The official blog of the draw.io project

    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.
    You can disable the animation visual without disabling the flow animation style setting on connectors in draw.io

    22 Nov 2024
    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.

    18 Oct 2024
    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.
    A simple probability tree for tossing a coin, then throwing a dice

    27 Sep 2024
    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.
    Use the Explore feature to navigate a diagram visually and interactively follow the relationships between shapes

    12 Sep 2024
    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.
    draw.io diagrams in Jira DC 10.0 will automatically switch to a dark mode palette when you use the new Jira Dark theme

    05 Sep 2024
    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.
    draw.io diagrams in Confluence DC 9.0 will automatically switch to a dark mode palette when you use the new Confluence Dark theme

    06 Aug 2024
    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.
    Select a different font to style text in draw.io

    31 Jul 2024
    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.
    Use the new SAP shape library to draw BTP solution diagrams

    19 Jul 2024
    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.
    Shapes will snap to the grid in draw.io unless you disable it via the Arrange tab of the format panel

    10 Jul 2024
    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.
    Select the shape libraries you want to use while technical diagramming in draw.io

    02 Jul 2024
    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 > Advanced > Mermaid in the draw.io menu or + > Advanced > Mermaid from the toolbar. draw.io has updated to Mermaid version 10.9.1 to support the new ELK automatic layout.
    Tell the Mermaid diagram generation tool to use the ELK layout option in your text diagram description

    11 Jun 2024
    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.
    Use the View tool in the toolbar to display or hide tool dialogs using the Atlas theme in draw.io

    04 Jun 2024
    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.

    30 May 2024
    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.
    A requirements flow for a website that is a mixture of a flow chart, entity relation, and interface mockup
    Part flowchart, mockup and data - documenting the requirements of a website

    21 May 2024
    features

    Improve contrast and high contrast modes in draw.io

    There are two new high contrast modes 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, and Improve Contrast updates dark mode colours for better readability and provides a dark mode colour palette.
    High contrast simplifies the draw.io editor interface so that it is easier to read, and improve contrast updates the colours in dark mode to make diagrams easier to see on a dark background

    16 Apr 2024
    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.
    Change the orientation of Chinese, Korean and Japanese text to vertical, right to left in a draw.io diagram

    08 Mar 2024
    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.

    13 Feb 2024
    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.

    05 Jan 2024
    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.
    Activity diagrams are used to model workflows in various ways

    08 Dec 2023
    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.

    24 Nov 2023
    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.

    17 Nov 2023
    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?
    Add your name, date of birth, and the date you updated each diagram on the three labels of a plain connector

    10 Nov 2023
    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.

    03 Nov 2023
    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.
    A flowchart template from draw.io, exported to a WebP image tile
    The flowchart template above was exported from draw.io as a WebP file

    13 Oct 2023
    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.

    06 Sep 2023
    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.
    Component diagrams show the dependencies between the components of a system.

    30 Aug 2023
    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.
    Build a t-chart diagram quickly in draw.io using list shapes

    24 Aug 2023
    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.
    Use the grab handle on the right edge of a row to drag it to a new position in the table in draw.io

    18 Aug 2023
    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.
    An infographic created in draw.io composed mostly of freehand shapes

    09 Aug 2023
    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.
    Data flow diagrams are simple to draw and show how data moves around in a system

    27 Jul 2023
    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.
    A roles and responsibilities diagram is ideal to onboard new colleagues or customers to a complex system

    21 Jul 2023
    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.

    14 Jul 2023
    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.
    The new and improved dark mode makes diagrams much more readable on a dark drawing canvas after switching colour intensity automatically

    06 Jul 2023
    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.
    Include the diagram data in a diagram file you share with colleagues to allow them to edit a copy in draw.io - no account needed

    30 Jun 2023
    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.
    Create an easy and stylish Gantt chart or timeline using a table in draw.io

    20 Jun 2023
    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.
    Import diagrams into an existing diagram in two different ways

    02 Jun 2023
    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.
    There are many differences between the Gliffy and draw.io diagram editors for Confluence

    24 May 2023
    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.
    A concept map detailing the factors that drive a customer to purchase a product and how they are interrelated

    17 May 2023
    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.
    Search trends clearly show that more people know that diagrams are useful and now need to know what type of diagram to use

    14 Apr 2023
    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.
    Taking notes graphically helps with understanding and remembering the information more clearly

    31 Mar 2023
    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. For example, this entity relationship model was generated from the phrase “a customer purchases a product from a web store”.
    Generate diagrams of many different types from a text description via the template library in draw.io

    20 Mar 2023
    integrations   features   use cases   atlassian

    Use PlantUML in draw.io

    With PlantUML in draw.io using our web application (app.diagrams.net) you can quickly draw UML diagrams from a text description. When you input your PlantUML text, the diagram editor will automatically layout and arrange the diagram for you, based on your description and the style of output you select. It supports many different types of UML diagrams, as well as mindmaps, tree diagrams, flowcharts, network diagrams, Gantt charts, ER diagrams and more.
    When you input PlantUML into a draw.io diagram, choose which type of diagram style you want - SVG, PNG or TXT

    16 Feb 2023
    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.

    10 Feb 2023
    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.
    Set a default shape or connector style in draw.io

    27 Jan 2023
    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.
    Trunk-based development with feature branches works well with feature flags on release - apply tags to shapes to visualise this in draw.io

    20 Jan 2023
    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.

    13 Jan 2023
    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.
    There are a wide range of arrow heads you can use at either end of connectors in draw.io

    13 Dec 2022
    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 diagrams are used to model the flow of control and sequence of actions in a process or system
    UML activity diagram template in draw.io

    23 Nov 2022
    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.
    Label any diagram with bracket shapes and connectors

    17 Nov 2022
    features

    Switch between classic, simple and dark modes

    With draw.io, you can switch editor themes via the menu - Default, Minimal, Sketch (whiteboard) and Atlas. There are also editor modes to switch between the classic mode - the default editor layout or theme you’ve selected via the menu - and the new simple mode. This toggle switch lets you swap between dark and light modes quickly.
    Click on the sun/moon in the top right and enable or disable the simple whiteboard editor or the dark/light editor theme.

    31 Oct 2022
    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 (PlantUML and Mermaid syntax).
    An example sequence diagram inserted from Mermaid code

    21 Oct 2022
    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.
    There are two main frameworks for incident response in the IT industry

    14 Oct 2022
    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.
    You can use emoji in text labels and tooltips in draw.io

    04 Oct 2022
    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.
    An example of a use case diagram

    26 Sep 2022
    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.
    Choose a different path style (Waypoints) in the Style tab in the format panel on the right in draw.io to straighten a connector

    20 Sep 2022
    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.
    The diagram types in SysML vs UML

    02 Sep 2022
    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.
    Freehand drawing in draw.io on a tablet - click the freehand tool in the toolbar on the left

    19 Aug 2022
    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.
    Use draw.io in dark mode when using the default editor theme, as well as with the Minimal and Sketch editor themes

    27 Jul 2022
    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.
    Translate labels on shapes and connectors directly in the draw.io editor

    20 Jul 2022
    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.
    Increase the drawing canvas space

    04 Jul 2022
    integrations   features   use cases   import

    Create a mindmap from text with PlantUML

    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 PlantUML import tool and draw.io will generate your mindmap for you - no need to fuss with connectors or layouts.
    Generate a mindmap from text in draw.io by inserting PlantUML in arithmetic notation via Arrange > Insert > Advanced > PlantUML

    30 May 2022
    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.
    draw.io contains several examples of UML sequence diagrams in its template library

    16 May 2022
    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.

    29 Apr 2022
    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.

    06 Apr 2022
    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.

    28 Mar 2022
    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.
    A class diagram based on the basic class diagram template in draw.io

    22 Mar 2022
    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.
    Draw timelines, roadmaps and milestone diagrams easily with draw.io

    14 Feb 2022
    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.

    07 Feb 2022
    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.
    Create a circular flowchart using basic shapes in draw.io

    31 Jan 2022
    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.
    Number shapes in a diagram

    19 Jan 2022
    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

    10 Jan 2022
    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.

    09 Dec 2021
    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.
    An example of an manufacturing Ishikawa diagram for a defective part

    01 Dec 2021
    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.

    25 Nov 2021
    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.

    19 Nov 2021
    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.

    03 Nov 2021
    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.

    12 Oct 2021
    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.
    Custom properties are displayed by default in a tooltip when you hover over the shape

    21 Sep 2021
    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.

    21 Sep 2021
    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.

    26 Aug 2021
    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.

    18 Aug 2021
    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.

    23 Jul 2021
    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.

    15 Jul 2021
    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.
    A PERT diagram template that is available in draw.io

    09 Jul 2021
    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.
    Change how the grid is displayed on the drawing canvas in draw.io

    28 Jun 2021
    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, JGraph, build, deliver and maintain alongside the online version of our editor at app.diagrams.net, our draw.io desktop application.

    16 Jun 2021
    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.

    01 Jun 2021
    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.
    The kanban template in draw.io automatically updates colours and labels when you move tasks to another column

    21 May 2021
    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.
    Use waypoint shapes in draw.io to show contact points and enable line jumps to see where wires pass each other without connecting

    05 May 2021
    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.
    Choose your favourite UI theme in draw.io from Kennedy, Atlas, Dark, Minimal and Sketch

    13 Apr 2021
    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.

    30 Mar 2021
    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.
    The basic cross-functional flowchart template after being styled, as provided in the draw.io template manager

    09 Mar 2021
    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.
    An example of a use case diagram

    24 Feb 2021
    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.

    16 Feb 2021
    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.
    Activity diagrams are used to model workflows in various ways

    21 Jan 2021
    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:

    30 Nov 2020
    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 integration for Confluence that we, JGraph, build, deliver and maintain alongside the online app.diagrams.net and draw.io desktop tools.

    21 Oct 2020
    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.

    22 Sep 2020
    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.
    An example C4 system container diagram

    29 Jul 2020
    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.
    Mathematical typesetting will render equations in text shapes, even when they are in tables

    20 Jul 2020
    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.

    13 Jul 2020
    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.

    23 Jun 2020
    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.

    22 Jun 2020
    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.

    01 Jun 2020
    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.
    An electronics cabinet diagram, created at draw.io A simple rack diagram, created with draw.io An Arista rack diagram layout, created with draw.io

    27 May 2020
    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.

    13 May 2020
    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.

    01 May 2020
    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.

    27 Apr 2020
    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.

    22 Apr 2020
    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.

    06 Apr 2020
    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.

    16 Mar 2020
    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.
    A ground floor apartment floorplan created in draw.io The second floor of an apartment floorplan created in draw.io

    02 Mar 2020
    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.
    An example gitflow diagram

    07 Feb 2020
    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.

    01 Dec 2019
    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.
    Data flow diagram for threat modelling

    18 Nov 2019
    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.

    07 Nov 2019
    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.

    28 Oct 2019
    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.
    A basic AWS diagram in 3D

    18 Apr 2019
    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.

    08 Apr 2019
    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.

    10 Mar 2019
    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.
    Examples of Cloudcraft infrastructure diagrams exported to draw.io

    27 Feb 2019
    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.
    A simple network using the Veeam shape library

    26 Jan 2019
    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.

    25 Dec 2018
    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.

    25 Dec 2018
    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.

    03 Dec 2018
    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.

    19 Nov 2018
    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.

    02 Nov 2018
    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.

    07 Oct 2018
    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.

    01 Sep 2018
    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.

    08 Aug 2018
    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.

    24 Jul 2018
    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.

    01 Jul 2018
    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.

    02 May 2018
    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.

    17 Apr 2018