Top 12 Free & Open Source Flowchart Software
What are the Benefits of Using Open-Source Flowchart Software?
What are the Different Types of Open Source Flowcharts?
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Last Updated: April 5, 2023
Do you want to convert complex processes of your business in a pictorial form? Or do you want to turn your ideas into a flowchart to make it easy to understand? If your answer is yes, then you should consider choosing a flowchart software for your organization.
Looking for Flowchart Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Flowchart Software solutions.
The purpose of this software is to make sharing of information about processes or systems easy to understand by quickly creating flow graphs. Flowchart templates help you to gain insights into the sequence of steps to be followed to accomplish a task.
What is Open-Source Flowchart Software?
Open-source flowchart software is that application that will help provide advanced functionalities in creating graphs and charts needed for your business operations, plans, and projects in the form of a flowchart.
With arrows, boxes, and visually appealing design of a process, you can create an optical model of complex documents that were otherwise hard to understand.
How to Select the Right Open-Source Flowchart Software?
A useful flowchart software will help you to generate a flowchart that is simple and effective, which at the same time removes any ambiguity. You should consider the following factors while choosing a free flowchart software –
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Reduce Time Taken
An ideal flowchart software will substantially reduce the time taken to create flowcharts. It will allow you to assign specific keywords that generate specified symbols making the process easy.
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Customizable
Good software will allow you to customize the list of your favorite symbols and create a functional-looking diagram.
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Automates Most Steps
Software is useful only when it automates various steps; for example, the creation of a specific diagram by entering predefined symbols would make things convenient in project management.
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Ease of Editing
You should have the option to edit the flowchart at each step of your process flow without remaking the entire diagram easily, as you do on photo editing tools.
What is the purpose of Open-Source Flowchart Software?
Open-source flow chart software serves many purposes:
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Streamline Project Mapping
Flowcharts are effective when you brainstorm ideas and structure a new project. It is better to convey project information and proceed through it using a flowchart’s visual representations and symbols.
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Effectively Manage the Workflow
Using a workflow online diagram tool, you can create standardised symbols, shapes, organizational charts, etc, to manage the workflow effectively. Workflow management also benefits from the use of swim lane diagrams and process flowcharts.
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Simple Documentation
Flowcharts are used to describe and clarify complex business processes in technical documentation such as tutorials, legal documents, and technical writing, among other things.
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Explaining the Flow of Activities
The goal of top flowchart software is to provide a simplified visual representation of the complete process. The flowchart maker open source software can be used to explain policies, guidelines, products, feature descriptions, and more.
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Computer Algorithm Mapping
Computer algorithm mapping involves using an online flowchart maker to create visual representations of processes, making it easier to understand complex algorithms. By using an open-source flowchart software, you can create standardized symbols and shapes to explain the flow of activities in algorithms.
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What are the Different Types of Open Source Flowcharts?
The different types of free flowchart software a
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Swimlane flowchart
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Workflow diagram
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Process flowchart
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SDL flowchart
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Process Map
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Process Flow Diagram
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EPC Diagram
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Data Flowchart
Let’s understand the uses of the different types of flowcharts.
Type of FlowchartUse
Swimlane flowchart
Documentation, reporting, and compliance with legal requirements are all made simpler by this kind of flowchart.
Workflow diagram
This kind of flowchart focuses on process integration and human task orientation.
Process Flowchart
This kind of flowchart helps to lay out a new project.
SDL Flowchart
This kind of flowchart lets programmers generate ideas and map out computer methods.
Process Map
This kind of flowchart is helpful for identifying malfunctions and troubleshooting issues.
Process Flow Diagram
This type of flowchart, also referred to as a flow sheet, aids in the presentation of complex chemical and process engineering.
EPC Diagram
This kind of flowchart is crucial for modeling business processes.
Data Flowchart
This kind of flowchart facilitates communication between system developers and user flows.
What are the Benefits of Using Open-Source Flowchart Software?
Some of the most effective benefits of using open source flowchart software are:
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Visual Clarity
One of flowchart software’s main advantages is clear data visualization. It can visualize various developments and their sequence into a single document. The workflow may be clearly understood by all parties involved in an organization, who can then determine which steps are inadequate and which developments need to be addressed.
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Seamless Communication
Teams can use open source flowchart software to replace meetings. A simple, graphic approach of directly explaining progress to team members enables them to comprehend what they should fulfill, step by step.
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Increase Efficiency
Increased productivity is a key advantage of an open source flow diagram tool. Every step required to complete a process is listed in the flowchart. The flowchart aids a designer in cutting out errors and pointless steps from a procedure. Only the steps necessary to get to the process’ conclusion should be listed in the flowchart.
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Effective Analysis
The problem can be more effectively evaluated with the help of a free open source flowchart software. It clearly outlines the kind of activity that is necessary for each phase in a process. In general, a square block represents an action taken during the process, a diamond shape indicates the point at which a decision is necessary, and a rectangle with round edges denotes the process’s start or end.
A flowchart diagram may also include symbols that signify the several types of storage media, such as a cylinder to represent a computer hard drive or a rectangle with a curved bottom to represent paper.
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Improved Coordination
The merits of an open source flow diagram tool for project managers and resource schedulers include the ability to sequence events and lower the possibility of burdening team members. Time and resources can be saved by removing redundant tasks.
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Top Free and Open Source Flowchart Software used by businesses
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Dia Diagram Editor
Dia is an open-source flowchart software to create diagrams for GNU/Linux, MacOS X, Unix, and Windows. It is the best free flowchart software that doesn’t just offer a free trial but it is always free to use. It can be used to draw many types of programs, including entity relationship programs, concept maps, flowcharts, network diagrams, process flow diagrams, etc. Microsoft Visio and Google drawings are similar top free open source flowchart software that makes complex diagrams easier.
Mục lục bài viết
Features
- Optional OGDF based automatic layout plug-in feature
- Groups can be scaled and rooted
- Predefined symbols and objects to quickly create diagrams
Pros
- Excellent cross-compatibility between various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS X.
- Very easy to use and layout is quite basic
Cons
- The final work when exported may not have the same quality as the initial sketch
- Very simplistic layout and lacks bright colors
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Inkscape
Perhaps the biggest thing that separates Inkscape from the others is the fact that it is a vector graphics software, much like Adobe Illustrator. It makes use of SVG as its native format. Moreover, it has an extension ecosystem and has a passionately fervent user base, especially considering the fact that it is among the best free flowchart software.
Features
- It has cross-platform usage
- Makes use of vector graphics
- Comes packed with tools such as Bitmap tracking, drawing, calligraphy, and drawing tools
Pros
- Abundant and easy to use Path Tools
- Decent placement design
Cons
- The interface needs some work
- Mac version is a bit tricky to use and comes with no guide for beginners
- Not very easy to learn and use
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Lucidchart
Every user’s favorite part about Lucidchart flowchart tool is how easily it lets you start working on your diagram. Around 500 free templates and an extensive shapes library can be accessed to drag and drop elements to the screen as you start working. Or you can just go for a pre-existing automated layout diagram instead. Lucidchart excels in the areas of features and functionality when compared to other open-source flowchart software. You can make an org chart and a gantt chart with the Lucidchart open source flowchart tool.
Features
- You can login and edit your chart before sharing it with your team
- Lets you import data from Zapier, Excel, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and Salesforce. There are a host of other integration options available, too, including, but not limited to, Google suite, Adobe creative cloud,Microsoft Office, Atlassian, and Github.
Pros
- Offers intuitive cloud-based solutions to the users
- Monthly updates keep users and business processes up to date with new functions and features
Cons
- Integration with Microsoft apps and G suite does not go as smoothly as you would expect it to go and consumes time and energy
- Software faces a few hiccups when handling too many graphical elements
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Studio Free – Bpm’online
Studio Free is software by Creatio, which was formerly Bpm’online. It was designed to give users a streamlined design process for creation. It is good for collaborative work, and it simplifies the documentation process. As far as the best free flowchart software goes, Studio Free is a good option for teams of more than 5 and beginners.
Features
- Good for collaborative projects
- Simplistic visual tools, with a helpful process library for storage and management
Pros
- Easy to use
- Streamlined file sharing and collaboration process
- Simulation models and relational display
Cons
- No cross-platform functionality
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Creately
Creately is probably one of the most robust flowchart creator software out there. It combines the intuition of drawing tools with hundreds and thousands of freely available shapes and chart templates to give you the option to create the best business flowcharts out there. Their UI is clean and pleasing to the eye, with the design centered around ease of use.
Features
- Thousands of freely available templates
- Works online and offline
- Option to collaborate with up to three users if you are using the free version
- User-friendly UI and aesthetically pleasing design
Pros
- Configuration options for the UI are fluid and seamlessly implemented
- The thousands of free shapes let you create the finest business flowcharts by any open-source flowchart software out there
Cons
- The free version only lets you collaborate with up to 3 people, so you need to pay if you wish to work with a larger team
- The organization system lacks flexibility. After the initial setup, moving diagrams between various folders is almost nigh on impossible
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Calligra Flow
Calligra Flow is among the most simplistic and best free flowchart software out there. It is tightly integrated with other Calligra Flow apps, which makes for fluent integration and opens up a multitude of features to be used.
Features
- It gives access to wireframes
- Offers up many effects and complex path operations such as path flattening, boolean set operations, whirl/pinch effects, etc
- The UI is customizable, with freely placeable dockers and toolbars as well
Pros
- Comprehensive Path Editing Tool, with capabilities offered for on-canvas editing
- Layer Docker helps in easily handling complex documents and files
Cons
- Does not allow collaboration
- Can’t import or export graphic elements
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Diagramo
Diagramo is among the best free flowchart software that makes use of purely HTML5 and gives you access to a lifetime of storage. Relatively new in the market, this software still has a long way to go in gaining traction, but with regular updates and an intuitive UI, it is already competing with the other heavy hitters in its domain.
Features
- Only makes use of HTML 5
- Diagrams can be shared with “permalinks,” meaning you can share the links with someone and they can see the diagram
Pros
- Lets you collaborate and share with ease
- Allows to export JPEG, PNG, and GIF files via permalinks
Cons
- Doesn’t let you use bookmarks
- Doesn’t allow for track changes
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SmartDraw
With over 4000 free templates, close to 35000 symbols, beyond 70 diagram options with quick-start options, SmartDraw is a free flowchart tool that lets you create charts that represent engineering and architectural visuals to scale if needed. This free flowchart tool itself is robust and combines ease of use of drawing tools with access to various templates. SmartDraw is a free flowchart software that lets you draw and create gliffy diagrams.
Features
- Available in desktop and cloud edition
- Integrates easily with Google slides, Microsoft, Jira, WordPress, etc
Pros
- You can collaborate online or work from the comfort of being behind the protection of a firewall
- Any drawing can be inserted into Excel, Word, PowerPoint and even Google Sheets and Docs
Cons
- Has some progress saving issues and can lead to work being lost
- The software tends to crash a lot, especially when working with too many visual elements
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Gliffy
This online diagramming software is very versatile and easy to use. Use this best free flowchart software to effortlessly create AWS architecture diagrams, UML diagrams, floor plans, flowcharts, Venn diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, SWOT analysis, and many more. With Gliffy, mind mapping is extremely intuitive. All you need is an internet connection!
This will help you to improve team collaboration and communication by quickly explaining all the complex organizational processes in visual form.
Features
- Drag and drop option to draw flowcharts with ease
- Wide variety of symbols available, and you can add your own stencils from an SVG-based artwork.
- Effortless collaboration for group projects
Pros
- Ease in integration with an existing system such as Chrome, Google Drive, Google workspace, MS word Addin, Confluence
- Extensive library for various kinds of shapes
Cons
- The free version will make your diagram public after 15 days
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yED
yED is one of the most efficient open-source flowchart software that can be used to draw diagrams manually and even import data from external sources. The automatic layout algorithm of the software will help you to arrange the most complex piece of data.
The intuitive interface of this free flowchart tool allows you to import your own data from an excel spreadsheet and arrange it in diagrammatic form.
Features
- Import data from external sources such as excel spreadsheets
- Automatically arrange data elements
- Export bitmap and vector graphics as PNG, JPG, PDF, etc.
Pros
- Files can be saved in native format or exported in various other formats.
- Can be customized and easy to use
Cons
- Limited palette of icons available
- Requires a bit of learning curve to get used to this software
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Draw.io
Draw.io is among the best free flowchart software with no premium pay functionality. There is no watermark functionality so that you can own the content that you create. Also, you can use this free flowchart tool to create infographics, er diagrams and commercial flowcharts. The software includes a shape library with all types of components that you need to build your BPMN diagrams.
Features
- Use drag and drop interface and automatic layout function to create flowcharts easily
- Mind map feature to remember the information
Pros
- Easily integrates with other systems
- Seamlessly import and export image
- Various methods for saving, displaying and sharing content
Cons
- There is a limited section for templates that makes certain diagrams repetitive
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Flowgorithm
Flowgorithm is a free flowchart software that helps you to create easy flowcharts. The software supports multiple languages, and the programs are written using a text editor. This free flowchart tool allows users to use shapes to represent different actions that are required to be carried.
Features
- Supports multiple languages
- Graphical variable watch window
- Interactive and easy code generation
Pros
- Easy to understand interface
- Loops, arrays, and flexible expressions
Cons
- Using code language requires a learning curve in the beginning
Wrapping it up
Flowcharts help in organizing vital information that turns ideas into actions. These open-source and free flowchart softwares will help you to create a variety of diagrams ranging from floor plans to network diagrams to UML diagrams. This will, in turn, increase employees’ efficiency as they will understand the complete information with ease.
Which flowchart software do you use for your business operations? Do you use any of the software mentioned above? Let us know your experience in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the challenges in open-source flowchart software?
Some of the challenges in open source flowchart software are:
- Lack of Security
- Lack of Warranty
- Operational insufficiency
What are the user requirements for a flowchart tool?
The user requirements for a flowchart tool are:
- Understanding the customer journey
- Identifying user goals
- Identifying where the users are coming from
- Identifying the information that the visitors need
- Visualizing the user flows
- Prototyping the flow
- Reviewing, refining and testing it
What are the limitations of an open source flowchart tool?
Some of the limitations of an open source flowchart tool are:
- Offering challenging projects and programmes can be challenging.
- No room for modification or adjustment.
- A difficulty comes with reproduction.
- It takes a long time to complete.
- Confusing to people who are unfamiliar with flowchart symbols
How to identify the right open source flowchart software?
You can identify the right open source flowchart software if it fulfills the following requirements:
- It should be time-saving
- It should be customizable
- It should automate most of the steps
- It should be easy to edit
Priya is a seasoned writer with expertise in the SaaS industry. With over five years of experience in the field, she deeply understands the requirement of this specific industry, its techniques, and tools. Her articles, whitepapers, and blog posts are known for their clarity, practicality, and actionable insights. Priya also possesses in-depth knowledge of SEO and content marketing, which enables her to develop effective strategies to increase website traffic and improve brand visibility.
