Sankey diagrams were named after Irish engineer Matthew Sankey, who first used them to show energy flow. They show how resources like energy consumption or budget distribution move between categories.
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You’ll notice the wider the flow, the larger the value. These diagrams help you visualize data that feels too messy in tables.
If you’re looking for the best free online Sankey diagram generators, you are in the right place. This guide breaks down the top options for ease of use, customization, and features you’ll need.
Best 10 Free Online Sankey Diagram Generators
If you’re searching for the top Sankey diagram generators without spending a dime, this list has you covered. Below are 10 free online options, with their features, advantages, and limitations explained clearly.
Edraw.AI: AI-Powered Visual Collaboration Tool for Diagram Creation
Edraw.AI is an all-in-one online visual collaboration platform with plenty of AI tools. You can use it to create over 210 diagrams, including Sankey diagrams. Edraw.AI is one of the best free online Sankey diagram generators, focusing on simplicity and flexibility.
Enter a text prompt, let Edraw.AI create the editable Sankey diagram, and then add your data.
Key Features
- AI diagram generator to make a Sankey diagram from a text prompt
- Real-time collaboration for team projects
- Built-in pre-designed templates for different charts and diagrams
- Can edit Sankey diagram directly or import data from Excel
Rating
- Product Hunt: 4.9 out of 5
User Review
Supply chain management can be challenging, but Edraw.AI simplifies the visualization of the entire process, from supplier to delivery. Its collaboration feature helps keep everyone involved aligned and informed.
From: Product Hunt
Displayr: Intelligent Data Analysis and Reporting
Displayr is one of the top free online Sankey diagram generators that automates much of the setup. Just upload your data, and the tool handles the rest. Use it for analysis, reporting, and collaboration for all data types.
Key Features
- Customize diagrams font, color palette, gaps, and more
- Can make interactive Sankey diagrams with filters
- Built-in data analysis tools
Rating
User Review
It enabled me to analyze survey data quickly, revealing valuable insights to enhance marketing strategies and boost customer engagement.
From: GetApp.com
Visual Paradigm: All-in-One Productivity Suite for Work
Visual Paradigm is a free online diagram generator offering more than Sankey diagrams. You can create flowcharts, org charts, and mind maps with this tool. It’s an all-rounder for anyone managing various data visualization needs.
Key Features
- Templates for various diagram types
- Edit and customize the Sankey diagram to make it more personal
- Switch and view between different chart types in one click
Rating
User Review
When I first used it, it felt a bit complex. (But) Visual Paradigm has everything you need in one place to create your diagrams, and unlike other tools, it makes it easy to keep your diagrams clean and organized.
From: Capterra.com
SmartDraw: Enterprise Solution for Visualizing Data and Diagrams
SmartDraw is good if you’re after professional-quality diagrams but don’t want to spend hours perfecting them. It’s geared toward businesses and offers smart formatting tools to make diagrams look clean. SmartDraw can easily work with your office apps, including Microsoft Teams.
Key Features
- Intelligent formatting adjusting your diagram automatically
- Huge library of diagram and chart templates
- Can export to MS Office apps, Google Workspace, and more
Rating
User Review
If you need highly specialized features, you could explore alternatives, but SmartDraw offers a cost-effective way to create almost any diagram or chart.
From: Techradar.com
Zoho Analytics: Advanced Data Visualization and Analytics Platform
Zoho Analytics combines data visualization with analysis tools. It is a powerful choice for data-heavy projects. Try it if you want one of the best free online Sankey diagram generators for tracking performance or trends over time.
Key Features
- Dynamic data integration from over 500 sources
- AI recommendations for visualization
- Advanced analytics for deeper insights
Rating
User Review
We can tailor dashboards and reports to get exactly what we need. Integration is another highlight. Plus, it handles large volumes of data smoothly.
From: G2.com
SankeyMATIC: Straightforward Tool for Making Free Sankey Diagrams
This one’s a classic for the top free online Sankey diagram generators. SankeyMATIC focuses exclusively on creating Sankey diagrams without registration. There are sample Sankey charts you can edit and customize with your data.
Key Features
- Change diagram size, background, colors, labels, and more
- Export the Sankey diagram as a link, PNG, or SVG file
- Add data from the TXT file or input directly
Rating
- AlternativeTo.net: 5 out of 5
User Review
It works perfectly and helps me easily visualize my salary.
From: Alternativeto.net
Flourish: Interactive Data Visual Storytelling
Flourish is all about data visualization and interactivity. If you want to create an interactive Sankey diagram without coding, you can use this free online Sankey diagram generator. Just upload the data from your Excel file or edit a template to create the Sankey diagram.
Key Features
- Switch between alluvial and Sankey diagrams
- Grid layout to show data
- Apply custom colors to Sankey diagram nodes
Rating
- G2: 4.8 out of 5
User Review
The visualization is easy to use and great for gaining data insights. It could benefit from better customization options and the ability to add more products.
From: G2.com
DataCamp: Educational Visualization for Data Science
While DataCamp is primarily an educational platform, it also offers tools for data visualization. It’s great to learn about creating Sankey diagrams while you work.
Key Features
- Interactive Sankey diagram plot
- Upload data sources to its AI Chat and describe what you need
Not as intuitive for users without data experience
Rating
User Review
I highly recommend DataCamp to both beginners and professionals in the data field.
From: Capterra.com
Lucidchart: Automated Diagramming Platform Powered by AI
Lucidchart is one of the most well-known tools for creating diagrams, including Sankey. It’s designed for teams and real-time collaboration, making it great for workplace projects.
Key Features
- Generate diagrams from text using AI or start manually
- A library of professional diagram templates
- Seamless integration with popular apps like Slack and Jira
Rating
User Review
Lucidchart combines powerful features with a simple, intuitive interface. Despite minor shortcomings in customer support, its exceptional functionality makes it highly appealing.
From: Techradar.com
EdrawMax: AI-Driven Diagram Maker Built for Team Collaboration
Wondershare EdrawMax is a professional online tool for more than 210 diagram types. Use it to plan, visualize data, and collaborate with your team with the help of AI tools.
Key Features
- Extensive template library and built-in symbols
- AI tools like AI Diagramming, AI Analysis, and AI Chat
- Create Sankey diagrams from the text prompt
Rating
User Review
Although the browser version sometimes lags, the AI and drawing tools, along with a rich shape collection, support efficient work.
From: Techradar.com
Which One Is Right for You?
Here are some standards to help you pick the best Sankey diagram generator:
Ease of Use
Are you looking for something simple, or don’t mind learning a few new things? You might find the Edraw.AI diagram generator helpful - it allows you to create a Sankey diagram from a text prompt with the help of AI.
Data Import and Editing
Some online Sankey diagram generators let you import data directly from Excel, Google Sheets, or other platforms. Tools like Edraw.AI and Flourish also allow spreadsheet-like editing within the app.
Integration
Need to connect your tool to other apps like Google Workspace, Excel, or MS Teams? Tools like Zoho Analytics and SmartDraw excel in integrations. But if this isn’t a priority, simpler options may work.
Versatility
Do you only need Sankey diagrams? Some tools, like Visual Paradigm Online or EdrawMax, are multipurpose and support other charts, visualizations, and workflows. But if your focus is solely on Sankey diagrams, a tool like SankeyMATIC might be enough.
Free Version Features
What’s included in the free version matters. SankeyMATIC is free but basic. Other tools like Lucidchart or Displayr offer limited access to features unless you upgrade.
Top 10 Free Online Sankey Diagram Generators
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of these tools, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
| Sankey Diagram Generators | Best For | User Rating | Product Highlights |
| Edraw.AI | Collaborative individuals and teams creating and analyzing diagrams with AI tools | Product Hunt: 4.9/5 | AI diagram generator, real-time collaboration, can edit on the platform or import data from Excel |
| Displayr | Users who need an advanced diagram generator for data analysis and reporting | G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.8/5 | Built-in features for data insights |
| Visual Paradigm | Individuals who want to design charts and diagrams without switching tools | G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.3/5 | Templates, instantly switch chart views |
| SmartDraw | Enterprises requiring data visualization linked to workplace tools | G2: 4.6/5 Capterra: 4.1/5 | Templates, automatically adjust diagram layout |
| Zoho Analytics | Professionals with data-heavy projects | G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.4/5 | Data integration, advanced analytics |
| SankeyMATIC | Users needing a standalone Sankey diagram creator | AlternativeTo.net: 5/5 | Customization options |
| Flourish | Individuals who want a simple and interactive Sankey diagram | G2: 4.8/5 | Alluvial and Sankey diagrams, grid layout |
| DataCamp | Data science professionals creating Sankey diagrams with code | G2: 4.6/5 Capterra: 4.9/5 | AI chat, code examples |
| Lucidchart | Users looking for easy-to-use diagramming tools | G2: 4.5/5 Capterra: 4.5/5 | Real-time collaboration, AI diagram generator, template |
| Edrawmax | Students and professionals looking for an all-in-one diagram maker with AI tools | G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.5/5 | AI diagramming, AI analysis, AI chat, templates, cross-platform compatibility |
Final Words
Review your needs and compare these options. The best free online Sankey diagram generators are the ones that fit your workflow and help you create diagrams without frustration.
If you want something simple, try SankeyMATIC or Edraw.AI. For interactive or team-based projects, Flourish or Lucidchart are excellent. Tools like Zoho Analytics or EdrawMax are better for advanced users who need more control.
No matter your choice, these tools make it easier to turn data into visuals that make sense.
