draw.io Desktop is powerful diagramming software that works offline on your computer. This free application runs on Windows, MacOS and Linux systems, giving you complete control over your diagram files. Unlike cloud-based tools, all your data stays on your device, which makes it ideal for professionals handling confidential information or working in secure environments. The software offers professional grade features without requiring internet access, so you can create diagrams anywhere.
Key Security Benefits
Offline Data Storage
Your diagram files never leave your computer when using draw.io Desktop. This security-first approach means no third-party servers store your sensitive information. Companies working with classified data or following strict compliance rules appreciate this feature.
Full Data Control
You decide where to save your files – on your local drive or sync them with cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox only when you choose. The software doesn’t lock your diagrams behind accounts or subscriptions.
Creating Diagrams Made Simple
Drag and Drop Interface
The editor works like familiar office tools you already know. Simply drag shapes from libraries onto your canvas and connect them by drawing lines between objects. Double-click any shape to add text labels instantly.
Extensive Shape Libraries
draw.io Desktop includes thousands of shapes organized by category. You can create flowcharts, network diagrams, UML models, org charts and more. The software also lets you search for specific shapes including open-source icons.
Our Hands-On Test
We tested draw.io Desktop on Windows 11 and found the interface by making diagrams felt natural from the start. The software launched quickly and we created a complex network diagram in under 15 minutes. Connecting shapes was smooth, and the automatic routing feature kept our connector lines clean without manual adjustments. We especially liked how the editor remembered our last-used shapes and settings.
Advanced Features for Power Users
Smart Diagram Generation
You can generate diagrams from text using Mermaid code, CSV data or SQL queries. This saves time when converting existing documentation into visual formats.
Customization Options
Create custom shape libraries to match your company branding. The editor supports HTML text formatting and even mathematics typesetting for technical diagrams. You can customize colors, fonts, line styles and connector types.
Layer and Tag Organization
Complex diagrams become manageable using layers and tags. Add metadata, tooltips and clickable links to shapes for interactive presentations.
Working With Multiple Formats
Import Capabilities
draw.io Desktop accepts files from Lucidchart, Gliffy, Visio (.vsdx) and other diagram formats. Just drag files onto the editor window to import and continue editing.
Export Options
Export your finished diagrams as PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF or XML files. This flexibility ensures compatibility with presentation software, documentation systems and web platforms.
Collaboration Features
Real-Time Editing
When you save files to Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox, multiple people can edit simultaneously. Shared cursors show exactly where teammates are working on the diagram.
Integration With Popular Tools
draw.io connects with Confluence, Jira, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Notion and NextCloud. These integrations let you embed diagrams directly in documentation without format conversions.
Visual Customization
Dark Mode Support
The editor automatically adjusts colors and brightness in dark mode. You can also set custom colors that override automatic adjustments or keep diagrams in light mode while using dark editor panels.
Editor Themes
Choose from multiple interface layouts including a simple whiteboard, floating tool panels or standard diagramming software appearance. The editor supports over 40 languages.
Diagram Types You Can Create
draw.io Desktop handles virtually any diagram type:
- Network infrastructure and topology maps
- Business process flows and BPMN diagrams
- Organizational charts and hierarchy trees
- UML class, sequence and component diagrams
- Entity relationship databases models
- Floor plans and office layouts
- Kanban boards and project timelines
- Circuit diagrams and rack layouts
- Fishbone and dependency graphs
- Mind maps and concept diagrams
System Requirements
The latest version runs on Windows 7 and newer, MacOS and Linux distributions. The software uses Electron framework and requires approximately 200MB disk space.
draw.io Desktop vs Competition
Here’s how draw.io Desktop compares with leading alternatives:
| Feature | draw.io Desktop | Lucidchart | Microsoft Visio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (can vary) | Free and open source | Starts at $7.95/month | $5-$15/month subscription |
| Offline Access | Full offline functionality | Limited offline mode | Desktop version available |
| Data Storage | Local device only | Cloud-based storage | OneDrive or local |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Yes, with cloud storage | Built-in collaboration | Limited collaboration |
| Platform Support | Windows, MacOS, Linux | Web-based, all platforms | Windows and web |
| Template Library | Extensive free templates | Professional templates | Industry-leading templates |
| Integration Options | 100+ through open source | 100+ native integrations | Microsoft ecosystem focus |
| Learning Curve | Easy for beginners | Moderate complexity | Steeper learning curve |
Getting Latest Updates
draw.io Desktop receives regular updates with security patches and new features. Version 28.1.2 released in October 2025 includes Electron 37.2.3 framework and security improvements in node-tmp. The development team actively maintains the open-source project on GitHub.
Why Choose draw.io Desktop
Cost Effective Solution
Being completely free makes draw.io Desktop attractive for small businesses, students and individual professionals. You get enterprise-level features without subscription fees.
Privacy and Security
Organizations handling sensitive data benefit from local storage and offline operation. No vendor can access your diagrams or metadata.
Flexibility and Freedom
The open-source nature means no vendor lock-in. Export your work to standard formats anytime and switch tools if needed.
Active Development
Regular updates bring new capabilities and security fixes. The large user community contributes shapes, templates and integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can draw.io Desktop work without internet connection?
Yes, draw.io Desktop works completely offline. All diagramming features function without internet access since the software runs locally on your computer. You only need internet if you choose to sync files with cloud storage services.
Is draw.io Desktop really free or are there hidden costs?
draw.io Desktop is completely free with no hidden costs, subscriptions or premium tiers. The software is open source and all features are available at no charge. You get the same functionality as paid alternatives without any licensing fees.
What file formats does draw.io Desktop support for import and export?
draw.io Desktop imports files from Visio (.vsdx), Lucidchart, Gliffy and standard image formats. You can export diagrams as PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, XML and HTML. This wide format support ensures compatibility with most documentation and presentation tools.
License – Free
Download
Size – 110 MB
draw.io 64-bit – Online Installer | Standalone – Offline Installer
draw.io 32-bit – Offline Installer | Standalone – Online Installer
ARM64 | Standalone – Online Installer