Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Creately VS draw.io

Compare Creately VS draw.io and see what are their differences

Creately logo Creately

The new interface for work to ideate, plan, and execute

draw.io logo draw.io

Online diagramming application
  • Creately Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-08

The data-connected Visual Workspace to brainstorm, plan, execute and capture knowledge. Connect the dots across your company, keep everything and everyone in sync.

  • draw.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

Creately

$ Details
freemium $5.0 / Monthly (Unlimited canvases and items)
Platforms
Microsoft Teams

draw.io

Website
drawio.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
Platforms
-

Creately features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Creately offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for users to create diagrams with minimal training.
  • Collaboration Features
    Allows multiple users to collaborate in real-time, making it ideal for team projects and remote work scenarios.
  • Template Library
    Comes with a vast library of templates for various diagram types, such as flowcharts, UML diagrams, and organizational charts, which can save users time.
  • Integrations
    Integrates seamlessly with other popular tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing its functionality.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Available as a web application, which means it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection without the need for downloads.

Possible disadvantages of Creately

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has limited features and functionalities, which may not be sufficient for more complex or extensive projects.
  • Cost
    The premium plans can be expensive, particularly for larger teams or organizations needing advanced features.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as lagging, especially when working with large diagrams or in real-time collaboration.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easy to grasp, mastering more advanced features can require a steeper learning curve.
  • Export Limitations
    The free version has limitations on exporting diagrams in certain formats and resolutions, which can be restrictive for professional use.

draw.io features and specs

  • Free
    draw.io offers a free version with extensive features, making it accessible to individuals and small teams without requiring financial investment.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that is easy to use for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Collaboration
    It supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously.
  • Integrations
    It integrates seamlessly with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, facilitating easy sharing and saving.
  • Versatility
    Draw.io supports various diagram types including flowcharts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, and more, catering to a wide range of use cases.
  • No Installation Required
    As a web-based tool, draw.io does not require any installation, making it accessible from any device with an internet connection.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize shapes, styles, and templates to fit their specific needs, enhancing the utility of the tool.

Possible disadvantages of draw.io

  • Performance Issues
    Users may experience lag or performance issues, especially when working with very large diagrams or on less powerful hardware.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for most general uses, draw.io might lack some advanced features available in premium diagramming tools like Visio.
  • Cloud Dependency
    As a cloud-based tool, draw.io requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, potentially limiting its use in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Using a cloud service can raise privacy concerns, especially when dealing with sensitive or proprietary information.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, becoming proficient with all features and integrations can take some time for new users.

Analysis of Creately

Overall verdict

  • Creately is a good choice for individuals and teams seeking an intuitive, collaborative diagramming solution. It offers a range of features that accommodate different use cases and industries, making it a flexible tool for both professional and educational purposes.

Why this product is good

  • Creately is a versatile diagramming tool known for its easy-to-use interface and collaboration features. It allows users to create various types of diagrams, such as flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, and more, making it a valuable tool for visualizing ideas and processes. The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it suitable for teams working together remotely. Additionally, its integration with other tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Confluence enhances productivity.

Recommended for

  • Project managers who need to create and share project plans and workflow diagrams.
  • Educators and students looking for a tool to assist with teaching materials and learning projects.
  • Teams working remotely who need to collaborate on visual documents in real time.
  • Business analysts and consultants who require a tool for visualizing complex business processes and data.
  • Individuals interested in personal organization and planning through visual maps and charts.

Analysis of draw.io

Overall verdict

  • Yes, draw.io is widely regarded as a good tool for creating diagrams due to its versatility, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set. It is a reliable choice for both individual users and teams requiring collaborative diagramming capabilities.

Why this product is good

  • Draw.io is considered a good tool because it is user-friendly, offers a wide range of features for creating diagrams, and is available as both a web-based application and a desktop app. It supports multiple platforms and a variety of diagram types, including flowcharts, network diagrams, UML, and more. The tool is often praised for its intuitive interface, easy integration with platforms like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, and the fact that it offers a free version without significant limitations.

Recommended for

  • Business professionals who need to create process flows and organizational charts.
  • Software developers and engineers designing network architecture, UML diagrams, or system designs.
  • Students and educators preparing educational materials or collaborative projects.
  • Project managers and teams who need to outline project workflows and timelines.

Creately videos

Creately Review by Lois Myung and Weston Ding

More videos:

  • Review - Creately - Diagramming Software for Super Fast Diagrams
  • Review - Introducing Creately 4.0- The New Interface For Work.
  • Tutorial - Creately for Microsoft Teams
  • Tutorial - Create Swimlane Diagram Online

draw.io videos

draw.io - Draw diagrams in the cloud or as an AppImage

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Draw.io Tutorial - Getting Started || How to use Draw.io
  • Review - Creating Entity Relationship Diagrams using Draw.io
  • Review - Using Layers, an advanced draw.io feature
  • Review - Draw.io (aka diagrams.net) Basics
  • Review - Better, faster, stronger; draw.io introduces AI-powered Smart Templates

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Creately and draw.io)
Diagrams
12 12%
88% 88
Flowcharts
12 12%
88% 88
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Wireframing
14 14%
86% 86

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Creately and draw.io

Creately Reviews

10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
The next software tool in our list of Visio alternatives is Creately. It is a visual diagramming and design tool capable of collaboration between team members and it is designed by Cinergix.
Best 8 Free Visual Paradigm Alternatives in 2022
A great graphic design tool, Creately also doubles as a good replacement for Visual Paradigm. Another online tool, Creately works perfectly for those who are looking for a good quality graphic designer. The high-quality graphics that you can make using this tool is far greater compared to the ones made from Visual Paradigm. There are also templates here for those who want to...
Source: gitmind.com
Best Mind Mapping Software For Classrooms and Learning
Creately’s real-time collaboration feature allows students and teachers to add and edit the mind map in real time. Teachers can see the changes without being in the same room as the student. It works on the Creately Online and Desktop and is designed for in-house use and external use. Students can manage, collaborate, and view their diagrams on their iOS and Android devices...
The 10 Best UML Diagram Tools 2020
Just as the name of the platform suggests, Creately lets you create without any inhibition. If you have been looking for a platform that aids simplified diagramming of the UML along with the collaboration option, this is the one.
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
Creately is a beautiful and easy diagramming and collaboration tool that enables teams to create flowcharts, UML, UI Mock-ups and much more. It comes with a full-featured Desktop App through which users can work fully offline and collaborate online. Users can work with 2 or 20 other people from across the world sharing projects and enjoying secure publishing. Creately has...

draw.io Reviews

5 great diagramming tools for enterprise and software architects
Where do you even begin with Diagrams.net, formerly known as Draw.io? Besides being free of charge, it also has a low learning curve, so anyone can quickly start creating diagrams or whiteboards. Many people use Diagrams.net for diagramming business processes, data flows, and networks. You can also modify elements without having to change the entire diagram with this tool.
Source: www.redhat.com
Software Diagrams - Plant UML vs Mermaid
There are many generic diagramming tools that can be used to design software such as diagrams.net (formerly draw.io), Miro, or Lucid Charts. These generic tools do allow a lot of flexibility but end up costing you more time than you intended to align all boxes and arrows and to get the colour schemes just right.
10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
Price may vary from time to time as Draw.io does some promotions and might give discounts as well. You should check their website for the latest prices. Also, the pricing depends upon the features you are taking it for. So, it has very distinctive processing. You’ll get all your options in the right column and the drawing and editing options you’ll get in the space provided...
Top 10 Alternatives to Draw.io / Diagrams.net - Flowchart Maker Reviews
Drawio is a free online software for creating flowcharts and process maps. It is an easy way to create professional diagrams and share them with your team, your clients, or the whole world. Drawio's user-friendly interface lets you drag and drop shapes from our library onto the canvas and format them using our comprehensive set of tools. Drawing charts has never been easier!...
Best 8 Free Visual Paradigm Alternatives in 2022
Another cost-efficient option as an alternative to Visual Paradigm is Draw.io. This is an online flowchart maker that you can use for free. Draw.io is absolutely free to use so you won’t have to worry about spending any amount. The only drawback that we saw upon reviewing the tool though, is the lack of templates. It is purely made for flowchart creation so the interface...
Source: gitmind.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, draw.io seems to be a lot more popular than Creately. While we know about 716 links to draw.io, we've tracked only 14 mentions of Creately. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Creately mentions (14)

  • Visualize Before You Build: Why Developers Should Use Creately for Planning
    🛠️Creately is a visual collaboration and diagramming tool that I’ve recently started using. Unlike traditional diagramming tools, it's built with structure in mind—think of it as a mix between a whiteboard and a smart database. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Best User Flow Diagram Tools for Seamless UX Design in 2025
    Creately's drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process of visualizing user flows. One can start with its pre-built templates and then progress to use its context-aware shape swapping, auto-arranging connectors, and freehand sketching. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Building and Testing the Gemini API with CI/CD Pipeline
    Check out Creately's customizable CI/CD pipeline templates here. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • 7 Best AI Diagram Generators for Effortless Visuals
    5. Creately Creately is an intelligent diagramming experience powered by AI, appropriate for both individual and enterprise use. AI-powered suggestions for shapes, connections, and layouts make diagramming much faster on this platform. Be it flowcharts, Gantt charts, or mind maps, Creately is the right tool to create these and many more visualizations that one needs with project planning and workflow mapping. The... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Diagramming and Database Design📊🔍💡
    Creately: A versatile online diagramming and design tool that supports various diagram types. Access thousands of templates and collaborate with team members effortlessly. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
View more

draw.io mentions (716)

  • Creating Diagrams and Databases with Online Tools
    Draw.io (available at drawio.com) is an online and offline tool that lets you create various types of diagrams, including:. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • Random VS Code finds
    During my college days I used to use Drawio to draw wireframes and flowcharts. When I found that there is a VS Code extension that allows me to do it in the IDE it was a no brainer. I have found it is also useful whenever I am screen sharing to use it as a whiteboard during meetings. All you have to do is create a new file with the .drawio extension and you're off to the races. You can then export to .svg and .png... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Reactor controller
    Glad you like it! :D Feel free to reuse/edit it for the Steam page if you want. Also happy to send you the draw.io file if you'd like :). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Note taking app
    Shraing, LDAP, sync, reminders are all possible. draw.io can be integrated by an app in nextcloud. Also, there is "Deck" which is a Kanban board for Nextcloud. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Diagramming on Note 2 Air+
    I've been using draw.io web to diagram, but I can't find it on android... Is there any good alternatives? Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Creately and draw.io, you can also consider the following products

LucidChart - LucidChart is the missing link in online productivity suites. LucidChart allows users to create, collaborate on, and publish attractive flowcharts and other diagrams from a web browser.

yEd - yEd is a free desktop application to quickly create, import, edit, and automatically arrange diagrams. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix/Linux.

OmniGraffle - OmniGraffle is for creating precise graphics like website wireframes, an electrical system designs, or mapping out software class.

PlantUML - PlantUML is an open-source tool that uses simple textual descriptions to draw UML diagrams.

Gliffy - Gliffy is a powerful HTML5 online diagram maker. Create a flow chart, network diagram, UML diagram, organizational chart or wireframe with ease.

Cacoo - A cloud-based diagram maker for companies, teams, and you.