The draw.io Desktop download provides a free, security-first application for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and visual models on your local machine. draw.io Desktop is a standalone tool is based on the popular draw.io editor and is designed to work completely offline, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
In This Article
Best Settings & Configuration
Quick Start: Creating a Basic Flowchart
- Launch the draw.io Desktop application.
- Select ‘Create New Diagram’ and choose the ‘Flowchart’ template category.
- Drag and drop the ‘Process’ shape onto the canvas to start your workflow.
- Use the arrow handles on the shapes to automatically connect them with new shapes, simplifying the graph drawing process.
- Double-click any shape or connector to add text labels.
How this helps: Flowcharts are a core use case for this diagramming software. This quick start helps new users immediately visualize a process using the intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Exporting Diagrams for Sharing
- Once your diagram is complete, go to ‘File’ > ‘Export as’.
- Select your desired format (e.g., PNG, SVG, PDF, or XML).
- Choose your export settings (e.g., transparency, size).
- Click ‘Export’ and save the file to your local drive.
How this helps: draw.io Desktop ability to export to multiple formats ensures compatibility with other documents. It also ensures compatibility with presentation software. This makes it easy to share your visual models with colleagues.
Download
draw.io 64-bit – Online Installer | Standalone – Offline Installer
draw.io 32-bit – Offline Installer | Standalone – Online Installer
ARM64 | Standalone – Online Installer
Technical Specifications
| Software Name | draw.io Desktop |
|---|---|
| Version | 29.2.9 |
| License | Free (Apache 2.0) |
| File Size | 120 MB |
| OS Support | Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or later; macOS 10.12 or later; Linux (64-bit) |
| Language | Multi-language (based on core editor) |
| Developer | JGraph Ltd. |
| Homepage | https://www.drawio.com |
| Last Updated | January 3, 2026 |
Notable Features
- Offline Diagramming and Security: The application is designed to run completely isolated from the internet. This ensures that your diagram data is stored locally and never sent externally. This setup makes it a security-first visual workspace.
- Extensive Shape Libraries: Access a broad range of shapes and templates. Use them to create flowcharts, network diagrams, UML models, and ERD. This supports complex graph drawing needs.
- Customization and Configuration: Users can set custom color palettes, styles, fonts, and shape libraries, and configure editor themes to tailor the visual workspace for faster diagramming.
- AI-Powered Diagram Generation: The core editor includes a ‘Generate’ tool that uses multiple AI generators to create a wider range of diagrams, including interface mock-ups and infrastructure diagrams.
New in This Version in Version 29.2.9
- Updates MathJax fonts to 4.1.0.
For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.
Advantages & Drawbacks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free and open-source (Apache 2.0 license) | Lacks direct, real-time cloud collaboration features found in the online version |
| Designed for offline use, prioritizing data security and privacy | Online clipart shapes and templates require an internet connection |
| Extensive library of shapes and templates for various diagram types | |
| Supports import and export of multiple file formats |
Getting Started
FAQ
Is the draw.io Desktop download free to use?
Yes, the draw.io Desktop application is completely free and open-source, distributed under the Apache 2.0 license.
Does draw.io Desktop require an internet connection?
No, the desktop application is designed to run offline. An internet connection is only required for initial updates and to access online features like the full clipart shape library or templates.
What is the difference between the desktop and online versions?
The desktop version prioritizes security by storing files locally and working offline. The online version (app.diagrams.net) offers direct integration with cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Similar Software
| Feature | draw.io Desktop | Microsoft Visio | Lucidchart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Free (Apache 2.0) | 💰 Paid (Subscription/One-time purchase) | ✅ Freemium (Limited free tier, Paid subscription for full features) |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Web, iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Offline Mode | Yes (Primary design focus) | Yes (Desktop app) | Limited (Web-based, requires initial load) |
| Cloud Integration | Indirect (via local cloud sync folders) | Microsoft 365/SharePoint | Google Workspace, Atlassian, Microsoft |
| Shape Library Size | Extensive (Open-source community contributions) | Very Large (Industry-specific stencils) | Large (Modern, cloud-focused shapes) |
| Real-time Collaboration | No (Desktop version is standalone) | Yes (via Microsoft 365) | Yes (Core feature) |
| Key Strength | Maximum data security and privacy via local storage | Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem | Best-in-class real-time collaboration and ease of use. |
| Our Pick | Best overall | Best for enterprise users already invested in Microsoft 365. | Best for teams prioritizing cloud-based collaboration. |
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