Learn how to diagram using draw.io features

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 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.
Bend a curved connector in draw.io around a retail floor plan to show the main path that customer take

30 Aug 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

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

features import templates

How to write better queries for smart template 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 smart templates feature in draw.io.
Generate diagrams of many different types from a text description via the template library in draw.io

19 Jun 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 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.
Collaborative editing is available in draw.io for Confluence DC (version 8.x)

23 Apr 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 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.
The process engineering shape library is used to show the production process of a sourdough bread loaf

03 Apr 2024

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.
There are several animation style settings for connectors in draw.io

15 Mar 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 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.
Set the colour, opacity, size and amount of blur on shape shadows in draw.io

01 Mar 2024

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.

23 Feb 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

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.
You can configure draw.io to use a custom template library with your own diagram templates and custom shape libraries

07 Feb 2024

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.

30 Jan 2024

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.
An imported custom library will appear in the shapes panel on the left in draw.io

22 Jan 2024

features atlassian

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

draw.io has updated the migration process for moving a Confluence Data Center/Server instance to Confluence Cloud with a macro to ensure diagrams are embedded and linked properly, providing no Confluence pages are renamed in the migration process.

12 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

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

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.
Save your draw.io diagram in many supported native formats via the menu File > Save As

30 Oct 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

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.
You can even add links to watermarks in your draw.io diagrams if you export them to SVG

04 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

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.

09 Aug 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.

20 Jun 2023

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.
draw.io automatically changes the colours in your diagrams to match your Jira Cloud dark or light theme

15 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

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.

08 May 2023

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.
Use the Arrange tab of the format panel, the table tool in the toolbar or keyboard shortcuts to work with list shapes in diagram.net

26 Apr 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

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.

09 Mar 2023

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.
Style a shape and a connector when you start you diagram, set it as the default style, and use the double-click shape selection dialog to quickly draw the rest in the right style in draw.io

03 Mar 2023

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.
Open the gesture icons custom shape library in draw.io from the drawio-libs Github repository

24 Feb 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 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.
Use the draw.io for Notion Chrome extension to edit diagrams stored in Notion pages and templates as .drawio.svg files

02 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

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

New simple mode for the diagram editor

With the new Simple mode 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.
The draw.io simple mode has a simpler toolbar which integrates the menu

20 Dec 2022

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

features atlassian trust

Use the new sensitive label to stop draw.io listing a diagram in the recent diagrams list and search results

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.

09 Dec 2022

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.
Azure architecture diagrams are easy to draw with the hundreds of Azure shapes in draw.io

01 Dec 2022

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.
Update shapes in a diagram based on live data with draw.io, Grafana and the Flowcharting plugin

08 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

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.

04 Oct 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

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.

16 Sep 2022

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, OneDrive and PlantUML diagram generation, without any dependency on the draw.io servers.
The draw.io desktop app works on MacOS, Windows and Linux

07 Sep 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

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.

10 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 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.

12 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

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.

11 Mar 2022

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.

23 Feb 2022

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.

27 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

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 JGraph for diagrams.net and our draw.io apps, please read and follow the instructions on our support page.

14 Jan 2022

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.

16 Dec 2021

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

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.

09 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 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.

19 Oct 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 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.

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

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.

14 Sep 2021

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.

02 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 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.

11 Aug 2021

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.

06 Aug 2021

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!

30 Jul 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 atlassian trust

draw.io is now an Atlassian Cloud Fortified app

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

20 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

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.

01 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 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.

14 Jun 2021

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.

08 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

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.

26 May 2021

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.
Select the diagram, then drag the grab handles to resize and rotate it in your PowerPoint slide

13 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.

05 May 2021

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.
An example BPMN diagram that details the steps involved in processing an order

27 Apr 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

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

19 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

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

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.
Paste the custom link into the first text field and click Apply

06 Jan 2021

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.

15 Dec 2020

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.

06 Dec 2020

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

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.

23 Nov 2020

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.

28 Oct 2020

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.

20 Oct 2020

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.

14 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

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.

15 Sep 2020

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.

03 Sep 2020

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.

24 Aug 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.

20 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

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.

08 Jun 2020

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.

07 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

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.
A simple sequence diagram inserted using the Mermaid syntax

15 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

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.

23 Mar 2020

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.

19 Feb 2020

integrations features

How to use diagrams in Google Docs

The free draw.io add-on for Google Docs lets you embed your diagrams into your documents. When the diagram files have been updated via your Google Drive, all you need to do is update them inside your document to show those changes.

27 Jan 2020

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.

27 Dec 2019

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.

17 Dec 2019

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

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 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.

05 Sep 2019

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.

10 Jul 2019

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.

18 Jun 2019

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.

25 May 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

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

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

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.

29 Oct 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 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.

16 Sep 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

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.

26 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

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.

29 May 2018

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.

30 Apr 2018