawing tools with industry-standard symbols and illustrations.
As an even better treat, Draw.io doesn’t require creating an account (but making one has its benefits). Going to its website leads you directly to the flowchart maker. It’s a no-fuss option worth trying.
Key Features
- Web-based diagramming and flowcharting
- Collaboration with shared cursor support
- Desktop and web version
- Privacy-first flowcharting
Ratings
Tech Review
The draw.io interface is nicely laid out with helpful shortcuts that will help you quickly locate popular shapes, functions, and settings.
– Christian Cawley, TechRadar.
Open-Source Flowchart Maker No.2: Dia Diagram Editor
Dia Diagram Editor, a much-praised tool, is another solid choice for open-source flowcharting. It’s a quick way to create software diagrams and network designs.
It’s primarily geared towards tech-savvy people like developers or software engineers, but don’t feel limited. After all, it’s free, so you can use it for any purpose you might need. While it’s been quite some time since its last update, it’s still a solid option today.
Key Feature
- Compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Can create charts or diagrams with the CSV file format
- Custom symbols library withdrawing support
- Downloadable symbols
Ratings
Tech Review
Dia is a lightweight diagramming software that is a great open-source and free alternative to more professional offerings like Microsoft Visio. Although it may lack certain features, it is well equipped to create simple graphics or charts.
– Anonymous Reviewer via Slashdot.
Open-Source Flowchart Maker No.3: Karbon
Karbon is a free, open-source flowchart software part of the larger Calligra suite that you can integrate with other Calligra tools.
The flowchart maker provides 2D images and Dia stencil features. Further, you can use plugins to enhance your experience. It’s one of those tools that provide the least features at the start, but as you explore more possibilities, you can customize it better for your needs.
Key Features
- Vector drawing, integrated plugins, and more
- Supports Python programming languages and stencils
- Integrates seamlessly with the Calligra suite to create presentations, docs, and more
Ratings
- Capterra (Calligra Suite): 4.5/5
Tech Review
Still, Calligra Suite shows promise. Its development team needs to nurture the package. Calligra is a good start on better things to come.
– LinuxInsider.
Open-Source Flowchart Maker No.4: Pencil Project
Pencil Project offers seamless prototyping and flowcharting geared toward mobile GUI needs. Its capabilities as a flowchart tool are instantly improved with over 26000 mockups (templates) available for your customization.
Working on the go is easier with a dedicated Android and iOS version. You can work on your flowchart or other diagramming projects with the help of its elements and general-purpose shapes. The best part? All features are free!
Key Features
- Exports to other open-source suites like LibreOffice
- Built-in clip art search functionality
- Automatically-attaching connectors
Ratings
Tech Review
If you’re looking for a low-cost tool, or, if you're looking for a no-cost tool, Pencil is worth checking out as it has an excellent value-for-money ratio.
– Imar Spaanjars.
Open-Source Flowchart Maker No.5: Inkscape
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that works on various operating systems, including Unix-like systems like GNU/Linux, BSD derivatives, Illumos, Windows, and macOS. It’s used for creating artistic and technical illustrations, like cartoons, clip art, logos, typography, diagrams, and flowcharts.
Unlike raster graphics, Inkscape uses vector graphics, so you can get sharp printouts and renderings at any resolution without worrying about a fixed number of pixels. It uses the standardized Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format, supported by many other applications, including web browsers.
Key Features
- Vector object creation (custom shapes)
- Object manipulation and configurable transformations
- Supports multiple export formats
Ratings
Tech Review
Inkscape offers vector novices a way to get their fingers wet and explore the Bezier world. It levels the accessibility field by providing a free, solid-featured program to anyone who wants to learn it.
– Shelby Putnam Tupper via PCMag.
Which One Is Right for You?
Have you made a final choice yet? If not, this section can help you. Here are some essential stuff to look out for as you look for open-source flowchart makers:
Continuous updates from developers
Many of the tools listed above are not continuously updated by their developers. However, since they’re open-source, they’re still long-lasting. Still, it’s nice to be updated with new features.
Active community
Many open-source tools are found on sites like GitHub. Thus, having an active community is important. Even if devs rarely update the software, this community will help make your tools feel fresh.
Collaborative editing capabilities
Another good feature to have these days is real-time collaboration. With so many people working from home, having a dedicated way to create flowcharts with a team is a great plus.
Great export compatibility
Your flowcharts need to be shared, so tools offering flexible export options are excellent. At the least, you should be able to export your created flowcharts in Image, PDF, or SVG formats. Having support for other popular charting apps is a plus.
| Tool | Developer Support | Community | Real-time Collaboration | Export Features |
| Draw.io | Still active | Active | Yes | PNG/JPG, SVG, PDF, XML, VSDX, HTML, GITHUB, CSV, Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) |
| Dia Diagram Editor | No recent update (last update from 2013) | Active | No | PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, EPS |
| Calligra Suite | Still active | Active | No | ODF, PDF, PNG/JPG, HTML |
| Pencil Project | No recent update (last updated from 2023) | Not active (last GitHub commit was from 2022) | No | PNG/JPG, PDF, SVG, HTML |
| Inkscape | Still active | Active | No (with plugins/tools that support) | SVG, PNG, PDF, EPS, DXF, AI |
Bonus: Try a Free Online AI Flowchart Maker
As you’ve seen several open-source flowchart makers, you might notice that they might lack some updated features. It’s common among open-source tools due to a lack of funding or developer motivation. Still, they’re reliable tools, so they became the best picks here.
However, if you want a flowcharting tool built with AI and all the latest diagramming features, try Edraw.AI – Wondershare’s prime web-based diagramming tool. It supports over 280+ diagrams and has AI diagrams, flowchart generation, and other AI assistance modes.
Edraw.AI’s unique AI features help a lot when creating flowcharts. It also boasts an editing and customization department, a thousand templates, powerful drawing tools, and a rich library of symbols. Try it out today!
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