Best Visio alternatives
Apps that open Visio files, which ones can save back to VSDX, and what each costs per seat or once, compared with Visio's own plans.
draw.io
draw.io (JGraph)
Free, opens Visio files, and runs in the browser or as a desktop app on Windows, Mac and Linux. It can't save back to VSDX, so it suits a one-way move away from Visio.
All draw.io facts- How you draw
- Shapes, Code, Words
- Paid from
- Free
- Opens Visio files
- YesYes
- Saves VSDX
- NoNo
Lucidchart
Lucid
Imports Visio files and exports VSDX on paid plans, so you can keep trading files with Visio users. Browser-based; Team is $10 per user a month billed yearly.
All Lucidchart facts- How you draw
- Shapes, Code, Words
- Paid from
- $10/user/mo
- Opens Visio files
- YesYes
- Saves VSDX
- Paid plansPaid plans
SmartDraw
SmartDraw
Imports and exports Visio files and runs on Windows, Mac and the web. No free plan, only a 7-day trial; Individual is $10.95 a month billed yearly.
All SmartDraw facts- How you draw
- Shapes, Words
- Paid from
- $10.95/user/mo
- Opens Visio files
- YesYes
- Saves VSDX
- Paid plansPaid plans
EdrawMax
Wondershare
Imports Visio files, exports VSDX on paid plans, and is one of the few sold with a one-time licence ($198) as well as a subscription ($8.25 a month billed yearly). Desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux.
All EdrawMax facts- How you draw
- Shapes, Words
- Paid from
- $8.25/user/mo
- Opens Visio files
- YesYes
- Saves VSDX
- Paid plansPaid plans
Every app that could fit, checked
12 apps, with the facts that matter here. Picks are outlined. The count is facts documented, out of 4.
| App | Opens Visio files | Saves VSDX | Mac app | One-time licence | Documented |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EdrawMax | Yes | Paid plans | Yes | Yes | 3 of 4 |
| draw.io | Yes | No | Yes | No | 2 of 4 |
| SmartDraw | Yes | Paid plans | Yes | No | 2 of 4 |
| Lucidchart | Yes | Paid plans | No | No | 1 of 4 |
 OmniGraffle | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 3 of 4 |
 Visual Paradigm Online | Yes | Not stated | Yes | Yes | 3 of 4 1 not stated |
 Microsoft Visio | Yes | Paid plans | No | Yes | 2 of 4 |
 Miro | Yes | Paid plans | Yes | No | 2 of 4 |
 Whimsical | Yes | No | Yes | No | 2 of 4 |
 Cacoo | Yes | No | No | Not stated | 1 of 4 1 not stated |
 Eraser | Yes | Paid plans | Not stated | No | 1 of 4 1 not stated |
 Gliffy | Yes | No | Not stated | Not stated | 1 of 4 2 not stated |
Worth knowing. Visio import is rarely perfect: custom stencils, layers and data-linked shapes can shift or flatten. Open a few of your real files in the free tier or trial before you move a whole library.
