draw.io Desktop
JGraph Ltd. • Diagramming Software
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The draw.io Desktop download provides a free, security-first application for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and visual models on your local machine. This standalone tool is based on the popular draw.io editor and is designed to work completely offline, ensuring your data remains private and secure. To get the latest version, use the official links below.
In This Post
The Winning Edge
Enable Autosave to Local Folder
- Open File → Preferences → Autosave interval → set to 5 minutes (or your preference). 2. Ensure Save to device is selected (default). 3. Diagrams will now auto-save to the same folder as the source file.
Reason To Do This: Prevents data loss during crashes or power outages without relying on cloud sync.
Use Command-Line Batch Export for CI/CD
- Open terminal. 2. Run: draw.io –export –format pdf –output./exports./diagrams/*.drawio 3. Add –timeout 30 to skip stuck files. 4. Check exit code: 0 = success, 1 = some failures.
Reason To Do This: Automates diagram publishing in build pipelines; the timeout flag ensures the script never hangs indefinitely.
Hardening: Disable Update Checks in Secure Environments
- Create a drawio.desktop.config.json file in the app’s resources folder. 2. Add: `{
Reason To Do This: Meets compliance requirements for air-gapped or regulated systems where outbound connections are prohibited.
Download draw.io Desktop
File size: 200.0 MB
OS support: Windows
Windows
Download draw.io Desktop 32.6.1 for Windows – Installer x64 (Exe)
Download draw.io Desktop 32.6.1 for Windows (Archive)
Download draw.io Desktop 32.6.1 for Windows – Installer ARM64 (Exe)
Download draw.io Desktop 32.6.1 for Windows – Installer ARM64 (Exe)
Other
System Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, or Linux (64-bit)
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- RAM: 2 GB
- Disk Space: 200 MB free space
Recommended
- RAM: 4 GB
Notable Features
- Offline-First Architecture: Runs completely without an internet connection, storing all diagrams on the local device. No cloud interfaces are included, ensuring data never leaves the machine unless the user manually syncs folders.
- Cross-Platform Support: Native installers for Windows (x64 and ARM64), macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux (AppImage,.deb,.rpm, snap). A portable ZIP is also available for Windows.
- Command-Line Automation: Supports headless exports, batch processing, and new flags like –normalize to repair malformed diagrams and –timeout to prevent hung exports. Exit codes allow scripting integration.
- Enhanced Security Hardening: Symbolic links are skipped during folder exports, Windows system programs launch via full paths, and authorized files cannot be accessed through symlinks. Update checks are disabled when updates are turned off.
- Extensive Format Compatibility: Imports Visio (.vsdx), Lucidchart, Gliffy, and Draw.io XML. Exports to PNG, SVG, PDF, HTML, XML, and more. Mermaid and PlantUML rendering are built in.
- Shape Libraries & Templates: Hundreds of built-in shapes for flowcharts, UML, ERD, network diagrams, BPMN, and more. Custom libraries can be loaded from local paths (restored in 31.5.2 after a regression).
- Real-Time Collaboration (Optional): While the desktop app is offline-first, diagrams can be saved to shared folders or synced via cloud storage (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) for team editing.
What’s New
- Uses Electron 32.6.1
- Includes the Electron mitigation for the compromised eMudhra intermediate certificates [GHSA-jr5w-w6x2-84p9]
- Updates to draw.io core 32.6.1, incorporating all changes from 32.6.1 to 32.6.1
Changes in 31.7.0 (2026-10-03)
- Uses electron 31.7.0
- Keeps the diagram open when a link, form or script tries to load a blank page into the editor window
- Shows the keyboard shortcuts in a dialog inside the app, which also works offline
- Updates to draw.io core 31.7.0
Changes in 31.5.2 (2026-09-26)
- Updated to Electron 31.5.2 for latest security and performance fixes.
- Improved external file change detection — changes by other apps detected even when draw.io isn’t focused.
- Safer file conflict handling — prompts to overwrite or synchronize when another app replaces an open diagram with an older version.
- New –normalize CLI option to repair malformed diagrams (incorrect edge parents, missing geometry, clipping containers).
- New –timeout CLI option to terminate stuck exports after specified seconds.
- More reliable batch exports — invalid files fail cleanly with exit code 1 instead of hanging.
- Stronger symbolic-link security — folder exports skip symlinks; app refuses to write through symlinked output/backup paths.
- Windows process-launch security — system programs launched via full paths to prevent DLL hijacking.
- Local shape libraries restored — local-path libraries in config work again after regression in 31.5.2.
- Update checking respects disabled updates — no network calls when updates are turned off.
Technical Details
| Software Name | draw.io Desktop |
|---|---|
| Version | 32.6.1 |
| License | Free |
| File Size | 200.0 MB |
| OS Support | Windows |
| Language | English, multi-language |
| Developer | JGraph |
| Homepage | https://www.drawio.com/ |
| Changelogurl | https://github.com/jgraph/drawio-desktop/releases/tag/v31.5.2 |
| Last Updated | October 25, 2026 |
Getting Started
Installation Steps
- Click the download button above for your platform (Windows x64 installer is the most common).
- Run the downloaded.exe file. If Windows SmartScreen warns you, click More info → Run anyway.
- Follow the setup wizard: choose install location, start menu folder, and whether to create a desktop shortcut.
- Launch draw.io from the Start menu. No sign-in or license key is required.
Compatibility: Windows 10 1809 or later (64-bit). ARM64 installer for Windows on ARM devices. Portable ZIP runs without admin rights.
Problem Solving
- Issue: Installer fails with App cannot run on this PC → Solution: Download the ARM64 version if you are on a Snapdragon/ARM device.
- Issue: App won’t start after update → Solution: Delete the %APPDATA%/draw.io folder (back up custom libraries first) and relaunch.
FAQ
Is draw.io Desktop completely free and open source?
Yes. draw.io Desktop is released under the Apache 2.0 license. There are no paid tiers, feature locks, or telemetry. The source code is available on GitHub.
Can I use draw.io Desktop on a machine without internet access?
Absolutely. The desktop app is designed for offline use. All diagramming features work without a network connection, and files are saved locally.
Does draw.io Desktop support Visio file import?
Yes. It can import.vsdx (Visio 2013+) files directly. Older.vsd formats are not supported, but you can convert them via Visio or the online draw.io converter first.
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. |
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