Five Open-Source Diagramming Programs for Windows

In this article we present five open-source programs for creating diagrams on Windows. With these platforms you can create the following diagrams: block diagram, activity diagram, use case diagram, class diagram, network diagram, flowchart, UML diagram, and so on. One of the programs is Dia. All environments include a toolbar from which you can drag and drop shapes onto the work area and adjust them to your needs. When you finish a diagram, you can export it in different formats (PNG, JPG, SVG, ODT, HTML, etc.).

Dia

We begin with Dia, a platform that lets you create flowcharts, network diagrams, ER diagrams, use case diagrams, UML diagrams, and others. On the left and at the top, you'll find the toolbars, and the rest of the interface is the work area. The left bar provides all shapes, text, and the magnifier tool, among other functions. The top bar contains actions for saving and exporting. The environment supports drag and drop as well as copy and paste. When you finish, you can export in JPG, PNG, TFF, SVG, BMP, PDF, etc.

Pencil

Pencil is a prototyping platform that lets you create various types of flowcharts for iOS, Android, web pages, and desktop programs. On the left of its interface, you'll find tools divided into three tabs: the first for built-in shapes, the second for loaded shapes, and the third for clipart. The utility supports drag and drop and lets you edit and change the style of shapes. When you finish, you can export in PNG, SVG, HTML, ODT, or PDF.

Dynamic Draw

Dynamic Draw is a program for creating diagrams with a dynamic toolbar. Its toolbar has three categories of tools that adapt to each diagram: Dynamic Draw, block diagram, network diagram, activity diagram, use case diagram, UML diagram, etc. The interface is a bit complicated to understand. On the left you'll find four toolbars with multiple options.

ArgoUML

The difference of ArgoUML from the other options is the ability to import XML and Java sources. This lets you add information to shapes from the following options: Source, Constraints, S Type, Tagged Values, Checklist, Properties, and Documentation. When you finish, you can export in PNG, SVG, GIF, PS, EPS, XML, or PDF.

LibreOffice Draw

In the LibreOffice package you'll find LibreOffice Draw, a platform for creating various types of diagrams. On the left of the interface you'll find the toolbar. From there you can select the drawing service, writing service, and add shapes. When you finish, you can export in DOC, GIF, TIFF, SWF, PDF, etc.