draw.io (diagrams.net)

What it is

draw.io is a diagramming and whiteboarding application developed by draw.io Ltd (previously JGraph) and draw.io AG. It runs in the browser at app.diagrams.net and as a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its source code is published on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 licence, and the company describes it as free, with no sign-up required.

Why analysts and engineers use it

Most diagrams in a business analysis or software project are not art; they need to be clear, editable and shareable. draw.io does that well:

• Shape libraries for flowcharts, BPMN, UML (use case, activity, sequence, state and class diagrams), entity relationship diagrams, network and cloud architecture.
• Your storage, your choice: save to your device, or connect Google Drive, OneDrive or SharePoint, or a GitHub repository. draw.io states it cannot access your diagrams.
• Integrations with Google Docs and Slides, Microsoft Teams, Confluence and Jira, and a VS Code extension.
• Export to PNG, SVG and PDF for documents and portfolios.

What to draw with it as a business analyst

1. A stakeholder map or power and interest grid for your project.
2. Use case diagrams, and a state diagram for a key item such as an order or application.
3. An entity relationship diagram of the data a system stores.
4. Swimlane process maps. For strict BPMN practice, a dedicated BPMN tool such as bpmn.io is a good complement.

Free or paid?

The web and desktop apps are free. If your team wants a workplace integration such as Confluence or Jira, check the pricing on that integration's own listing, since it can differ from the free apps.

Tips

• Pick one shape library per diagram and hide the rest; clutter is the most common problem.
• Keep text short inside shapes and put detail in notes.
• Save the editable .drawio file next to the exported image, so you can update the diagram later.
• The desktop app works offline, which suits confidential client work.

Common questions

Does it support real-time collaboration? The draw.io website advertises collaboration with shared cursors in its cloud storage integrations, while the open source repository notes the core editor has no built-in real-time editing. Test your setup before relying on it.

Is it safe for client diagrams? Because you choose where files are stored, you can keep them on approved company storage.

Best for: anyone who needs clear process, UML, data or architecture diagrams without paying for a diagramming licence.