Visio Alternatives for Mac OSX

As a software engineer I frequently has to draw various diagrams. Flowcharts, database diagrams, ER diagrams and a whole lot more. And when it comes to drawing diagrams in Windows nothings comes close to Microsoft Visio. Since its from Microsoft it only works in Windows platforms so I did a research for some Visio alternatives for Mac. I have limited them to desktop software because there are plenty of web based diagramming software available. Web based diagrams software are powerful and will be enough for most users diagramming needs, but sometimes it is essential to have desktop software.

Creately comes above Omnigraffle for one reason, that is they have a online version that automatically syncs with your desktop version. This is really handy if you are accessing and modifying your diagrams from multiple locations. For 75$ it is much more cheaper than Omnigraffle as well.

Pros

• You get an online account which automatically syncs with desktop
• Cheaper than other available options
• Support multiple platforms ( Windows, Linux, Mac )
• Ability to export as images, pdf's
• Access to hundreds of professional templates

Cons

• No Visio import
• Lack of advanced editing tools

Considering the price and flexibility this was the best option for me. Check out Creately desktop.

One of the most advanced diagrams tools for Mac OS. It has most of the functionality available in Microsoft Visio so can be considered an excellent alternative for Microsoft Visio.

Pros

• Full set of advanced tools for easy diagramming
• Ability to imports some Visio formats

Cons

• Expensive compared to other alternatives
• No syncing with online accounts like Creately.

If you are using diagrams extensively in your day to day work then paying extra for these advanced features is definitely worth it. Check out OmniGraffle professional.

For open source fanatics Dia is another good Visio alternative for the Mac OS. It doesn't have the advanced tools like the other alternative mentioned above but it is more than enough for basic diagramming needs. As with most open source software you wont be able to find dedicated support teams at your disposal.

Pros

• Its free, so you don't have to pay anything.
• Ability to add your own diagram types ( as xml files )

Cons

• No dedicated support, you mostly have to go to forums to resolve issues
• Not feature rich and not the most user friendly system.

Not the most feature rich and easy to use tool, but to quickly draw a flowchart this is more than enough. Also the ability to define your own diagram types makes it attractive for technical users. Check out Dia now.

Mentioned above are desktop software programs that can be used as Visio alternatives. But there are plenty more online diagramming tools that can be used instead. They are usually cheaper and has its own unique sets of advantages. Some of them include

• Real-time online collaboration
• Ability to access your diagrams from anywhere
• Flexible monthly payment schemes
• Free but limited public version

Below are some of them

• Creately - mentioned above as a desktop version as well. Creately has an online version of its software.
• Gliffy - the very first online diagramming software provider
• Lucidchart - an HTML5 online diagramming software provider