Free tools similar in functionality to MS VISIO [closed]

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Are there any free tools or software packages that offer functionality similar to MS Visio?

I am looking for something that can create database, most UML and application flow diagrams.

Gaddis answered 15/1, 2009 at 13:49 Comment(0)

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Have a look at DIA

Noctiluca answered 15/1, 2009 at 13:59 Comment(3)

I don't like DIA, but I don't know a better ones for free... – Sugary 15/1, 2009 at 14:20

What I miss of DIA is a good script to create DIA XML from Java files. – Margalo 15/1, 2009 at 14:21

I haven't used Dia for a long time, but I remember that I used it to generate UML diagrams in college. You could generate code stubs for C++ (and other languages) by running dia2code "dia2code.sourceforge.net". – Gunyah 1/12, 2010 at 17:46

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Gliffy looks pretty good and is cheap with a free option: http://www.gliffy.com

Hueyhuff answered 11/2, 2010 at 22:13 Comment(0)

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Many interesting programs here: http://www.osalt.com/visio

Subjection answered 15/1, 2009 at 14:22 Comment(1)

I'm not too impressed by its suggestions – Clarindaclarine 15/1, 2009 at 18:7

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Checkout FreelyDraw. It is a professional, easy to use diagramming tool, small compared to visio but still full featured, worth a try. And now it supports Windows and MacOS.

Pregnancy answered 26/10, 2012 at 3:33 Comment(0)

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Argo UML is not visio, but can be used to make UML drawings.

Uncompromising answered 15/1, 2009 at 13:54 Comment(0)

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Open office draw has boxes with sticky connectors, which I find OK at those times I want just a quick simple diagram with little formalism. Argo UML is a slightly more formally correct, but you're not always there for the formalism.

Sanderson answered 15/1, 2009 at 14:18 Comment(0)

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For different purposes, different programs.

Application flows are better generated than hand-drawn. Graphviz dot is excellent for it. You can then type something like:

digraph{
  step1 -> step2;
  step2 -> step3;
  step2 -> step4 [label="optional"];
}

A simple domain-specific language for directed graphs. It is well documented and has cross-platform implementations. It is also suitable for generating class-diagrams, but you probably don't want to its DSL directly for it (just write a small program to generate it)

For databases I've used Fabforce DbDesigner. There's also a version with SQL-server support.

http://www.fabforce.net/dbdesigner4/

Clarindaclarine answered 15/1, 2009 at 15:15 Comment(0)

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StarUML looks nice except it doesn't have any database diagram features.

Gaddis answered 15/1, 2009 at 15:28 Comment(0)

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Dia works great for me, both for simple drawing and for UML. I know it's not perfect but it really can do the job. For mindmaps (and heck they are useful), I use freemind.

Don´t let the ugly websites fool you, they both are great pieces of software.

Moffit answered 16/10, 2009 at 16:21 Comment(0)

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ARIS Express is a free-of-charge alternative for Visio.

Ensure answered 12/1, 2010 at 12:43 Comment(1)

Process Flow OK, but doesn't seem to be a tool for UML or Datamodelling though – Euphroe 12/1, 2010 at 12:49

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Cacoo is very nice. It's a flash-based web application and is really quite like a more friendly Visio. There are about 20 sets of shapes available, from electronic circuits to office layout to UML. And even iPhone and Android UI shapes. And it's free.

Hobbyhorse answered 27/4, 2011 at 9:6 Comment(0)

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You can also try my.origramy - it's a free online service for building diagrams, schemes, etc. It is based on a Flash editor/viewer component.

Lands answered 16/8, 2011 at 7:8 Comment(0)

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It depends of what you mean by functionality. In my opinion Visio is less a drawing than a data manipulating and visualisation tool. Under the surface all elements are made of specialised calculation sheets, which allows to handle the appearance and the behaviour of the shapes. There are plainty better drawing tools, but none that has such a complexe calculating capability.

Tulipwood answered 3/7, 2012 at 5:20 Comment(0)

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Check out LucidChart. It's very fast and easy to use. They have a limited free account and their paid accounts are reasonable.

Eructate answered 1/12, 2010 at 17:42 Comment(0)

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