features

Customise and configure the draw.io editor to diagram faster

The draw.io editor has a mountain of configuration options that can make your diagramming faster. Set custom colour palettes, styles, fonts, shape libraries, templates, and even editor themes, enable or disable certain features, set defaults for connectors, and more via the extensive draw.io configuration options.

use cases

Four ways to draw Sankey diagrams in draw.io

Sankey diagrams were originally designed to visualise loss in a steam engine system. These days, they are also used to illustrate data distributions and flows between states in many types of systems.

Open this example

features   import   templates

Generate more types of diagrams in draw.io with the new sparkle tool

The smart templates feature has been upgraded - click on the new Generate tool (sparkle button) in the draw.io toolbar to generate a diagram. The Generate tool uses multiple AI generators to support a wider range of diagrams, including interface mock-ups, infrastructure diagrams, Mermaid diagrams and more.

features   use cases

Draw technical diagrams securely offline with draw.io Desktop

If you have an intermittent or restricted internet connection or want to draw diagrams without worrying about whether they will be scraped by cloud storage providers, you can use the draw.io Desktop. With the full set of draw.io shapes. templates and diagramming features, the draw.io Desktop app works offline on Windows, Linux and macOS.

features   integrations

Diagram with draw.io in Plane.so pages

Plane.so, a project management platform, has developed a draw.io integration where you can add, edit and store draw.io diagrams in Plane.so pages. Plane is a useful platform for technical documentation and project management for distributed teams. Both the simple draw.io Board editor and the full draw.io diagram editor are available, with all the standard built-in draw.io shape libraries and templates, as well as the generated smart templates and Mermaid diagram support.

features   use cases   connectors

Crow's foot notation for ER diagrams

Crow’s foot notation is used in entity relationship (ER) diagrams to show how data in different database tables relate to each other.

use cases

Concept mapping for problem solving

Most businesses use mind maps or spider mapping - slightly restricted tree-structured concept maps - for planning and ideation, especially in marketing and other customer service professions. However, concept maps are also useful for problem solving as well as learning and knowledge sharing across all teams and professions.

features   use cases

Diagrams in technical documents

Technical diagrams are a form of documentation by themselves. But they are also used to supplement text in many other types of documents created by technical writers and documentation teams. While some teams may have graphics designers responsible for the diagramming, tech writers may be less familiar.

features   atlassian

The draw.io app for Confluence Cloud transitions to Forge-only

Atlassian has encouraged all Connect apps to transition to Forge where their modernised Forge architecture can provide increased data security, updated integrated tools and UIs and other useful features. Our hybrid Connect/Forge draw.io app is currently migrating to be fully Forge-only, allowing for enough time to troubleshoot before the first migration deadline in January 2026, should any problems arise.

use cases   shape libraries

Shape library updates for multi-colour shapes

There are many shapes in the draw.io shape libraries that use more than one line or fill colour. These shapes are being updated so you can change each of the colours and style your diagram with more flexibility.

use cases   shape libraries

Shape libraries - want to be a quiz kid?

It’s been a rather chaotic summer for all of us here at draw.io. Because it’s a Thursday, to fit with the general craziness, here’s a holiday-themed puzzle using one of the less-oft-used shape libraries. This library contains a large number of easy-to-recognise skilfully crafted classical hand-tooled signs, perfectly sitting at the bottom of your shape collection.

features   atlassian

Migrate draw.io from Confluence DC to Zero Egress Cloud

You can now migrate from draw.io for Confluence Data Center to the Zero Egress draw.io app for Atlassian’s Confluence Cloud. The Zero Egress draw.io app is fully client-side and Forge-only. This enforces data residency and isolation - there is no external data egress. Diagram data is stored within the Confluence page content on Atlassian’s infrastructure and in the user’s browser as they edit diagrams and pages in that Confluence Cloud instance.

features

Configure draw.io online to disable AI diagrams

Like many software apps, diagramming tools now have AI-powered features that ‘help’ you diagram. These can be premium features and may not be easily disabled. With the free online draw.io editor, you have access to the diagram generation features by default. It’s easy to disable this in draw.io - configure the editor or use the fully offline draw.io Desktop app.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

How to draw UML package diagrams

UML package diagrams document the structure of grouped components in a system along with their dependencies, especially for multi-layered web and application architectures. Package diagrams fall in between the detailed class diagrams and the high-level more abstract profile diagrams and model diagrams.

features

Use draw.io diagrams in Google Docs, Slides and Sheets

Diagrams help you convey complex information faster and more accurately, helping your audience understand your documents more easily. Export your draw.io diagrams to PNG image files and then import them into your Google Docs, Slides and Sheets - drag and drop the image file into your document.

features   shapes

Search for shapes, in-diagram text, help and more with the new search omnibox

The search field in draw.io has been extended. In addition to shape search, you can now open various features from the menu via the search field, generate a smart template, apply styles to text, and more. The omnibox search field can speed up your diagramming workflow.

features   import   templates

When does it make sense to generate a diagram?

In draw.io, the smart templates feature allows you to generate a diagram from a text description. It’s easy to get hyped up about quickly generating visual documentation, but when should you generate a technical diagram? What types of diagrams can’t be generated?

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Migrate diagrams from PlantUML to Mermaid and draw.io

Diagrams from text are oft faster for programmers to draw than to spend time manually styling and aligning the diagram elements. PlantUML support in draw.io is being phased out at the end of 2025, so here are some ways you can migrate your PlantUML diagrams to draw.io or rewrite them in Mermaid syntax.

features   use cases

Consistency makes technical diagrams easier to read

Diagrams can convey a lot of information at a glance, but only if they follow the three C’s - for drawing technical diagrams that means concise, clear and consistent. As the diagram author, you are responsible for clarity and conciseness. For consistency however, draw.io has many tools to help you draw diagrams that are easier to read.

features   atlassian

Using draw.io with attachment retention rules in Confluence Data Center

Retention rules in Confluence Data Center allow you to automatically delete historical versions of pages and attachments that you no longer need. draw.io diagrams are stored as page attachments. Therefore, the data retention settings you choose will apply to older versions of those diagrams.

features   use cases   shape libraries

Home lab and smart home diagrams

Over on the home lab, home networking and smart home subreddits, it has been fantastic to see diagrams of increasingly complex home computing and network setups being shared. Diagrams help home you understand the physical and logical connections between networked devices, and are useful for setting up security zones, upgrading hardware and debugging connection problems.

use cases   shape libraries

New networking shape library with customisable shadows

The new Network 2025 shape library in draw.io has extra styling options built in. When you enable the background colour, the shapes will have a bold long shadow. You can colour each part of these shapes individually - shape outline, shape fill colour (and neutral colour for internal details), background colour and gradient.

features   shapes

Align and space shapes for neater diagrams in draw.io

Diagrams look neater and are easier to read when the shapes are aligned and evenly spaced. It can be time consuming to line everything up using the grid by hand - there is an easier way. In the Arrange tab of the format panel, the Align and Distribute tools let you align and space multiple shapes quickly and easily.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

How to draw UML profile diagrams

Profile diagrams are one of the newer UML diagram types, providing a broad overview of a system showing how the system can be implemented in different domains. Stereotypes and constraints indicate which sub-systems and components, languages and processes are modified in different use cases.
Open this example in draw.io

features

A modern and streamlined interface for draw.io

The draw.io editor is being freshened up to match the new Google Drive user interface with a modernised and streamlined user interface. All the drawing editor tools are in the same locations around the drawing canvas, so your workflow will not be disrupted.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Draw communication diagrams to simplify UML sequences

Communication diagrams (formerly collaboration diagrams) show the messages that are passed in a system as an action is taken or an event occurs, and in what order they are sent. As a simplified sequence diagram, these show the information sharing relationships more clearly between different elements of a system.

use cases   shapes   shape libraries

Timing diagrams for UML and embedded systems

Timing diagrams are important for activities that need to be completed within a specific time frame. Such as the ringing of a doorbell after pressing a button, or a ticket gate opening after a ticket has been validated.

features   atlassian

draw.io zero-egress Forge apps for Confluence and Jira

Companies want complete control over their content and data when using cloud platforms. Atlassian’s secure-by-design Forge development platform enables and enforces isolation - with zero-egress apps like draw.io, none of your data ever leaves your Atlassian cloud environment.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

UML interaction overview diagrams

Interaction overview diagrams show a high-level overview of how components of the system interact with each other. General flowchart shapes show the interaction flow between activities, and sometimes entire sequence diagrams or activity diagrams are embedded for detailed documentation.

features   shapes   text   connectors

Using adaptive colours to diagram in light and dark modes

When you change from light to dark mode in draw.io, the colours automatically switch intensity so that your diagram and its labels are easy to read. You can set now specific colours for shapes, connectors, text and the diagram page background for both light and dark modes via the updated colour palette.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

UML overview - where and why each UML diagram is used

UML notation is one of the most popular technical diagramming standards defining a wide range of diagrams useful in many different industries and professions, not just software engineering. That many different technical diagrams can be daunting, so here is an overview of each of the different types of UML diagrams, who draws or reads them, and why they are useful.

features   atlassian

draw.io app Editions for Atlassian Confluence Cloud (early access program)

App editions for Atlassian Confluence Cloud will soon be available for customers who sign up for Atlassian’s early-access program. App editions is a new Atlassian Marketplace feature introduced with Forge, and draw.io will be available in Standard and Advanced editions.

use cases   shape libraries

More updated networking and cloud shape libraries

In addition to updating the main AWS and Azure shape libraries in draw.io, several new networking and cloud shape libraries have been added, including shapes for Alibaba Cloud, Dynamics365 and OpenStack.

features   connectors

Disable distracting animations in diagrams

Flow animations on connectors can make diagrams much easier to understand - they can clearly show in which direction a process flows or how control/data moves through a system. But such animations can distract you while you edit a diagram. You can now disable the visual animation via the draw.io menu, but keep the flow animation style on the connector.

use cases   shape libraries

New IBM Cloud shape library for technical diagrams

The new IBM Cloud shape library in draw.io (right) reflects IBM’s updated design language, and extends the existing IBM shape library (left) with a wide range of additional groups, connectors and infrastructure components.

use cases   shape libraries

Updated Citrix shape library for clean infrastructure diagrams

The new Citrix shape library helps you to draw Citrix diagrams of complex infrastructures that are easier to read. The older 3D shapes are still available in the Citrix (legacy) shape library.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

What makes a good UML diagram tool?

There are a wide range of UML diagramming tools available, as standalone applications, as online-only cloud software, and embedded in various content platforms. Some take text input to generate diagrams, and others are specialised to draw just one type of UML diagram.

features   shapes   connectors

Align connectors easily with a waypoint shape

In any diagram with branches - trees and org charts, Ishikawa diagrams, wiring diagrams, and even some flow charts - you will have multiple overlapping connectors attached to the parent shape. Using a waypoint shape between connectors will prevent manual alignment frustration when you move the parent or child shapes.

use cases

Showing probabilities and risk in diagrams

Risk management and knowing the probabilities of a success are important in any business, but much more so when human lives are on the line. You can indicate risks in diagrams with different shapes, styles and colours, or by showing percentages, even if you are not using a probability tree to visualise your system or task.

features

Step through and explore diagrams interactively

Step through your diagram interactively in the draw.io editor via the Arrange tab in the format panel - select a shape then click on connected shapes in the Explore viewer to see how the shapes in your diagram are related.

features   atlassian

draw.io updated for Atlassian Jira Software 10.0

Atlassian has recently released Jira Software 10.0 and Data Center Platform 7, which includes a large collection of security and automation improvements. The draw.io app has been updated to support Jira Software 10.0 and its long awaited dark theme - your diagrams will switch to dark mode automatically to match your Jira user settings.

features   use cases

Diagrams for retail - customer paths and planograms

You can use diagrams in many ways in retail, including to visualise customer shopping data, to plan customer journeys, to analyse and optimise your retail space, and to improve workflows for both customers and co-workers.

features   atlassian

draw.io for Confluence Data Center 9.0

Atlassian has just released Confluence Data Center 9.0, with a wide range of security improvements and user-friendly updates. The draw.io app is fully compatible with Confluence DC 9.0 - when you use the new Dark theme in your Confluence instance, you’ll automatically see draw.io diagrams in dark mode.

features   shapes   text

Change the style of text in draw.io

While the dream of drawing technical diagrams is to be able to understand them with very little text, labels on shapes and connectors add essential descriptive elements. There are many ways to style text in draw.io - you can even use multiple styles in one label.

use cases   templates

What's the difference between a process map, process model and a flowchart?

There are many terms for diagrams that show a series of steps and decisions - flowchart, process diagram, process map, workflow, and process model. While many sources claim large differences between these terms, in practice, they are used interchangeably.

use cases   shape libraries

New built-in SAP shape library for BTP solution diagrams

BTP solution diagrams document your SAP Business Technology Platform architecture to show its services, environments, systems and interdependencies. Using the standard SAP icon set in your BTP solution diagram ensures that teams from various departments can understand your diagram immediately - from IT service managers and CTOs to SAP consultants and solution architects.

features

Snap to grid and other helpful alignment tools in draw.io

The draw.io editor helps you to align shapes and connectors with various tools and guides, including snap to grid, guidelines and spacing, and snap to connection point. You can disable them or bypass them with a keyboard shortcut if they stop you from making fine adjustments to your diagram layout.

features   shapes   use cases

How many shapes do you need to draw technical diagrams?

There are so many different notations used for technical diagramming that this is a hard question to answer. draw.io supports all your icon needs - there are shape libraries for a vast range of different technical diagrams, and you can extend the built-in libraries with your own shapes in a custom library if you need to.

features   import   templates

How to write better queries for smart generated diagrams

Query writing, also known as prompt engineering, is becoming an important skill as large language models and AI tools become more popular. It is hard to write a good query to ensure a good outcome from any type of content generator. Here’s how you can make the most of the diagram generation features in draw.io.

integrations   features   use cases   import

Mermaid in draw.io updated to support ELK layout

Mermaid is a text-based syntax that you can use to describe a diagram, and automatically lay it out neatly on the diagram canvas. Enter your Mermaid diagram description in draw.io via Arrange > Insert > Mermaid in the draw.io menu or + > Mermaid from the toolbar. draw.io has updated to Mermaid version 10.9.1 to support the new ELK automatic layout.

features

All the tool panels in draw.io

draw.io has many modes and editor themes to suit your diagramming style, from the feature-rich classic editor or its simple mode, to the clear whiteboard-like Sketch editor theme. Not all tool dialogs or panels are visible by default in each mode or editor theme. All the tools are available in all modes and editor themes - see how you can open these tools below.

trust   features

Privacy policy updates

Data security and privacy are central to our draw.io diagramming tool - using our application platform, your diagram data storage means saving and loading is direct between your browser and whichever location your choose to save your diagram file. We don’t allow your diagram data to be stored on our servers.

features   use cases

Case study - Requirements flows for a new website

When you contract an external company to create a website, a mobile app or a program interface, you need to provide clear requirements - user interface specifications and mock-ups, user flows and use cases, as well as data structures and note the various rules that must be followed. You could draw a set of technical diagrams for each context, or you could put it all into one diagram.

Part flowchart, mockup and data - documenting the requirements of a website

features   atlassian

Collaborative editing in draw.io in Confluence DC

Collaborative editing has long been possible in draw.io for Confluence Cloud. From the draw.io for Confluence DC release 13.0, you and your team will be able to edit the same diagram and see each other’s changes.

features

High contrast mode in draw.io

The new high contrast mode is available in draw.io: High Contrast makes the editor interface easier to read without adjusting your monitor’s contrast settings, similar to the accessibility options in your operating system.

features   use cases

Technical diagrams for manufacturing - process engineering shape library

In draw.io, the wide range of shape libraries let you draw many kinds of technical diagrams. The large process engineering shape library (Proc. Eng.) helps you visualise manufacturing processes and production lines. This library also includes various ISO shapes should you need to diagram to specific standards.

features   connectors

More flow animation styles for connectors

draw.io has added more styles for connector flow animations. You can use animated connectors in draw.io to illustrate workflow, supply chains, electrical circuits, PERT charts - any diagram with connectors that indicate a direction.

features   shapes

Vertical text for Japanese, Chinese and Korean

Japanese, Chinese, and Korean texts can be written vertically, and read from right to left. draw.io can now display labels and text shapes vertically without rotating the characters, to be read top down, from the right to the left. Use the Text tab of the format panel to change the Writing Direction.

features   shapes

Customise shape shadows to add impact to your diagrams

You’ve long been able to add basic shadows to shapes in draw.io. But now, you can customise shape shadows - set their colour, offset, opacity and blur so your diagram makes the impact you want.

features   atlassian

draw.io in Confluence DC - full version support and regular updates

The draw.io app for Confluence Data Center provides you with a secure and fully featured diagramming tool for visual documentation, along with a simpler whiteboard macro that also includes everything you need to draw complex technical diagrams.

features   atlassian

draw.io in Confluence Cloud - features and security by design

Whether you have added draw.io as part of a migration to Confluence Cloud, or are considering switching diagramming applications, there will be tools and features that you will be unfamiliar with. With our focus on data security, draw.io is engineered differently to other diagramming apps - you always have control of your diagram data.

features   templates

Configure the draw.io template library to use custom template diagrams

If you are using draw.io outside of Confluence, you can now customise the template library via the draw.io configuration using the templateFile property. Add your own custom templates, and specify which shape libraries and custom shape libraries are opened whenever a new diagram is created from a template.

features   use cases

Diagrams in software design - forward or backward design?

Software and web applications have become more complex, interacting with many different systems, and using a wide range of services and libraries. Good documentation, with technical diagrams of many different types, is used as both a planning and design tool, and to post-document a running system in order to make it easier to maintain and extend after deployment.

features   templates   shape libraries   shapes

Create and share custom template libraries with draw.io

You can use custom shape libraries to store and share custom template diagrams, in addition to your favourite shapes, freehand sketches, and custom shapes. As you can also store icons, watermarks, images, parts of a diagram, and entire finished diagrams in custom shape libraries, they are an excellent way of sharing your custom templates with people outside your organisation.

features   atlassian

Migrating with draw.io from Confluence Data Center/Server to Confluence Cloud Alternative Process

Note: Do not use this migration process unless agreed with draw.io support.

use cases

Draw tree diagrams to show hierarchies

Tree diagrams are used to show hierarchies, to categorise something or show decisions. They are commonly used in computer science for binary search trees, red-black trees, and more, and to show directory structures on computers or a website navigation structure. Tree diagrams are quick and easy to create in draw.io.

features   use cases

The many types of technical diagrams

Technical diagrams are used throughout many different professions and industries, both for internal documentation and to help customers or provide training. Many of these fields have their own specific types of technical diagrams.

features   use cases

Can you draw graphs and charts in draw.io?

draw.io is not a spreadsheet program - there are no figures from which to draw charts and graphs automatically. But there are plenty of useful shapes in draw.io, so you can easily create attractive charts and graphs for presentations and infographics.

news   open source

draw.io is sponsoring FOSDEM 2024

We are proud to be be once again sponsoring the popular FOSDEM two-day event for open source software, held at the Université Libre de Bruxelles Solbosch Campus in Brussels, Belgium on 3-4 February 2024. There is no registration and the event is free to attend.

features   use cases

Useful medical diagrams for patients

Diagrams for the medical industry are often described from the perspective of an organisation or hospital, but how can the most important people in medicine - the patients - use diagrams themselves to get better treatment outcomes?

features   use cases

Diagramming tools from simple to complex

Humans understand information faster and more easily in diagrams. This is why there are many visualisation tools, from simple sketching apps, to single-purpose diagramming tools and whiteboarding apps, through to technical drawing applications like draw.io and hyper-specialised CAD and architectural tools for precision drawings.

features   export

Use your favourite location or platform to save your diagram files

As draw.io does not store your diagram data, you need to select a location to store your diagram files. With an increasing number of cloud storage and Git platforms, as well as your browser and local device, we’ve streamlined the location selection to a drop down list.

use cases

Salesforce shape library for system infrastructure and business diagrams

Salesforce diagrams let you visualise your system and solution architectures using a set of icons (shapes) recommended by Salesforce.

features   export

Export diagrams to WebP format images

The WebP format is a newer raster image format designed for the internet. WebP images typically have a smaller in file size than JPEG, PNG and GIF files, which allows browsers to load web pages faster. If you want to publish your draw.io diagrams on the web, you may want to export to a WebP image file.

The flowchart template above was exported from draw.io as a WebP file

features   shapes

Three ways to add watermarks to draw.io diagrams

Watermarks are used widely in photography, illustrations and diagrams. You can add a watermark to a draw.io diagram in a number of ways - using a locked shape or image, a locked layer in the foreground or background that contains the watermark, or a watermark on a separate diagram page used as a background image.

use cases

Make sense of confusing sentences with sentence trees and Reed-Kellogg diagrams

If you are learning a language, you need tools to help you make sense of the grammar. Especially when you come across sentences that are carefully constructed to be as confusing as possible. That’s where sentence trees come in handy.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Use a waypoint shape to connect an association class in UML class diagrams

Association classes in UML class diagrams ‘hang’ off the relationship between two other classes. Instead of leaving an unconnected end on your connector, add a waypoint shape between them and connect all three class shapes to the waypoint shape.

features   shapes

Swap shapes and connectors in draw.io

You can swap shapes on the drawing canvas in draw.io via the Arrange tab of the format panel, or by dropping a new shape from the shape libraries on top of an existing shape. You can also reverse the arrows on a connector easily via the Arrange tab.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

UML component diagrams show the structure of a system

UML component diagrams are used to model the high-level software components and subsystems in service-oriented architectures and component-based development projects, and more importantly, define the interfaces between those components. As component diagrams provide a clear visual overview of a system, they are drawn early in a project as they are useful both to seek approval from stakeholders and to develop an implementation roadmap.

use cases

Create a variety of T-charts in draw.io

T-charts are a type of graphic organiser or concept map that helps you to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of anything. They can also be used to contrast two things of the same type, such as physical products, services, processes or data structures, business models, applications, situations, etc.

features   shapes

Use grab handles to move table rows

The improved table shapes in draw.io are useful for many different types of diagrams. Now, using the grab handles on the sides of table rows in draw.io, you can select rows more easily, and move a row to a new position in a table, or move it to another table - even if that table is a different size.

features   use cases

Draw freehand infographics in draw.io

While the shape libraries in draw.io have a vast array of shapes for technical diagrams, there are relatively few illustrations for use in infographic diagrams. You can create your own illustration shapes easily using draw.io on a tablet. For example, all of the illustrations in this tidal pool infographic were drawn as freehand shapes in draw.io.

use cases

How to create data flow diagrams in draw.io

Data flow diagrams (DFDs) are common diagrams used in structured analyses and data modelling to document the data flows between entities, processes and data stores. For example, the following DFD documents the main data flows in a large language model that allows user queries such as ChatGPT.

use cases

Explain system roles and responsibilities in diagrams

There are many systems where you need to describe the different roles that interact with it, and what their responsibilities are. As they can be quite complex, diagrams help you to explain how it works to both customers and colleagues.

shortcuts   shapes

New keyboard shortcuts in draw.io

As new features are added to draw.io and the menu is refined, new keyboard shortcuts are also built into the editor. Here are some of the new and useful shortcuts for diagramming in draw.io.

features

Updates to draw.io dark mode diagrams improve readability

draw.io is one of very few diagram editors that lets you work in dark mode. Colours of shapes, text and connectors change automatically when you switch between light and dark modes. Now, instead of changing the hue, all colours in a diagram will remain the same hue in both modes, but their intensity will be altered to significantly improve readability in dark mode.

features

Share diagrams and edit them in draw.io

When you save or export your diagram as a .drawio file, a SVG or PNG image, a PDF file, a HTML page, or encode it in a URL, the embedded diagram data that is included by default. When you share it with someone, they can open the file in draw.io and continue editing the diagram for free. No account is needed.

features   shapes

Gantt charts to plan and track anything

If you’ve worked on a project in a team, you’ve probably seen a Gantt chart. These diagrams are used in all industries to plan tasks, note dependencies and track progress. You can create Gantt charts easily in draw.io in a number of different ways.

features   atlassian

draw.io automatically applies your Jira Cloud theme to diagram thumbnails

Atlassian has just released a dark theme for Jira Cloud for users who don’t like working on light backgrounds. With Jira’s new dark theme, draw.io diagram thumbnails in a Jira issue now automatically reflect your selected theme.

features

draw.io for diagrams on all platforms

Unlike many software companies, our team develops draw.io using their preferred operating system and browser - whether that is Windows, macOS or Linux, and Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Edge. We each prefer a different combination of OS and browser, an ideal way to ensure draw.io works everywhere.

features   atlassian   trust

Switching tools - how Gliffy and draw.io are different

It’s becoming more common for companies to change tools and applications regularly. That means users need to be migrated and get used to using new tools quickly. Unfamiliar workflows and tool positions inside the editor can cause frustration. In this post, we’ll explain some of the larger differences to help you make the switch from Gliffy to draw.io easier.

use cases   templates

How to draw and use concept maps

Concept maps are a broad category of diagrams that are useful for brainstorming with teams, learning and training, showing hierarchical information, planning events or product campaigns, and exploring solutions to problems. They are widely used throughout all industries, especially in medicine and education.

features   shapes

Draw interface mockups and store them in Jira issues

Quick mockups of the user interfaces are invaluable for software developers and designers both for websites and software or mobile applications. Designers and software engineers can draw it together collaboratively with the mockups shape library in our draw.io apps or our online editor.

features   shapes

Use lists in diagrams to present text information clearly

The list shape in draw.io functions just like a table shape - use keyboard shortcuts, or the table tools in the Arrange tab of the format panel on the right, or the table tool in the toolbar above the drawing canvas to quickly add and delete list entries.

news

A history of diagram search terms

Diagrams are growing in popularity worldwide, and search trends reflect this in interesting ways. By comparing various search phrases in Google Trends, we can see that “how to diagram” has been pretty stable over the past 20 years. But now, people are also searching for which type of diagram to use and when they would be best put to use.

use cases

Explain feature flag DevOps easily with diagrams

Explaining new technologies to a less technical audience, like management-level stakeholders, can be difficult. Our whitepaper explains feature flags DevOps in clear diagrams how feature flags work and how they could benefit your product.

Explaining feature flag DevOps with diagrams whitepaper (PDF version)

use cases   templates

Diagrams for teachers

Diagrams are an effective way of teaching and learning because we all understand complex information more easily when it is visualised. Graphic organisers, mindmaps, timelines, cause and effect charts, Venn diagrams, flowcharts, scientific illustrations - all of these can created in draw.io.

features   import   templates

Smart diagram generation for more template diagrams

When you create a new diagram with the draw.io web editor, you can now choose to use our new smart diagram generator instead of one of our existing templates. Describe your diagram in a text phrase, and the tool will generate a diagram based on what it parses.

integrations   features   use cases

Using diagrams with GitLab

draw.io will be available as an integration in the web-based GitLab Wiki editor on 22 March with the GitLab 15.10 release and product kickoff. When you add your diagram to a GitLab Wiki page while editing the source of that page, it will be saved as an SVG image containing the diagram code, and displayed in the page content.

features

More tips to draw faster in draw.io

Keyboard shortcuts for styles and shapes, default styles, and modifier keys when using the mouse help you to diagram faster. Here are a few more ways that draw.io helps you to draw faster and more easily.

features   import

Use a custom shape library from the web

draw.io makes it easy to collect your most used shapes, images, custom shapes and diagram fragments in your own convenient custom shape library. Many custom libraries are available online as open source for you to use in diagrams, infographics and user documentation.

features   shapes

Diagrams in tables with container cells

With draw.io, tables aren’t limited to holding text data. Because you can drop shapes and images into container table cells and drag connectors between them, you can get creative with diagrams inside tables.

features   integrations

Include diagrams in Notion templates with the draw.io extension

With our draw.io for Notion chrome extension, you can easily embed diagrams and the diagram editor directly in your Notion page and in Notion templates when you use Google’s Chrome web browser.

features   shapes   connectors

Work with default styles

When you set a default style for shapes and connectors in draw.io, all subsequent shapes that you add from the shape library will use that default style. This includes shape outline or connector line colour, thickness and style, shape fill colour and effects, opacity and more.

use cases

Feature flag development with tags in gitflow diagrams

Feature-based development and lean release cycles are becoming more common in online software services (SaaS products), where continuous development and continuous deployment are required. Feature flags give administrators and developers fine control over what features are available to which customer segments on release.

features   import   export

Share diagram data in an image file

With draw.io, diagram data can be stored in many different file types, including PNG and SVG images. When you share an image with embedded diagram data, the recipient can drag and drop it onto the drawing canvas to open the diagram and continue editing.

news   open source

Thanks for supporting draw.io in 2022

It was quite a year. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, look back at some of the features we’ve added and updated.

features

New Simple editor theme for draw.io

With the new Simple editor theme for draw.io, we have redesigned the diagram editor to combine the fixed panels and page tabs from the original diagram editor layout, the responsive toolbar from the Minimal editor theme, and the menu and shape picker from the Sketch whiteboard-like theme.

features   connectors

Change connector arrows in draw.io

There are many different styles of connectors - the lines that join shapes in a diagram. Some are plain, some have arrows, and some have particular symbols to show a type of connection. Change the connector arrows and their styles in the Style tab of the format panel.

features   atlassian   trust

Keep a draw.io diagram out of the recent diagrams list and search results with a sensitive label

When you apply a sensitive label to a draw.io diagram in Confluence Server/Data Center, it will not be listed as a recent diagram or in the diagram search results when creating a new diagram or embedding a diagram.

features   shapes

Draw Azure architecture diagrams with updated shapes

The Azure shape library in draw.io has been updated. You can draw Azure architecture diagrams for your cloud infrastructure from scratch, or import .vsdx files or exported diagrams from automated infrastructure documentation apps like Cloudockit.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Draw UML activity diagrams

UML activity diagrams show the sequence of actions and the flow of control in a system or a process. You can model the behaviour of physical and digital systems, as well as business process flows with activity diagrams.

UML activity diagram template in draw.io

shapes   connectors

Add labels to any type of diagram

With draw.io, you aren’t just limited to flows, org charts, network or UML diagrams. You can use braces, brackets, connectors and partial rectangles to add neat labels to any type of diagram.

integrations   features   use cases   import   export

Create data-driven diagrams with draw.io

Using diagrams.net or draw.io together with scripts and data sources, you can create data-driven diagrams, with colours, shapes, text labels and even animations that change to reflect live data.

features

Switch between editor themes and light/dark modes

With draw.io, you can switch editor themes via the menu - Classic, Simple, Minimal, Sketch (whiteboard) and Atlas. There are also editor modes to switch between dark and light modes.

features   use cases   import

Generate diagrams from code

Documenting software costs developers time and becomes outdated quickly. A code-first diagramming approach - describing the diagram in code or text while programming - works well for entity models (SQL database code), and class descriptions using Mermaid syntax.

use cases

Diagrams for a better incident response

Industries and services need to plan for when an incident happens, both to provide good customer service and ensure the safety of all those affected. When responding quickly to an incident, diagrams are easier to read and put into action than paragraphs of text.

features   shapes

Use emoji in labels and tooltips

Emoji are being used in all communications at all levels of society - a single picture takes up less space and conveys more information than its matching text. You can use the Unicode emoji in shape and connector labels, and in tooltips in your diagrams.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Draw a UML use case diagram

UML use case diagrams show all of the ways an end-user interacts with your systems, with all of its pre- and post-conditions, exceptions and alternate paths. These diagrams are used to establish your system requirements, whether that be a software system or an interaction with another person or team.

features   connectors

Straighten connectors in diagrams

When working with connectors in diagrams, sometimes you may find a floating connector is not straight between two shapes. You can straighten such connectors quickly and automatically by changing the path style. Depending on where the connected shape is, the connector will straighten automatically.

integrations   trust   features

Store diagram files on cloud platforms

When you use draw.io, either online or any of our integrations, you choose where to store your diagram files. Create unlimited diagrams and store them on your favourite cloud platform. draw.io doesn’t store your diagram data, so you don’t need an account to open and edit your files.

integrations   trust   features

Run your own draw.io server with Docker

Run your own diagramming server using our Docker image of draw.io. This image includes server-side support for export to PDF, image and .vsdx formats, diagram storage with Google Drive and OneDrive, without any dependency on the draw.io servers.

use cases

SysML vs UML - what's the difference?

Systems modelling language (SysML), is an extension of UML that has been modified for systems engineering. While both can document software, information and processes, SysML diagrams also document the hardware, humans, physical components, and facilities in the system.

news

The many faces of draw.io

Finding a typo-proof word that is also pronounced the same throughout the world is simple, how sensible companies fail to stop users from mis-spelling product names eludes us. draw.io demonstrates the right way to do this, clearly. However, a small, minor, fractional, minority of users regularly fall asleep on their keyboards while typing our product name, this is the only rational explanation.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Draw a UML state machine diagram

The concept of state diagrams or state machine graphs has been around since the mid 1900s, long before David Harel modified them into the form used today as part of the UML standard.

features

Use the diagram editor in dark mode

The Dark mode for the default, Minimal and Sketch editor themes, and the new simple mode, lets you switch draw.io to match your operating system’s dark mode or night mode.

features

Translate diagrams in the draw.io editor

By using URL parameters with our online version of draw.io, you can add translation properties in the shapes themselves while you work in the diagram editor. You can switch languages in the editor via the Extras > Diagram Language in Classic mode, and via Settings > Diagram Language if you use Simple mode.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Diagrams for marketing analysts - 5C, SWOT & PEST

Marketing teams commonly use 5C situational analyses, simpler SWOT analyses, PEST and PESTLE analyses to examine and improve their products and services. By presenting the information visually, you won’t get bogged down in unnecessary details.

features

Increase the drawing canvas space

To increase the amount of drawing canvas space quickly in draw.io, click on Fullscreen in the top right or select View > Fullscreen. The drawing canvas will expand to fill your browser window.

templates   use cases   shapes

Create infographics and slides using layered shapes

When you slice a 3D shape up and layer it in a diagram, you clearly visualise that a concept or process is broken up into smaller parts. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to create your own infographic using shapes from the basic draw.io shape libraries.

integrations

Example diagram gallery for draw.io

Many of the templates and example diagrams that we store in our drawio-diagrams repository on Github are available via this website. The new example diagram gallery page lists diagrams in various categories based on industry or teams.

use cases   shapes   import

Biology and chemistry clipart libraries for draw.io with Bioicons

Bioicons is a collection of free custom shape libraries containing open source icons for life science applications. The website lets you select one or more shape libraries, and open them in the draw.io editor on the web.

integrations   features   use cases   import

Create a mindmap from text with Mermaid

Mindmaps are useful to quickly capture ideas, and are easy to draw in draw.io and our draw.io branded apps. But some people prefer to work from text lists when brainstorming. Drop a text list into the Mermaid import tool and draw.io will generate your mindmap for you - no need to fuss with connectors or layouts.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Venn diagrams and templates

Venn diagrams are widely used in business, education and research to visualise commonalities and differences. Although, you have probably most often seen theme used in memes.

Open this Venn diagram in our diagram viewer

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Create a sequence diagram

Sequence diagrams show the order of messages that are passed between elements of a system to complete a particular task or use case. The events that cross system boundaries are used by objects and people (actors) to complete their processes.

features   atlassian   trust

Configure the draw.io app in Atlassian Confluence Cloud

The draw.io app in Confluence allows administrators to configure a wide range of options, from default palettes and shape/connector styles for consistency across teams, to custom libraries and custom templates.

features   shapes

Edit shape properties in diagrams

The shape libraries in draw.io provide you with a wide variety of shapes and clipart to use in your diagrams. The Style tab lets you quickly style your shapes, but for finer control and complex shapes, you can modify the shape properties.

use cases

What's the difference between diagrams, charts and graphs?

Have you been asked to create a chart, a diagram, or a graph? There is a lot of confusion around these overlapping terms, especially as they are most often used interchangeably. However, there are some minor differences in how they are used.

features   atlassian

Gliffy vs draw.io - concurrent editing

TL;DR : Gliffy on Confluence Cloud saves with last write wins, you lose data concurrently editing. draw.io supports real-time collaborative editing with shared cursors.

features

Draw diagrams on a touch screen

It is easy to diagram on a tablet or any other device with a touch screen because draw.io is a web application. Point your browser to our online editor at app.diagrams.net, select where you want to save your diagram file, and start diagramming.

use cases   shape libraries

Draw structural formulas in draw.io

Represent the three-dimensional molecular shape of a chemical by drawing a structural or skeletal formula in draw.io with the two new connector shapes in the Arrows shape library - the solid wedge and the dashed wedge.

use cases   templates   shape libraries

Create UML class diagrams

UML class diagrams are used to illustrate the structure of a computer program. They detail the types of data or attributes stored within each ‘class’, the methods (operations or functions) that each class provides, and the relationships between the classes.

integrations   features

Collaborate in real time using draw.io

When collaborating in real time using draw.io, you now share your mouse cursor. Seeing your team members’ cursors makes it easier to ask about or explain something in a diagram or on a quick whiteboard sketch as you work on it together.

use cases   shapes

Updated shapes for GCP and AWS network diagrams

You can create network diagrams from scratch in draw.io using shapes that match the platform you are using - AWS, GCP, Veeam, Azure, Cisco, IBM and many more. Both the draw.io AWS19 and GCP Icon shape libraries for network and cloud architectures have been updated recently.

features   integrations

Diagram in Lark with our open-source editor

We aim to make diagramming as accessible as possible. As draw.io is an open-source application, an increasing range of applications have integrated our diagramming editor or provide an add-in with our diagramming technology.

use cases   shapes   templates

Draw timelines and roadmaps in draw.io

Timelines, roadmap and milestone diagrams feature in a range of documentation - project development documents, infographics and presentations being some of the most common. There are many shapes and templates in draw.io and our draw.io branded apps that you can use to quickly draw an attractive diagram that you can embed in your presentation or documentation.

shortcuts

Diagram faster using mouse + keyboard shortcuts

There are many combination mouse plus keyboard shortcuts in draw.io that will speed up your drawing. You can select and deselect multiple shapes, resize grouped shapes in various ways, connect and clone shapes quickly.

templates   use cases   shapes

Draw circular flowcharts

Flowcharts are one of the most used types of diagrams in all teams. But some process flows are circular or cyclical rather than a series of steps with a start and end. You can create circular flowcharts in the draw.io editor in a number of ways.

features   shapes   connectors

Edit the connection points on a shape

You can now edit a shape’s connection points visually with the new connection point editor. Drag the connection points around the shape, add new connection points, and delete those you don’t need.

features

Number shapes in a diagram

You can now number shapes and connectors in a diagram using the Enumerate shape property. A yellow number label is applied to each shape and connector where this shape property has been enabled.

features

Reporting issues, suggesting features and upvoting

We’ve recently implemented a number of features, most popularly requested via our drawio Github repository. To reach support at draw.io for diagrams.net and our draw.io apps, please read and follow the instructions on our support page.

use cases

Reviews from real draw.io users

The barrier to anyone diagramming and whiteboarding with draw.io is lower compared to many other SaaS applications. From reviews and customer feedback, some of the things they like the most include:

• you don’t need to register and it costs nothing
• you can diagram in all major operating systems
• there is an offline desktop version
• you can give your diagram to anyone else and they will be able to load and edit it freely
• you can store unlimited diagram files wherever you prefer
• project development is in the open and anyone can take part

integrations   trust   features

New draw.io features and updates in 2021

This past year has seen a number of new features and big updates to draw.io, including the online editor, our Confluence and Jira apps, and other integrations for a variety of platforms.

features

Clear the draw.io cache to use the newest build

Updates, bug fixes and new features are added to draw.io, both in our online editor and for various platforms regularly. It is likely that your browser will use a cached older version of the application by default. To use the newest build, you need to clear any features or diagram editor components in your browser that have been cached.

use cases   templates

Ishikawa diagrams for root cause analyses

Ishikawa diagrams, also called fishbone, herringbone or cause and effect diagrams, are used to analyse and identify the root causes of defects or negative events. As most problems have multiple causes, Ishikawa diagrams are a useful prompt to look at the many different contributing factors.

shortcuts

Select shapes and connectors with keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts in draw.io (and the draw.io apps developed by JGraph) enable you work with shapes and connectors in your diagrams both easier and faster. There are a number of ways you can select shapes and connectors with the keyboard, or when holding down a key and using the mouse.

atlassian   use cases

Flowcharts in Confluence

Steps in business processes and project documentation are easier to understand when visualised. As one of the most common families of diagrams, drawing flowcharts in Confluence lets you present complex information neatly and securely in your team and company knowledge base.

integrations   features

Diagram only in selected GitHub repositories

Previously, you could edit your diagram files and use your GitHub repositories as a storage location as an OAuth app, which required access permission to all of your repositories. The new GitHub Apps offer more fine-grained repository access settings. With the upcoming draw.io App for GitHub, you can choose exactly which repositories you want store your diagram files in.

features   integrations

draw.io for Notion Chrome extension

You can now create and store your diagrams directly in Notion pages using the draw.io for Notion extension for the Chrome, Opera and Edge web browsers. The draw.io for Notion extension uses the whiteboard-like simple editor theme, and resizes the embedded image displayed in your Notion page automatically to display your entire diagram.

features   use cases

Complex diagramming on an online whiteboard

Many people prefer a minimal interface for diagramming, as there are fewer distractions. While online whiteboard applications often have a limited set of available tools, draw.io lets you use its advanced features in a less cluttered diagram editor theme.

features   integrations   import

Import diagrams from Lucidchart EDU to draw.io

Lucidchart recently limited their free education plans, Lucidchart EDU, for students and teachers to only 3 editable diagrams. That means that all of the diagrams after your most recent three diagram files are set to read only, unless you switch to a premium subscription.

features   shapes

What can you do with shape data in diagrams?

The shapes, connectors and text elements in your diagram are described in XML - their sizes, locations, groupings, shape styles, z-order on the drawing canvas, and how they are connected to each other. You can attach much more information than this to create richer diagrams and interactivity, including tags, tooltips, links, custom shape properties and more.

features   integrations   import

Import diagrams from Gliffy Online to draw.io

Gliffy recently removed their free tier offering in their online version. This means if your trial version has expired, you will no longer be able to edit up to 5 diagrams that you have created, unless you start a paid subscription.

features   integrations

Edit diagrams directly in GitHub with draw.io and github.dev

For developers, github.dev allows you to edit files stored in GitHub repositories in a web-based code editor. It has many of the benefits of Visual Studio Code - search, syntax highlighting, and a source control view. After installing the unofficial draw.io extension for Visual Studio Code into the web-based editor, you can quickly navigate, view and edit diagram files stored in your GitHub repositories without ever leaving your browser.

features

Use tags in diagrams to select, hide and display related shapes and connectors

You can now use tags on shapes and connectors which allows you to select, hide or display multiple elements in your diagram. With tags, you don’t need to group shapes into a fixed combined shape, or place them on one layer before you select, hide or display the tagged shapes.

features   integrations   export

Embed diagrams in WordPress as SVG

You can embed SVG versions of your diagrams in a WordPress blog post or page. SVG images are quick to load when compared to other formats, and can include your diagram data if you want to allow viewers to download and view a copy of the diagram in the draw.io editor online.

features

Using pages as backgrounds

One of the most requested features for draw.io and draw.io was the concept of using one or more pages as backgrounds for other pages. This could be a background graphic to provide a consistent branding across your diagrams. Another popular use case is more technical diagrams where each page displays a border with an information block in a specific format and dimensions.

features   use cases

How to use sketch.diagrams.net as an online whiteboard

The draw.io editor online at can use the Sketch editor theme which has an endless whiteboard-style canvas and simple toolbar. This theme is ideal to use as a collaborative online whiteboard with your remote team. The lack of page and grid lines, along with the simple toolbar, minimised panels and the default hand-drawn rough style for shape outlines, shading, connectors, and text labels feels like an informal physical whiteboard, much less intimidating than traditional diagramming apps.

features   use cases

Plan, design and track projects with diagrams in remote teams

Teams in different departments use many different methods to plan projects, but most of these plans are initially sketched on a whiteboard. Collaborate in real time and online with distributed team members, customers and stakeholders easily in the draw.io whiteboard-like editor theme throughout your project development process.

features   atlassian

End of support for IE 11

In line with Microsoft’s end of life date of Internet Explorer 11, we will end support for IE 11 on 15th June 2022.

features   atlassian

Differences between draw.io for Confluence Cloud and Data Center/Server

There are very few differences between the Cloud and Data Center/Server versions of draw.io for Atlassian’s Confluence. If you know how to create diagrams in draw.io on one, you know how to use it on the other!

features   atlassian

An online whiteboard for Confluence with draw.io

With remote working on the rise worldwide, online replacements for analog tools like the whiteboard are increasingly needed. With the draw.io app for Confluence, your teams have an easy-to-use, collaborative online whiteboard, directly in Confluence, that can be used for agile brainstorming, story mapping, mockups, project planning and tracking, flowcharting, and more.

features   atlassian   trust

draw.io is now an Atlassian Cloud Fortified app

We are pleased to announce that draw.io is the only secure diagramming application to meet Atlassian’s new Cloud Fortified standard.

features   export

Export images of diagrams directly from the lightbox viewer

When you look at a draw.io diagram in our lightbox viewer, and not in our online diagram editor, hover the mouse over the diagram to see the viewer toolbar. Click on a tool to select which layers to display, zoom in and out, and step through the pages in a multi-page diagram. You can also export your diagram as a PNG image and print the diagram directly from the draw.io lightbox viewer using these tools.

use cases   templates

Draw dependency graphs in draw.io

As a type of directed graph, dependency graphs visualise processes or situations where there are dependent components such as in decision making, scheduling, product development, IT or telecommunications infrastructure, supply and manufacturing chains, and more. They help you find the optimal order and identify critical paths or weak links that would constain your application, infrastructure or process.

features   shapes   connectors   text

Move shapes forwards and backwards on the drawing canvas

In addition to sending shapes to the back or bringing them to the front, you can now step shapes backwards and forwards when the overlap each other.

features

Change the drawing canvas grid

The drawing canvas in draw.io has a number of features that help you align and space shapes and connectors in your diagram. By default, it also indicates how your diagram will appear when printed across one or more pages, dependent on page size and orientation.

features   atlassian

Diagramming in a free Confluence Cloud instance

draw.io and the draw.io branded Atlassian integrations are the leading solution for web based sketching and diagramming functionality. The article describes the draw.io integration for Confluence that we, draw.io Ltd., build, deliver and maintain alongside the online version of our editor at app.diagrams.net, our draw.io desktop application.

features   templates

Template diagrams with previews, subcategories and search

You can now search for template diagrams and preview templates in the template library in draw.io. The new subcategories make it easier to find a specific template diagram in categories with many diagrams, such as the cloud infrastructure templates.

features   atlassian

Embed Confluence diagrams in Jira Cloud with the draw.io app

You can now embed draw.io diagrams stored in Confluence Cloud in your Jira Cloud issues. This is a new feature for our integration with Confluence Cloud, delivered as part of our draw.io brand.

features   shapes

Draw freehand shapes and annotate diagrams

When you draw a freehand shape in draw.io, it is saved as an image with a transparent background on the drawing canvas by default. You can change the freehand-drawn shape’s style like you would many other shapes: line colour, fill colour, opacity and more. You can also resize, flip and rotate your freehand drawing.

features   atlassian

New draw.io Board macro for whiteboard-style diagrams in Confluence Cloud

Embed whiteboard-style diagrams in Confluence Cloud pages with the new draw.io Board macro. The Board macro is a new feature for our integration with Confluence Cloud, delivered as part of our draw.io brand.

use cases   templates

Create a remote kanban board with draw.io

Kanban boards show the breakdown of large projects into smaller tasks that you prioritise and track as they are completed. Collaborative projects benefit from a kanban board as it helps everyone visualise workflows, the state of the project, and the current workload.

features   export

Embed diagrams in PowerPoint

Embed images of your diagrams in Microsoft PowerPoint slides with the free draw.io branded add-in. The add-ins can be used in all Microsoft 365 Office applications on both Windows and macOS, and in older versions of PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

features   connectors

Join connectors with the waypoint shape

The waypoint shape allows you to join two or more connectors together. In electrical circuit diagrams or logic gate diagrams, it is essential to show contact points where wires are connected, as opposed to passing each other without connecting. Waypoint shapes help you organise and route connectors neatly in tree diagrams, org charts, gitflow diagrams, hold connector lines together in a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram, and more.

features   use cases

BPMN 2.0 shapes for detailed process flows and choreography models

Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a standardised diagramming system used to visualise business processes. BPMN diagrams are a form of flowchart, similar to UML activity diagrams. While it is typically used by business analysts and managers, its simple and understandable set of shapes and flows makes it a good choice to document processes for stakeholders in any department.

features

Choose a different draw.io editor theme

You can customise the draw.io editor and choose your preferred theme for the user interface. The editor theme controls which editor elements are displayed, minimised or hidden in the user interface, including the menu, toolbar, panels and dialog boxes.

features   connectors

Draw and style connectors in draw.io

Connectors are lines that connect your shapes together and may or may not have arrows at one or both ends. In a diagram, connectors provide context information, showing how the various shapes and entities in your diagram are related.

features   use cases   templates

Work with entity relationship table shapes in draw.io

Entity relationship diagrams or ER models in software engineering show the structure of and relationships between database objects. They are used extensively in database modelling to plan new systems, and document existing systems for maintenance and updates.

Open this ER model in the draw.io editor

features   use cases   templates

Use swimlanes with flowcharts to show who does each step

Flowcharts are one of the most common diagram types, showing all of the steps that must be followed to complete a process. Not many processes are limited to just one person or one team, which is why swimlane diagrams and cross-functional flowcharts are used - these show the flow of data or control across different groups.

use cases

Story mapping

User story diagrams are quite strongly related to UML use case diagrams, and both are used in an agile software development context. Both types of diagrams are used to explore and document customer requirements, they identify different groups of users and their goals, but they are used in different ways.

features

Use draw.io with Google Classroom

With most teachers and students now working virtually, as schools have been required to close due to the pandemic, the tools that support online teaching have been drastically improved. Many schools are now using Google Classroom to communicate with students, organise curriculum, and assign and submit assessment digitally.

trust   integrations   atlassian

Introducing data governance and lockdown configuration options

draw.io is a unique security-first diagramming tool in that we provide the application platform, but your diagram data only lives in your computer memory while you are working on it. As you can store your diagrams on your preferred enterprise-level cloud storage platforms or on your local device, draw.io gives you control over your diagram data.

trust   integrations   atlassian

Advantages of a bring-your-own-storage model

Increasingly more of the information and data your teams work with is moving into the cloud. This is not a bad thing – there are many advantages to cloud storage, when you are using an experienced, large and trusted provider.

features   use cases

UML 2.5 shape library with updated shapes

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a set of standard symbols and diagram types, commonly used in data modelling, workflow visualisation, and system modelling. UML notation is the defacto industry standard in the fields of software development, IT infrastructure, business systems and other fields. Many languages, such as SysML, SoaML, and a number of architecture frameworks use and extend UML.

features

Create an interactive diagram and toggle layers with custom links

Complex diagrams can be made a lot easier to read and understand when you split them up into logical smaller diagrams on multiple pages, or by using a number of layers.

features   integrations

Embed diagrams into Notion from draw.io

Notion is a collaboration platform with web, desktop and mobile applications, providing individuals and teams with a range of features for collaboration, documentation and personal organisation: notes, databases, kanban boards, wikis, calendars, and reminders.

features   integrations   import

Insert a diagram from specially formatted CSV data

You can create a diagram automatically from a combination of formatting information and CSV data from a spreadsheet. This may be practical when working with spreadsheet models of various types of data (org charts, attack trees, process flows), or CSV files exported from other programs, for example, modeled network topologies or software dependencies.

features   integrations   atlassian

Embed diagrams in Confluence Data Center and Server

There are two ways to display diagrams on Confluence Data Center and Server - either attach the diagram file to the page and use the draw.io diagram macro, or embed a diagram that is stored elsewhere using the Embed draw.io diagram macro. You can embed draw.io diagrams easily from the following locations:

features   text

Align text labels inside and outside shapes

You can change the alignment of text labels in shapes and on connectors in a number of different ways. The options below are available in the Text tab of the format panel on the right.

features   shapes

Rotate shapes, connectors and connector labels

Shapes are placed on the drawing canvas in draw.io using a default orientation. You can rotate shapes into another position as you need.

trust   integrations   atlassian

Manage your budget moving to Confluence Cloud

draw.io and our Atlassian integrations are the leading solution for web based sketching and diagramming functionality. The article describes the draw.io integrations for Confluence that we, draw.io Ltd., build, deliver and maintain alongside the online app.diagrams.net and the offline draw.io Desktop application.

features   atlassian

Search for diagrams in Confluence Cloud and Server

You can use the built-in search features to look for draw.io diagrams in Confluence Cloud, as well as Confluence Server and Data Center. In the following examples, you can see a comparison of how Confluence finds draw.io and Gliffy diagrams.

features   atlassian   import

How to install and insert a diagram in Confluence Cloud

If you are looking for information on licensing draw.io for Confluence DC, there is another article for that.

features   shapes

Automatic layout shapes for flow charts, tree diagrams and mind maps

The automatic layout shapes in the Advanced shape library in draw.io organise your flow charts, tree diagrams, org charts, and mind maps for you as you add and connect more shapes. The automated layout ensures that all shapes in your diagram are spaced evenly, either in a horizontal or vertical format, and will automatically increase or decrease the container shape’s size to match the contents.

features   atlassian

Collaborative editing in draw.io for Confluence Cloud

Confluence allows you to collaboratively edit the content of its pages: You and other Confluence users will see each others’ changes in real-time as you edit the page.

features   use cases   templates

Use AWS icons to create a free Amazon architecture diagram

Draw your Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure with draw.io for free. You don’t need to register or sign-up, and you can store your diagrams in your favourite cloud storage platforms, like Google Drive, One Drive, and Dropbox.

integrations   features   use cases

Embed a diagram in GitHub markdown

You can use a versioned diagram in a GitHub README file in a number of different ways, and include links to edit the diagram or use it as a template for a new diagram.

use cases

Create C4 models and diagrams

The C4 modelling is used to describe and define architectures in an abstract and simple way. Designed by Simon Brown, C4 is a different way to approach modelling software development which focuses on four c’s: context (people), containers, components, and code.

features

Maths equations in diagrams

You can add maths equations to your diagrams by enabling mathematical typesetting via the draw.io menu. When you enter an equation into a text shape or label, enabling mathematical typesetting will use MathJax to render your equation. MathJax renders equations neatly and works in all browsers.

shortcuts   shapes

Double click and select a shape to add it

The double click behaviour in draw.io has been updated in version 13.4.2 to be more convenient. Now, when you double click on the blank drawing canvas, you can quickly add a shape or text from the selector to your diagram.

shortcuts

Work faster with the shape libraries using keyboard shortcuts

There are many keyboard shortcuts you can use when working with shapes from the shape libraries on the left of the drawing canvas in draw.io.

features   shapes   connectors

Support for hand-drawn diagrams with rough.js

A more relaxed and informal style for shapes, fills and lines is often used in infographics, teaching materials, maps and reports so that the diagrams are little less sterile and boring. The rough style adds a hand drawn shading options, rough outlines and connectors, and handwritten text labels.

features   shapes

Improved table shapes

Tables have been overhauled in draw.io to be much more flexible and robust than the old HTML tables you previously used. With the new tables, you can choose from various layouts, drag to resize rows and columns, move rows by dragging them, and build cross-functional flowcharts within a table and its cells.

features   connectors

Work with waypoints on connectors

Connectors show how the different shapes in the diagram are related. In complex diagrams, you are likely to have many overlapping connectors. While line jumps are useful when you have one or two connectors that cross but shouldn’t intersect, you can change the path that your connectors take to make your diagram clearer by adding extra waypoints.

use cases   integrations

Create diagrams directly in VS Code

Diagrams make coding go a lot smoother, especially when you are programming in teams. Having diagrams version tracked and right with the code they reference, and version tracked similarly in your code editor saves you time. You don’t have to exit your workspace to switch to an external tool, or have to export/import every time you want to update a diagram.

use cases   templates

Create a rack diagram in draw.io

draw.io has a number of shape libraries and templates for creating rack diagrams. Both electronics cabinets can be visualised, as well as IT racks with servers and networking hardware, including those provided by specific vendors like APC, Cisco, Dell, F5, HP, IBM and Oracle.

use cases   integrations   atlassian

Team diagramming in all departments

All teams have their own unique needs and particular workflows. Integrating useful collaboration tools seamlessly into that workflow is the key to your team’s success. We offer security-first diagramming for teams working with Atlassian products.

features

Go to diagram.new to create a new diagram

You can now create a new diagram even faster by going to diagram.new or diagrams.new instead of having to remember the full app.diagrams.net address for the online version of draw.io.

features

Simple draw.io embedding walk-through

You can embed draw.io as an application within another app, where you store the diagram data in the host app. It takes around 15 minutes to get a basic example running.

features   export

Embedded XML in PNG image files

The PNG image file format supports embedded metadata in a number of ways. draw.io can export a PNG image of your diagram and include the diagram itself in the image, by including the XML code in the zTxt section of the image file.

features   export

Export diagrams to PDF files

There are many reasons why you may want to print a diagram, or save it as a PDF file: floor plans with emergency routes or conference booth layouts, infographics, business plans and BPMN diagrams, or infrastructure and rack diagrams when you don’t have a tablet on hand for easy reference.

integrations   features   use cases   import

Use Mermaid syntax to create diagrams

Mermaid is a syntax similar to Markdown where you can use text to describe and automatically generate diagrams. With Mermaid’s Markdown-inspired syntax, you can generate flow charts, UML diagrams, pie charts, Gantt charts, and more.

features   export

Work with custom shape libraries

Custom shape libraries let you add the shapes, images, clipart, groups of shapes, custom shapes, and even entire diagrams to your own shape library to make diagramming faster and easier.

use cases   templates

Network and infrastructure diagrams

Network diagrams, or infrastructure diagrams, let you understand a computer network quickly.

features   shapes   connectors

Use keyboard shortcuts to work faster with styles

There are a large number of keyboard shortcuts that let you create diagrams faster and more easily with draw.io. One of the more common and time-consuming tasks when you create a diagram is styling shapes and connectors.

use cases

Use org charts to categorise data and show hierarchies

Org charts, also known as tree diagrams, organisational charts, and organigrams, are used throughout all disciplines and professions. We like to categorise everything as it helps us make sense of how the world works. Species of plants and animals, corporate and military hierarchies, team structures, family trees, language family relationships, even symptoms of illnesses - org charts help us quickly find who to contact, what illness to treat, and so on.

use cases   templates

Create floorplans and layouts

Floorplans aren’t only useful for real-estate agents and people who are moving to a new apartment. You can also plan new office spaces, show emergency routes, create a seating chart, plan a conference or trade show layout - anything where you need to arrange people and furniture in a space.

news   atlassian

Reference implementation moving to app.diagrams.net

The reference implementation of the draw.io project will be hosted at app.diagrams.net. Everything else remains the same - the online editor has all the functionality of the draw.io core editor.

features   atlassian

Diagrams attached to Jira Server issues are now versioned

Versioning is built into Confluence, and diagrams attached to pages using the draw.io app for Confluence takes advantage of this. When you edit a diagram, the draw.io app creates a new page version so you can easily restore an older version of your diagram.

use cases   templates

How to create a gitflow diagram

It’s easier to show new development team members your project’s branch structure in your Git repository visually than to describe it in words. Some platforms may illustrate this using built-in tools. If you are using a platform without a convenient visual representation, it’s easy to create your own gitflow diagram.

integrations   features

How to use diagrams in Google Docs

Export your draw.io diagrams to PNG image files and them import them into your Google Docs, Slides and Sheets - drag and drop the image file into your document.

features   text   import

Insert from text to create tree and entity diagrams

Several features in our diagram editor let you create diagrams automatically from simple text statements.

features   shapes

Work with placeholders in labels and tooltips

Each shape in a diagram can contain metadata or custom properties - extra information about those shapes.

features   text

Using external or custom fonts in draw.io

If you don’t want to use the fonts that are available by default in draw.io, you can use your own custom fonts or external fonts, such as Google’s fonts or web fonts stored on your own server. This is useful when you need to match the style guide of a publication, your company’s corporate image, or to add interest and emphasis in an infographic.

open source   news

draw.io in many languages = diagramming for everyone

It’s our mission to provide free, high quality diagramming software for everyone. We want to make draw.io as accessible as possible, where everyone is able to share a diagram and know that anyone can open and edit it.

use cases

Analysing vulnerabilities with threat modelling using draw.io

Threat modelling, especially in IT, is becoming more common. Companies are increasingly aware of the risks of having their infrastructure and devices connected to the internet. As more devices, machines, sensors, monitors, and applications are added to a company’s infrastructure, there are potentially many more vulnerabilities.

news   open source

We are sponsoring FOSDEM 2020

FOSDEM is a free two-day event held each year, organised by volunteers, to promote the use and development of free and open source software. Open source software developers and users can meet, share ideas, and collaborate.

features

Add multiple pages to your diagrams

Some diagrams can get very large and complex, for example, business processes, UML diagrams, floor plans, or even large brainstorm mind maps and hierarchical tree diagrams. These diagrams are often more readable when they are broken into smaller component diagrams.

integrations   trust   features

Use draw.io desktop to diagram offline

draw.io desktop is a downloadable security-first diagramming application that runs on Windows, MacOS and Linux. Creating diagrams in the desktop app doesn’t need an internet connection. This is useful when you are disconnected or when you must create diagrams in a highly secure environment, where data protection is of the utmost importance.

news

Updates to the draw.io desktop app

DESKTOP VERSIONS PRE 10.7.5 ARE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TO DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL A NEW DESKTOP BUILD

integrations   features

Secure GitLab support with direct client authorisation

You can store your diagrams in GitLab after authorising access to your account and repositories - draw.io and our online editor will never see your GitLab password.

integrations   features

Secure GitHub support via OAuth

draw.io and our online editor supports GitHub using OAuth - the editor will never see your GitHub password.

integrations   features   export

Share diagrams via Google public links

You can share and collaborate on diagrams with anyone, either inside or outside of your company, when they are stored as public files in your Google Drive account.

integrations

Example diagrams are on GitHub

We regularly publish new example diagrams in the jgraph/drawio-diagrams repository on GitHub so they are easy to access. In this repository you’ll find diagram examples that are used in:

integrations   use cases   import

Export from Cloudockit to a .drawio diagram

Cloudockit is a platform which connects to and monitors your cloud and on-premises environment and automatically generates 2D or 3D diagrams. It works with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), VMWare Hyper-V, Alibaba Cloud, IBM Cloud, and your local infrastructure to visualise your network and automatically generate documentation.

features   use cases   import

Insert from SQL to create an ER diagram

Entity relationship diagrams show how data is structured in relational databases. Each entity consists of rows of attributes. ER diagrams are used in software development and by IT workers to design and document database structure.

trust   features

Your diagram data is secure and private

draw.io is a unique security-first diagramming tool in that we provide the application platform, but your diagram data only lives in your browser on your local device while you are working on it. Upon saving, your diagram data will be stored at the location you have chosen: in your cloud platform, on your local device, in GitHub, or to whichever integration you have selected. Your diagram data is never sent to our servers when you save your diagram.

integrations   use cases   import

Use Cloudcraft to export your AWS architecture to a .drawio diagram

Using Cloudcraft, you can securely connect to cloud environments and infrastructure components via your architecture diagrams where statistics, resource information and more is updated in real time. The 3D isometric view that Cloudcraft uses is familiar to engineers and IT staff as it often matches the tools they learned on. The automatic updates driven from your company’s live systems makes Cloudcraft a fantastic tool for monitoring your AWS cloud infrastructure. The statistics are also helpful to estimate costs when you want to make changes to your system.

use cases

draw.io supports Veeam stencils

Veaam is an online service that visualises and monitors your cloud and network architectures, and provides a number of additional availability services, including deployment, backup, replication and restoration. It supports Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud, as well as a variety of workloads, apps, and platforms commonly used by businesses.

features

Several ways to connect shapes

You can connect shapes using the mouse, or the keyboard, or a combination of mouse and keyboard. By cloning shapes, you can add a shape and automatically connect them.

features

Placeholder labels respect scope

You can define custom properties for the shapes and connectors in your diagrams. This shape metadata can help explain your diagram to viewers. For example, the tooltips that can appear when you hover over a shape are one such property.

shortcuts

Alt+Ctrl+Shift+drag to move an area of your diagram

Quickly move an entire area of your diagram: hold down the Alt, Ctrl and Shift keys, then click on a blank section of the drawing canvas and drag to move it. You’ll see guide lines appear to show you the origin and displacement of the area you are moving.

features   import

draw.io import formats and sources

As draw.io aims to become the de facto diagramming tool, used by everyone around the world, it’s important to be able to import from a variety of file formats and from a number of storage locations.

shortcuts

Alt+Shift+Select to deselect shapes

When you drag a selection box around too many shapes, you can either do it again to include the shapes you wanted to select, or use hold down Alt+Shift and drag a deselection box around those shapes that you don’t want to include in your selection.

features   shapes

Disable resize children to resize grouped shapes individually

Normally, when you resize a group of shapes, all of the shapes are resized proportionally, and maintain their positions in relation to each other.

features   export

Export diagrams as SVG images

SVG images load quickly, especially when compared to loading diagram images in other formats. You can embed an SVG image exported from draw.io in a website, document or even a WordPress site if you have installed a plugin that support the upload of SVG files.

features   connectors

Snap connectors to an anchor point

Floating connectors are easy to create - drag a connector from one shape, hover over another shape until the outline is blue, then release.

features   export

Export a diagram to HTML

You can embed a diagram in a web page or in any online platform that can render HTML. While some third-party integrations can embed diagrams more efficiently (in WordPress, for example), embedding a diagram as HTML may be a good option. You can also share these HTML diagram files with others.

features   export

Publish a diagram as a link from Google Drive

Publishing a diagram that you have saved on Google Drive as a link makes it easy to share them with people on forums, via chat apps or by email.

integrations

Using the diagrams.net Chrome app

A Chrome app is a browser-based app that looks like a normal desktop app. The draw.io Chrome app runs on Chromebooks using ChromeOS, as well as on the following operating systems: Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux - in fact, anywhere the Chrome browser can run.

features   shapes

Click to add shapes to the drawing canvas

Instead of dragging shapes from the shape library in to the drawing canvas, you can quickly add them by simply clicking on the shape. This makes it faster to add a lot of shapes to the canvas at once, and then place, style and connect them later.

features   export

Export a diagram to a URL

draw.io makes it easy to share your diagrams. You can even encode it in an URL if your diagram is smaller than a certain size. When someone clicks on the (very long) URL, they will open the diagram in the diagram viewer. From there, it’s easy to print or edit their own copy of the diagram - your original diagram will not be changed unless you specify otherwise.

shortcuts   shapes

Alt+shift+arrow keys to clone and connect shapes

You can quickly build flow charts, mind maps or tree diagrams using shortcut key combinations.

integrations

Diagrams in Google Docs now support high resolution images

When you print a Google Doc, you want images and diagrams to be as clear as possible. Diagrams that have been embedded with the Google Docs add-on can now be printed at a high resolution.

features

Use the online diagram viewer to share .drawio, VSDX, Gliffy, and Lucidchart diagrams

You can share diagrams easily, open and edit them, no matter whether those diagrams are in .drawio, .vsdx, .vdx, .gliffy or .lucid file formats, by using draw.io’s free, online diagram viewer.

shortcuts   shapes

Alt+drop to overlay shapes on containers

When you work with container shapes, dropping a shape over that container inserts that shape into that container. While this is useful for adding steps to a flow chart inside a flow lane (e.g. using the flow layout shape), you may not necessarily want to add the shape for the person responsible into the flow lane container, but instead overlay it.

features

diagrams.net supports Google shared drives (Team Drives)

You can store and collaborate on diagrams using your company’s shared drives in G Suite, previously known as Google Team Drives, in the same way as you can use your personal Google Drive with draw.io.

trust

Data privacy and Google Analytics

With the GDPR enforcement date of 25th May approaching, we’ve decided to make our privacy and data handling process as public and open as possible. Virtually all companies hide behind fuzzy text like “we employ industry standard practices”. They give you no idea whether your personal data is secure or who can use it.

shortcuts   shapes   connectors

Shift+toolbar delete to delete shapes and their connections

If you want to delete a shape and all of the connections to and from that shape, you can do that with a keyboard + toolbar shortcut.