Draw.io
A free, offline-first desktop diagramming application built on Electron with complete internet isolation for security.
What is Draw.io?
drawio-desktop is the official desktop version of draw.io, a powerful diagramming application that runs completely offline on your computer. It provides the same diagramming capabilities as the web version but with enhanced security and privacy by isolating all data from internet connections. The application is built using Electron to deliver a native desktop experience across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Developers, technical writers, system architects, and anyone who needs to create diagrams while working in offline environments or with sensitive data that cannot be transmitted over the internet.
Unlike web-based diagramming tools, drawio-desktop ensures complete data privacy by running entirely offline with no external data transmission. It offers the full feature set of draw.io without requiring an internet connection, making it ideal for secure environments and users who prioritize data sovereignty.
Overview
Official electron build of draw.io
Use Cases
Best For
- Creating technical diagrams in air-gapped or restricted network environments
- Working with sensitive data that cannot be transmitted to cloud services
- Developing system architecture diagrams without internet dependency
- Technical documentation teams needing offline diagramming capabilities
- Users who prefer desktop applications over web-based tools for privacy reasons
- Creating flowcharts and diagrams while traveling or in areas with poor connectivity
Not Ideal For
- Teams needing real-time collaborative editing on diagrams
- Projects requiring seamless integration with cloud storage services like Google Drive
- Users who depend on frequent online templates or asset libraries
- Environments where server-side diagram rendering or web-based sharing is essential
Pros & Cons
Pros
Designed to run completely offline with no external data transmission, apart from optional updates, ensuring privacy for sensitive diagrams.
Implements strict Content Security Policy to prevent remote JavaScript execution and accidental data leaks, as stated in the README's security section.
All diagrams and session data are stored locally in the AppData folder, giving users full control over their data without cloud dependency.
Licensed under Apache 2.0, available for any purpose without cost, as confirmed in the README's about section.
Built with Electron, providing pre-compiled binaries for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible across major desktop OSes.
Cons
The project is not open to external contributions, which can limit community-driven improvements and slow down bug fixes, as admitted in the 'Not open-contribution' section.
Support is provided only via the repo with no contractual obligations, and no commercial support for non-paying users, which may be insufficient for enterprise use.
Due to its offline-first design, it lacks integrated cloud services for collaboration, backup, or syncing, making it less suitable for team-based workflows.
The release instructions involve manual steps like signing files and updating submodules, potentially leading to slower or less frequent updates.
Open Source Alternative To
Draw.io is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Gliffy is a web-based diagramming tool that allows users to create flowcharts, UML diagrams, wireframes, and other visual representations through a drag-and-drop interface.
Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming application that allows users to create flowcharts, wireframes, UML diagrams, and other visual representations collaboratively.
A diagramming and vector graphics application from Microsoft used to create flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams, and other visual representations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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