# draw.io — Free Diagramming Tool for Architecture and Flowcharts

> draw.io (diagrams.net) is a free, open-source diagramming application for creating flowcharts, architecture diagrams, UML, network diagrams, and more. It runs in the browser and as a desktop app.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# draw.io — Free Diagramming Tool for Architecture and Flowcharts

## Quick Use
```bash
# Use in the browser at app.diagrams.net (no install needed)

# Desktop app via Homebrew (macOS)
brew install --cask drawio

# Self-host with Docker
docker run -d -p 8080:8080 jgraph/drawio
```

## Introduction
draw.io (also known as diagrams.net) is a free diagramming tool that runs entirely in the browser or as a desktop application. It supports a wide range of diagram types including flowcharts, UML, ER diagrams, network topologies, and cloud architecture diagrams, with direct integrations into Confluence, Jira, Google Drive, and VS Code.

## What draw.io Does
- Creates flowcharts, UML diagrams, ER diagrams, BPMN, network diagrams, and cloud architecture visuals
- Provides hundreds of built-in shape libraries including AWS, Azure, GCP, Cisco, and Kubernetes icons
- Stores diagrams in editable XML format compatible with version control systems
- Integrates with Confluence, Jira, Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub, and GitLab
- Exports to PNG, SVG, PDF, VSDX (Visio), and HTML formats

## Architecture Overview
draw.io is a client-side JavaScript application built on the mxGraph library (now part of the project). All diagram rendering and editing happens in the browser with no server-side processing of diagram data. The desktop version wraps the web app in Electron. Storage is pluggable: diagrams can be saved to local disk, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, GitHub, or GitLab. The self-hosted Docker image serves the static web app without handling any user data server-side.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Deploy the Docker image to serve the web app from your own infrastructure
- Configure storage backends for Google Drive, OneDrive, or local file system
- Embed draw.io in Confluence Server/Cloud or Jira via official plugins
- Use the VS Code extension for editing diagrams alongside code in your IDE
- Customize shape libraries and templates for your organization

## Key Features
- No account required and no diagram data sent to external servers in self-hosted mode
- Extensive shape libraries covering cloud providers, networking, UML, and general flowcharting
- Real-time collaboration when using cloud storage backends like Google Drive
- Diagram-as-code support with CSV, SQL, and text-based import for automated diagram generation
- Offline-capable desktop app for air-gapped environments

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Lucidchart** — SaaS with subscription pricing; draw.io is free with no feature limits
- **Visio** — Microsoft commercial tool; draw.io is open-source and cross-platform
- **Mermaid** — text-based diagram rendering; draw.io provides a visual drag-and-drop editor
- **Excalidraw** — sketch-style whiteboard; draw.io focuses on precise technical diagrams
- **PlantUML** — code-based UML; draw.io offers both visual editing and code import

## FAQ
**Q: Is draw.io really free?**
A: Yes. The web app, desktop app, and self-hosted Docker image are completely free. Revenue comes from Confluence and Jira plugin licensing.

**Q: Can I use it offline?**
A: Yes. The desktop app works fully offline. The web version requires initial loading but can work offline afterward with local storage.

**Q: Does self-hosting require a backend server?**
A: No. The Docker image serves static files only. All processing happens in the browser.

**Q: Can I store diagrams in Git?**
A: Yes. Diagrams are saved as XML files that diff and merge well in version control systems.

## Sources
- https://github.com/jgraph/drawio
- https://www.drawio.com

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/84a07f8c-403f-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: AI Open Source