Any data, be it monthly household planning, technical instructions or a project work plan, must be understandable and systematized. Not everything can be presented in the form of a simple text description, list or picture. A flowchart, also called a flowchart, will help with visualization.
Simple text and graphic editors will also help you create flowcharts, flowcharts and mindmaps. But in some cases it is much more convenient to use online services. Firstly, there is no need to clog up the device’s memory, and secondly, online applications allow you to work not alone, but as a team.
We have collected 15 online services for creating and editing flowcharts.
Draw.io
The most popular online service for creating flowcharts. It is free and has a good set of tools and functions that allow you to create organizational charts, flowcharts, network diagrams, UML, circuit diagrams. The service has 5 ready-made flowchart templates. A clear interface supports virtual storage - Google Drive, OneDrive and DropBox, which allows several users to work together on a project. You can save the project in JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, HTML, XML formats, you can import files into VSDX, and save them into the proprietary formats of other services - Lucidchart and Gliffy.
For most users, its set of options is sufficient. Those who need more options should consider other options.
Wireflow
This service is aimed primarily at web developers and designers; it allows you to design website frameworks and user flows. Wireflow is easy to manage, has an extensive library of elements, and several options for flowchart templates. Unfortunately, you can only save the finished result in JPG, which causes some inconvenience. But this application is free, and it gets the job done.
Description of the toolbar for drawing electrical circuits.
Let's take a closer look at the panel for drawing electrical circuits (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Panel for drawing electrical circuits.
Here we see: 1. A panel for formatting text, paragraphs, inserting special objects and a menu for calling utilities. 2. Standard toolbar with some additional features. 3. Toolbar Diagram with a set of libraries of electrical radio elements and insertion of standard objects of some shapes.
I think the standard font and paragraph formatting panel won’t create any questions, so I won’t touch on it.
The Scheme drop-down menu completely replicates the Scheme panel , the latter, in turn, is turned on by clicking on the icon in the form of a transistor designation. The Template drop-down menu allows you to insert ready-made templates of various frames, made in accordance with GOST, onto the sheet (Figure 3.).
Figure 3. Menu Templates.
Drop-down menu tools Utilities are designed to print a document in book form.
The Language drop-down menu tools perform various functions related to the document language.
Among the features of the standard toolbar, it is worth noting the presence of buttons: - calling the formula editor; — insertion of symbols; — display of the Scheme .
Scheme toolbar (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Diagram panel.
The panel contains the following blocks: 1. Button for calling up the window for snapping objects to the grid. 2. A group of tools for formatting an object. 3. Group of tools for inserting standard objects. 4. A group of tools for inserting objects from the element library.
The library of tools for drawing electrical circuits consists of sets of basic electrical and radio elements and is presented in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Library of tools for drawing electrical circuits.
Microsoft Visio
Speaking of flowcharts, one cannot help but remember Visio. This Microsoft product was created specifically for developing flowcharts, organizational charts, and process maps. In addition, it can be used to create plans of buildings and premises, diagrams and engineering projects. You may be wondering what it has to do with online services. Visio itself is a PC program, but it allows for simultaneous online collaboration in Office 365. The flowcharts in this system are linked to the underlying source data in such a way that they are updated when this same data changes.
Flying Logic
If you are looking for software with which you can quickly and easily build the necessary circuit, then the Flying Logic program is exactly what you need. There is no cumbersome complex interface and a huge number of visual chart settings. One click - adding a new object, the second - creating a union with other blocks. You can also combine schema elements into groups.
Unlike its analogues, this editor does not have a large number of different forms and connections. Plus, it is possible to display additional information on blocks, which is described in detail in the review on our website.
Lucidchart
For those who for some reason are not satisfied with Visio, there is an option that is a full-fledged replacement for creating diagrams and flowcharts. The application has many elements, templates for creating flowcharts and diagrams (however, you can do without them and create a diagram from scratch), there are even more of them in the paid version. The application interface is intuitive and simple, even a novice user can understand it. To work, you only need an Internet connection; there is the possibility of team work (albeit with restrictions for free accounts). The service supports importing Visio (VSDX), Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Omnigraffle files, and saves the results in JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF and Visio. In addition, there is a nice opportunity to save intermediate versions on a cloud server.
The free version of Lucidchart is functional, but if you don't have enough extensions, you can pay for a subscription. These include: a larger volume of virtual storage, the ability to create an unlimited number of projects, and add links to data. The paid version costs from $5.95 to $20 per month.
Programs for drawing diagrams
List of programs for free use:
- Freeware - the program is not limited in functionality and can be used for personal purposes without purchasing the full package;
- Open Source is an “open access” application in which you are allowed to add changes by adjusting the software to suit your own purposes. There are both paid and free versions;
Drawing up a drawing in the program
- GNU GPL - the program is completely free and easy to use;
- Public domain - almost similar to the previous application, you can download a free license on the Internet;
- Ad-supported - the program is fully functional, but sometimes it contains advertising; to remove it, you need to pay;
- Donationware - the application is free to use, but the author of the service offers to make voluntary donations.
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ES semi-automatic welding machine
Cacoo
Cacoo is a service similar to Lucidchart, but more specialized for flowcharts. There is nothing superfluous here, but there are many templates, shapes and arrows for every taste. The application is easy to use, it has very well implemented opportunities for teamwork - after all, this is exactly what it was intended for. You can work on a project in real time and see who is currently working. There is a chat for discussion.
The service is paid. The cost of a month of work, depending on the tariff, varies from $4.95 to $18. The first 14 days can be used for free.
Supported extensions and custom options
Try it today! Graphics editor from Microsoft - Visio For those who have at least a little experience working with Microsoft products, it will not be difficult to master the work in the Visio graphic editor.
He was capable of modeling. It is a cross-platform program and it works on Mac and Windows.
This software not only supports work in a plane, but also allows you to create full-fledged 3D models.
You can change the formats as you wish. Micro-Cap is one of the best applications for simulating an electrical network. The program allows you to establish the dependence of the parameters of element ratings on temperature conditions, illumination, frequency characteristics, etc. Check the operation through an electrical circuit simulator.
Paid applications
We also encourage users to share their great designs in the wiring diagram section of our community. Built-in Circuit Diagram Examples Before creating a circuit diagram, many people want to look at some good examples. It has a very simple and understandable structure, so after an hour and a half of work you will already be able to navigate freely. In the second editor, printed circuit boards are created.
Simple Interface The user interface is quite simple and neatly organized. The developers failed to improve the quality and increase the graphical user interface. The editor is implemented quite conveniently.
Free
The editor is implemented quite conveniently. For use by various specialists, the graphic editor is supplemented with additional modules. A large number of tools are organized into groups and are conveniently configured for specific drawing conditions. Image editing uses scaling, working with windows and layers, moving, inserting breaks, rotating, changing reflection, text overlay, color palette and other functions and styles.
What’s nice is that you can easily change the scale by scrolling the mouse wheel. Components are added and edited here. Drawing electrical diagrams in Microsoft Word
Google Docs
When it comes to Google Docs, it would probably be more appropriate to ask what this service cannot do. Flowcharts are no exception either - they can be created in Google Docs using the Google Drawings function. The set of functions here is standard, the controls are simple, and it’s easy to understand. Since Google services are connected to Google Drive, the possibility of team work is implied by itself. Simply create a project and send a link to it to other participants, allowing editing access. You can save the result as a picture or SVG file, and also publish it online.
The service is free, but there are limitations - only 15 GB of Disk space will be available to you.
Setting up a template for drawing electrical circuits.
In order to get started, let's make our text editor more convenient for drawing electrical circuits. To do this, install the following template Normal.dot
We go to the menu File - Open , the dialog box shown in Figure 1 appears in front of us.
Figure 1. Open document dialog box.
Next, we follow the points marked in the figure: 1. In the drop-down list, set the document type to All Word templates . 2. In the Explorer window, indicate the path to the downloaded file Normal.dot . 3. Select the file Normal.dot . 4. Click the Open . We go to the Add-ons of the main menu, where an additional toolbar of the Normal.dot template appears (Figure 2.)
Gliffy
Need something simpler? Then Gliffy is for you. The application does not boast a huge range of functions, but it has many templates, it is simple and fast. Works offline. Teamwork is supported, you can share your work with colleagues.
The single-user version costs $7.99, and the team version costs $4.99 per user.
Initial program setup
Completely in Russian. QElectroTech - Electrical diagram editor Updated: There is a basic set of tools that help you manually quickly draw the correct drawing. Therefore, it is possible to create graphic elements for inserting into text documents.
The application is not officially released in Russian localization, but there are programs that allow you to Russify the menu and contextual hints. This is part of the Compass 3D software.
But, nevertheless, the main factor is the sufficiency of functions for creating circuits of varying complexity. It has a well-designed interface, extensive, well-structured libraries.
A very useful opportunity, which is probably why teachers and students really like it. DcAcLab has visual and attractive plots, but is limited to circuit simulation. We'll talk about these programs further.
Other advantages include: changing the scale with the mouse wheel, auto numbering of components, convenient rulers for scaling and many other convenient useful little things.
DoCircuits: Although it leaves people's first impression of confusion about the site, but it gives many examples of how the program works, you can see yourself in the video "will start in five minutes." The best program for drawing circuits on Android (Quick Copper)
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Textographo
An unusual and unique service where flowcharts are created using text. You don't have to drag blocks and arrows, just type the text using special syntax - keywords, hashtags, tagging. And the program itself will build a graphical diagram - flowchart, diagram, marking map. Teamwork is supported, all data is saved in the cloud.
The service is paid. The Essentials version costs $8, and the Premium version starts at $14 per month.
Possible mistakes
The main problems that may arise when drawing up an ES:
- incorrect drawing of an element, damaging the electrical circuit or connection between components in the PDS;
- location of component contacts “ outside the electrical circuit ” in the electronic passport system;
- incorrect type of arrow showing the orientation of the signal in the electrical circuit;
- incorrect direction of telecommunication lines at arbitrary angles.
Thus, drawing up electrical plans on your own, without experience, is quite difficult. To do this, you need to choose the program that is easiest to manage, and also study all the basics of work in more detail. For example, how the diagram indicates treatment or diagramming methods.
OmniGraffle
This tool is designed specifically for MacOS and iOS. Its capabilities are not limited to simply creating and editing flowcharts; the service can also work with vector graphics (for example, convert lines to Bezier curves). It is possible to enter commands and edit data from the keyboard. Advanced users can automate the service using JavaScript.
The service's tariffs are affordable - from $50 to $250. The first 14 days are free.
Edraw MAX
Like the previous editor, Edraw MAX is a product for advanced users who are professionally involved in such activities. However, unlike FlowBreeze, it is a standalone software with countless features.
In terms of interface style and operation, Edraw is very similar to Microsoft Visio. It’s not for nothing that it is called the latter’s main competitor.
SmartDraw
An analogue of Visio, suitable for both online use and installation on a computer running Windows and MacOS. As in the Microsoft product, here you can create simple flowcharts, diagrams, and complex floor plans of buildings. As in all programs of this type, there are templates, and there are quite a few of them here - several dozen. The service has powerful functionality and is easy to manage.
The cost of using the service is $15 per month.
Free programs for creating diagrams
There are many good free programs for drawing electrical circuits on the Internet. Their functionality may not be enough for professionals, but to create a power supply diagram for a house or apartment, their functions and operations will be enough. Not all of them are equally convenient, some are difficult to learn, but you can find several free programs for drawing electrical circuits that anyone can use, their interface is so simple and intuitive.
The easiest option is to use the standard Windows Paint program, which is available on almost any computer. But in this case, you will have to draw all the elements yourself. A special program for drawing diagrams allows you to insert ready-made elements into the right places, and then connect them using communication lines. We'll talk about these programs further.
A free program for drawing diagrams does not mean bad. This photo shows work with Fritzing
Electrical circuit editor QElectroTech
The program for drawing QElectroTech circuits is in Russian, and it is completely Russified - menus, explanations - in Russian. Convenient and intuitive interface - a hierarchical menu with possible elements and operations on the left side of the screen and several tabs at the top. There are also quick access buttons for performing standard operations - saving, printing, etc.
Electrical circuit editor QElectroTech
There is an extensive list of ready-made elements, it is possible to draw geometric shapes, insert text, make changes in a certain area, change the direction in a particular fragment, add rows and columns. In general, the program is quite convenient, with the help of which it is easy to draw a power supply diagram, enter the names of the elements and ratings. The result can be saved in several formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, SVG; data can be imported (opened in this program) in QET and XML formats; exported in QET format.
The disadvantage of this program for drawing diagrams is the lack of videos in Russian on how to use it, but there are a considerable number of lessons in other languages.
Graphics editor from Microsoft - Visio
For those who have at least a little experience working with Microsoft products, it will not be difficult to master the work in the Visio graphic editor. This product also has a fully Russified version, with a good level of translation.
Making electrical diagrams in Visio is easy
This product allows you to draw a diagram to scale, which is convenient for calculating the number of wires needed. A large library of stencils with symbols, various components of the scheme, makes the work similar to assembling a construction set: you need to find the right element and put it in place. Since many people are accustomed to working in programs of this type, the search is not difficult.
The positive aspects include the presence of a decent number of lessons on working with this program for drawing diagrams, and in Russian.
Compass Electric
Another program for drawing diagrams on a computer is Compass Electric. This is a more serious product that is used by professionals. There is a wide functionality that allows you to draw various plans, flowcharts, and other similar drawings. When transferring the circuit into the program, a specification and wiring diagram are simultaneously generated and they are printed.
To get started, you need to load the library with system elements. When you select a schematic image of a particular element, a window will “pop up” in which there will be a list of suitable parts taken from the library. A suitable element is selected from this list, after which its schematic image appears in the specified place in the diagram. At the same time, a designation corresponding to GOST with continuous numbering is automatically entered (the program changes the numbers itself). At the same time, the parameters (name, number, denomination) of the selected element appear in the specification.
An example of a circuit created in Compass Electric
In general, the program is interesting and useful for developing device circuits. It can be used to create a wiring diagram in a house or apartment, but in this case its functionality will be almost not used. And one more positive point: there are many video lessons on working with Compass-Electric, so it will not be difficult to master it.
DipTrace program - for drawing single-line diagrams and circuit diagrams
This program is useful not only for drawing power supply diagrams - everything is simple here, since you only need a diagram. It is more useful for PCB development because it has a built-in function for converting an existing schematic into a PCB trace.
Original circuit (multivibrator), drawn with DipTrace
PCB diagram
The multivibrator board itself
To get started, as in many other cases, you must first load the libraries with the element base available on your computer. To do this, you need to launch the Schematic DT application, after which you can load the libraries. They can be downloaded from the same resource where you will get the program.
After downloading the library, you can start drawing the diagram. First, you can “drag” the necessary elements from the libraries onto the workspace, expand them (if necessary), arrange them and connect them with connection lines. After the circuit is ready, if necessary, select the line “convert to board” in the menu and wait for a while. The output will be a finished printed circuit board with the arrangement of elements and tracks. You can also see the appearance of the finished board in 3D.
Free ProfiCAD program for drawing electrical circuits
The free program for drawing diagrams ProfiCAD is one of the best options for the home craftsman. It is easy to use and does not require special libraries on your computer - it already contains about 700 elements. If there are not enough of them, you can easily replenish the database. The required element can simply be “dragged” onto the field, rotated there in the desired direction, and installed.
An example of using ProfiCAD for drawing electrical circuits
Having drawn the diagram, you can get a table of connections, a bill of materials, a list of wires. Results can be obtained in one of the four most common formats: PNG, EMF, BMP, DXF. A nice feature of this program is that it has low hardware requirements. It works fine on systems from Windows 2000 and higher.
This product has only one drawback - there is no video about working with it in Russian yet. But the interface is so clear that you can figure it out yourself, or watch one of the “imported” videos to understand the mechanics of work.
Creately
A very flexible service with hundreds of templates and thousands of examples from the users themselves. Diagrams, graphs, flowcharts - there are examples for everything here. Among other things, many elements are “smart” and themselves adapt to the overall style of the flowchart or diagram, even to the color scheme. You can work on a project as a team in real time, it is possible to comment and view the history of changes. Integration with Chrome and GSuite is also a definite plus.
You can work with Creately not only through a browser; there are applications on your PC and smartphone. The license cost is $5 per month or $75 perpetually per user. But it's worth it.
Benefits of Programming Various Wiring Diagrams
The use of specialized software eliminates the difficult drawing process. Actions are performed in an intuitive graphical editor interface. If necessary, use the reference section with a detailed description of typical operations.
The drawn diagram can be adjusted. Each wiring is clearly visible when the image is enlarged. It is allowed to use color marking of lines and to supplement the plan with notes.
An error in independent calculation can cause a short circuit or other emergency situation. Incorrect calculation of cable length is accompanied by additional costs of time and money. The automated process eliminates such problems. Even when working with complex formulas, the results are displayed on the computer screen immediately after entering the initial values.
Mindomo
And this service was created specifically for educational programs in order, firstly, to present information visually, and secondly, to teach students how to structure it into flowcharts (mind map). Templates and samples will help in creating diagrams. In addition, you can search the web for images and insert them into your project in just a couple of clicks. It is possible to work as a team and view the history of changes, add short videos and record voice messages.
The service is integrated with GSuite, Google Drive, Office 365, as well as with learning management systems - Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, Moodle.
Canva
A simple, intuitive service for creating beautiful flowcharts. The feature set differs little from all of the options above, but Canva boasts the ability to customize its appearance. Page background, font and color of texts, adding images - your own or from a huge library. There's even a built-in photo editor. Of course, there is also support for teamwork. There are applications for both iOS and Android to work from mobile devices. Saving projects in PDF format.
The service is free, but there are premium elements (photos and vectors) that cost $1 each.
FCEditor
The concept of the FCEditor program is radically different from others presented in this article. Firstly, the work occurs exclusively with algorithmic flowcharts, which are actively used in programming.
Secondly, FSEditor independently, automatically builds all structures. All the user needs is to import the finished source code in one of the available programming languages, and then export the code converted into a schema.
Mindmeister
Service for creating mental maps and diagrams. It has good functionality, well-implemented teamwork capabilities - support for a mobile version, chat and commenting. You can add links, images and videos, insert created files into your blog or website, view the history of changes, create presentations and slide shows from the project, there is even a drawing function. You can save in PNG, PDF, and Word. The service integrates with Google applications.
There is a free plan with 3 map projects, but there are also paid versions - from $36 for six months, with more advanced features.
