Microsoft Visio is one of the most popular and capable diagramming tools out there, and it’s the first choice for a lot of amateurs and professionals alike, seeing how it’s been bundled with the Microsoft Office Suite. However, if you’re favouring a Mac over Windows, you might face a major challenge – there is no Visio in Office for Mac. The good thing is, there are a lot of capable third-party alternatives for Visio available for Mac that you can employ, and here we’ll give you our top picks for Visio alternatives for Mac.

10 of the Top Microsoft Visio Alternatives for Project Managers; 10 of the Top Microsoft Visio Alternatives for Project Managers. Published July 10th, 2017 by Rachel Burger in Project Management. Share This Article 0 0 0 0 0 0. It was created to be the Mac version of Visio, and it can import and export Visio XML.

1. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is one of the most favoured choices not just for Mac systems, but pretty much any platform, since this capable diagramming tool is web-based and can be used wherever you are. Lucidchart packs a really powerful feature set, being enough to meet needs of both amateurs and professionals alike. The online tool also supports importing Visio files (alongside the likes of Gliffy and Omnigraffe), ensuring that if you favour two different platforms, you still have cross compatibility. In itself, Lucidchart allows you to either begin with a blank canvas, or select from many available templates to quickly get you off the ground. https://omgbits.netlify.app/quicken-for-mac-2018-and-wells-fargo-shareowner.html. Also, when you’re done working on a project, you can export it in a number of formats, including Visio-c0mpatible VDX files.

Lucidchart works on the freemium model, with a free, limited version being able to cater to most of an average user’s needs, while pricier paid versions can cater to business and high-end users. This online tool packs a really powerful punch, is cost effective, can be used across a variety of platforms (including mobile devices and tablets), and totally deserves the first place in our list beyond question.

License: Freemium (Paid plan starts at $8.95/month for single user, offers free trial)

Availability: Lucidchart (web)

2. Dia Diagram Editor

Dia Diagram Editor is the tool of choice if you’re looking for a free, very powerful graphing and diagramming tool for Mac that is highly customisable as well. In fact, this one sentence pretty much summarises everything Dia has to offer. This open source tool, although featuring a really outdated and distasteful interface, packs advanced features that are usually found in paid solutions only, including the ability to import and export from various formats, expand capabilities through addition of new plugins, precision charting, and more. The software carries a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, there’s nothing it can’t do for you.

Please bear in mind that Dia has a dependency on XQuartz to run. It’s not a problem because the server is free, but setting it up is still a little annoyance that you’ll have to deal with.

License: Open source

Availability: Dia Diagramming Editor (OS X)

3. Cacoo

Cacoo is an extremely powerful web-based diagramming and graphing tool, and it packs a mean punch. Consider this as Lucidchart on steroids, with the downside that the average user might not need as many options as this tool has on offer. Cacoo offers a rather cartoonish interface when compared to the likes of Lucidchart and some others, but don’t let that fool you – in all the web-based graphing tools that I have experimented with, Cacoo has the largest selection of templates for all imaginable categories, supplemented by an additional collection in the Cacoo store. There are powerful collaboration features, ability to import/export in different formats, and an installable “Cacoo ninja” that makes using this tool even better than it is already.

Cacoo also operates under the freemium model, with the free version being more limited than what Lucidchart offers. However, the pricing plans are quite affordable, and if you’re ever looking for a Visio alternative (not just for Mac), do check Cacoo out.

License: Freemium (Paid plan starts at $15/month, offers 30 days free trial)

Availability: Cacoo (web)

4. yEd Graph Editor

The yEd Graph Editor, more commonly referred to as simply yEd, is another really powerful software for graphing, mind mapping, swim lane diagrams, flow charts, family trees and lots more. The software packs a neater interface than the very close competitor Dia, but doesn’t offer as many features as the former. My biggest issue with yEd is lack of support for Visio files, both in import and export (and that is part of the reason why we’ve ranked it after Dia). Beyond this little shortcoming, there are quite a lot of useful and unique features, particularly the ability to import data for graphing directly from Microsoft Excel files. It also doesn’t hurt that yEd brings a neat looking interface that is considerably better than Dia’s.

yEd is also a free application that you can download at the link below. It’s worth noting that yWorks, the company behind yEd, has a number of other diagramming utilities on offer as well at their website, so do check out their full product suite if you have cross platform needs.

License: Freeware

Availability: yEd Graph Editor (OS X)

5. Omnigraffle

No list of Mac graphing and diagramming tools can be complete without mentioning Omnigraffle. Heralded as the most powerful software of its nature, perhaps even superior to the infamous Visio, Omnigraffle is the pinnacle of diagramming and the like. Then why does it fall at number 5 in our list? Because of the pretty steep pricing; Omnigraffle pro costs at whopping $200!

Moving past the pricing, you do get what you pay for. From wireframes to UML diagrams to floor plans pretty much anything you can imagine, can be created using Omnigraffle. The software has the best shape recognition of any lot, and since it has apps for both iOS and OS X (purchased separately), you can even use the new Apple Pencil to work as freely as you like. Everything is top notch, from the program’s interface to after-sales customer support. If you do have need to for the most powerful bad boy on the block, and can spend the buck for it, look no further than Omnigraffle. Oh, and you can even try it for 14 days on a Mac if that fancies you.

License: Commercial (Standard version priced at $99.99, offers free trial for 14 days)

Availability: Omnigraffle (OS X)

6. ConceptDraw Pro

Coming in at number 6 in our list is ConceptDraw Pro, another very powerful diagramming tool for both Windows and OS X that can give a fair amount of competition to both Visio and Omnigraffle, albeit falling short on some accounts. What sets ConceptDraw apart from the crowd is its focus on making presentations out of your diagrams and flow charts etc, allowing for one-click conversion of a graphing diagram into a presentation. The program also features tight integration with Visio, and not only does it support Visio file formats but can also integrate with an existing Visio library for seamless operation (Windows only).

ConceptDraw Pro is yet another paid utility that costs a good $200 for a single user license. This program is part of the ConceptDraw Project and offers several other software as well, including the ConceptDraw Office, MindMap, Project 7 and others. Check them all out at the source link below.

License: Commercial (ConceptDraw Pro costs $199, offers free trial)

Availability: ConceptDraw Pro (OS X)

7. Pencil

Pencil is a freeware that will be a pleasure to use. First, let’s get this straight; this software doesn’t support Visio files directly, so if that’s what you’re after, look elsewhere. Beyond that, Pencil is a great wire framing tool that can do graphing and diagramming really well for you. I say wire framing because that’s where Pencil’s true strength shines. Pencil isn’t too big on giving templates, but offers one of the biggest possible libraries of shapes and artwork to choose from. You get a ton of formatting options and can pretty much customise every aspect of your wireframe, flow chart or diagram to your liking. The software is pretty light and small, and doesn’t require any installation on your Mac either, making it a perfect choice if you have to work offline or don’t need an online solution for any other reason.

License: Open Source

Availability: Pencil (OS X)

8. Gliffy

Gliffy is yet another online diagramming tool not unlike Lucidchart, but has considerably fewer options than our top pick. You’ll favour Gliffy if you’re looking for a no-nonsense solution that lets you get your required work done easily with minimum distraction. The biggest plus for this tool is that it relies on HTML 5 rather than Flash, making it suitable for any browser. There is Visio support, Google Drive integration, bunch of templates and themes to hit the ground running, and more. What sets Gliffy truly apart, however, is the Wikia plugin that it offers if you want to embed diagrams in your Wiki, and a Chrome app for offline working – something that other online tools don’t bring to the table.

Gliffy follows the freemium model as well, albeit it’s free version is rather limited for my taste. Still, it won’t hurt to give it a try.

License: Freemium (Standard plan costs $4.95/month for one user)

Availability: Gliffy (web)

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9. Draw

Draw isn’t technically a graphing or diagramming tool, but it can get the job done fairly well. Draw is a part of the Libre Office suite, and not only does it make it possible to create professional grade drawings, but also equally powerful wireframes, flow charts, UML diagrams and the like. There is no support for Visio files, though.

It’s hard to recommend Draw as a purely graphing application, but since it’s free and carries the very reliable name of Libre Office behind it, it’s worth a try. The software performs well, and it’s worth noting as a possible alternative to Visio, but there are certainly better solutions available if you’re looking for just diagramming on your Mac.

License: Freeware

Availability: Libre Office (Draw)

10. Creately

Creately is the last web-based tool in our list of best Visio alternatives for Mac, and for good measure. While it’s pretty useful for a quick flow chart or two, it doesn’t pack quite a punch compared to the likes of Lucidchart and Cacoo. However, on the plus side, the interface of Creately is a sight to behold. It’s just so neat and organised that using this tool is a pleasure. You get all the usual stuff with Creately: guidelines, automatic snapping, templates, shapes and artwork, and everything else you’d expect from a capable diagramming tool.

Like other online utilities of this nature, Creately is freemium, and the best part is, using the free version doesn’t really require a sign up either (if you’re doing a one-time project, that is). However, Creately relies on Flash to run, so if you’re using an unsupported browser like Safari, this utility won’t work for you.

License: Freemium (Paid plan starts from $5/month for a single user)

Availability: Creately (web)

SEE ALSO: 11 Handy Tips and Tools to Keep Your Mac Clean

Do you know of any other Visio alternative for Mac that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in comments section.

Visio Alternatives: 10 Best Diagramming Software

The official Microsoft Visio Viewer is only available on Windows but you can use one of these free Visio viewers for Mac to open VSD and VSDX files.

Note that they only allow you to view Visio files on Mac. If you need to edit Visio diagrams on a Mac we strongly recommend using a proper replacement to Visio for Mac.

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Free Visio Viewers For Mac: Online vs Offline

Before downloading anything, it’s important to be aware that Visio viewers on Mac are divided into two types:

• Online Visio Viewers: These include apps such Lucidchart and MS Visio Online which work instantly in your browser and are therefore compatible with any version of macOS. However, it’s important to be aware that they upload Visio files to their own servers in order to display them in your browser. Although these services guarantee confidentiality, you should be aware of this fact if you’re dealing with sensitive corporate Visio files or diagrams.
• Desktop Visio Viewers: These include apps such as OmniGraffle and Nektony VSDX Annotator which are desktop applications and require no internet connection to use. The advantage of these is that all data stays on your desktop and isn’t uploaded anywhere. The disadvantage is that you usually have to pay for major upgrades in the future. There’s also more likelihood of compatibility or technical issues with future releases of macOS.

With this in mind, here are the top 5 free Visio viewers that allow you to open Visio files on a Mac.

1. Lucidchart Visio Viewer

Lucidchart is a powerful online diagramming software for Mac that also offers a free online Visio viewer.

You can instantly open Visio files on your Mac by using either the free Luicidchart Visio Viewer Chrome extension or the Visio viewer Firefox add-on depending on which browser you’re using.

In our experience, the Chrome plugin seems to work better than the Firefox plugin so if you have problems with Firefox, try Chrome instead.

If you receive Visio files by email regularly, the Firefox and Chrome plugins are convenient as they automatically detect any attached Visio files in emails and open them directly on your Mac.

Lucidchart Visio Viewer supports opening of VSD, VDX and VSDX formats including Visio 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016 files. It also allows you to add comments, add embedded documents and see the revision history.

If you receive a file in your Gmail account for example, the Lucidchart Visio Viewer plugin will conveniently prompt you to open it in Lucidchart.

Or, if you want to open a Visio file stored online on any website, you can simply Ctrl-click on the file and you’ll see an option to “Open in Lucidchart”. The VSD or VSDX file will then open in Lucidchart’s main interface.

After you’ve opened the file, you can also easily share it online or export it to PDF.

Note that whichever method you choose, your Visio files will be uploaded to Lucidchart’s servers in order to open the files on your Mac so be aware of this if you are opening confidential information.

The slight downside of the Lucidchart browser plugin is that it only works for Visio files that are stored online i.e. either sent to you by email or stored on the web. Technically, it does not work for Visio files that are saved locally on your Mac’s hard drive although you can easily get round this by uploading the file to your Gmail account and then sending it to yourself. However, if this is not an option because the file is too big and you need to open a Visio file saved on your Mac hard drive, you can simply register for a free Lucidchart account and then upload the file and open it using Lucidchart online instead.

The other slight drawback of the browser plugin is that it can sometimes be broken by updates to Chrome and Firefox in which case, you may have to wait until Lucidchart issue a fix before it works again. At the time of writing, Lucidchart has updated it to fix problems users were having and it definitely works with the latest versions of Firefox and Chrome.

Note that Lucidchart also offer a free Chrome extension to view OmniGraffle files on Mac too (see OmniGraffle below).

In summary, Lucidchart Visio Viewer is a quick, easy and convenient way to open Visio files on Mac. While it can be used for free just as a viewer, it’s also a doorway to upgrading to the full version Lucidchart which is a complete professional alternative to Visio.

If you want to learn more, you can check out our full in-depth review of Lucidchart here.

2. OmniGraffle

If you don’t want to use an online Visio viewer, OmniGraffle offers an excellent free Mac desktop Visio viewer.

You can download the Standard version of OmniGraffle free from the Mac App Store and when the free trial expires, you can continue to use it for free.

This makes it ideal to open Visio files that are saved on your Mac desktop and also allows you to get a feel for OmniGraffle if you ever decide you want to upgrade to the Pro version at some stage.

You can check out our full review of OmniGraffle for more.

3. Microsoft Visio Online

Microsoft Visio Online is a more basic version of Visio Professional but can be used in any browser by any user with a commercial Office 365 subscription.

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Microsoft Visio For Mac

Visio Online was initially released exclusively to Office 365 First Release customers but it is now available to all paying customers on Business, Enterprise or Government Office 365 subscriptions (check here which Office 365 subscription you have).

If you just want to view a Visio file on Mac and have a commercial Office 365 subscription, Microsoft Visio Online allows you to do so. However, if you need to do further editing, it takes you to the desktop version of Visio which isn’t available to Mac users.

Visio Online allows you upload a VSDX file to a Microsoft OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online account and view Visio files instantly in any browser.

You can Pan around Visio diagrams and Zoom in and out with the slider:

You can also view metadata of shapes by clicking on the shape and selecting Shape Info:

You can click on links within Visio diagrams (although you can’t edit them yet). If you want to find a specific object or item in a diagram, you click on Find to search shape text, shape data and user defined cells:

If you want to share the Visio drawing with other users, just click on the Share symbol in the menu bar and you can send a link via email.

Initially you could only view Visio documents using Visio online but you can now perform basic edits or leave comments on the diagrams. Windows users with Visio installed can of course also choose to open it in the desktop version of Visio too.

Visio Online supports all browsers but Microsoft says it works best in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Firefox and Safari are supported but it doesn’t work quite as well in them. You can see the Visio Online compatibility table below:

4. VSDX Annotator

VSDX Annotator is a desktop VSD viewer which allows you to open, preview and convert Visio files on Mac. It also allows some basic annotation of Visio documents on.

VSDX Annotator supports VSD, VDX and VSDX flowcharts, diagrams, schemes and drawings. There are also 12 annotation tools which allow you to add notes, callouts, comments, blocks and graphics files.

Among other features of VSDX Annotator are the ability to hide or show layers, shape data and hyperlinks, convert VSD, VDX, and VSDX documents to PDF for sending via email or printing.

VSDX Annotator renders Visio diagrams very well and files are reproduced exactly as you would see them in Microsoft Visio. There are several useful viewing options such as tools to view documents with embedded OLE-objects, EMF- and WMF-metafiles and objects that are outside page boundaries or gradient-filled objects. You can also see the original dimension units if you need to.

The developer of VSDX Annotator Nektony also make VSD Viewer For Visio Drawings (see below) the difference being that VSDX Annotator is newer and allows basic annotation of Visio files on a Mac.

If you’re torn between the two, you might as well go for VSDX Annotator as although it costs $10 more, the annotation tools can be useful and the interface is newer than VSD Viewer.

Overall, if you regularly just need to open Visio files on your Mac and send a few comments or observations to colleagues or clients, VSDX Annotator is ideal.

Although VSDX Annotator costs $24.99 from the Mac App Store, there’s a free trial so you can open files for free.

5. VSD Viewer For Visio Drawings

VSD Viewer For Visio Drawings is a more basic version of VSDX Animator from the same developer Nektony. The main difference between them is that VSDX Annotator allows you to annotate and comment on Visio files while VSD Viewer is purely for opening Visio diagrams on Mac.

The full version of Nektony VSD Viewer for Mac is not free, but it does offer a free trial and at $14.99, if you need to view Visio files regularly on a Mac, is well worth it as it’s a very powerful tool. With it you can open VSD, VDX and VSDX files on Mac plus stencils in VSDM, VDW, VSSX, VSSM, VSX or VSS format. Basically, anything created in MS Visio 2000 onwards.

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To open a Visio file using VSD Viewer for Mac, you simply double-click on the .VSD file to open it. You can switch layers using VSD Viewer, preview Shape Data, zoom in and out, export to PDF (very useful for sharing Visio diagrams with others), view documents with OLE objects, EMF and WMF embedded meta files and much more.

For those that need to share Visio data in meetings without always having to ask CAD designers for different layers or files, VSD Viewer is extremely useful.

The good thing as well is that VSD Viewer doesn’t store your Visio files online anywhere – everything is stored on your Mac for better security if you’re dealing with confidential designs and data.

You may occasionally experience formatting issues when you open Visio files which you can fix by going to Preferences and selecting “Render Metafiles with Transparent Backgrounds”.

The slightly frustrating this is there’s no way to search Visio files using VSD Viewer but otherwise, if you don’t need to annotate or comment on drawings, it’s an excellent way to read Visio files on Mac.

To upgrade the trial to the full version of VSD Viewer For Visio Drawings costs $14.99 from the Mac App Store but you can also try the free trial to view Visio files for free.

There’s also a companion Nektony VSD Viewer app for iPhone/iPad and Android which offers almost all of the functionality of the Mac version but because of processing power limitations, can be considerably slower.

Conclusion

Visio 2018 Pro For Mac

The best free online Visio viewer for macOS is easily LucidChart Visio Viewer.

If you want a desktop solution however, we don’t think you can beat the excellent OmniGraffle diagramming software made specifically for Mac.

Visio Pro For Mac

Finally, Microsoft Visio Online is now a viable option for Mac users but is only free to those that already have certain Office 365 subscriptions.