Lucidchart suits teams that want a browser-based diagram tool with a free plan and links into Confluence, Jira and Microsoft 365. Visio suits Microsoft 365 businesses, because Microsoft includes basic Visio viewing and editing in its commercial plans and keeps the heavy engineering diagrams in Visio Plan 2. If your company already runs on Microsoft 365, check what Visio you've got before signing up for anything.
Flowcharts, org charts and process maps sound dull until the day you need one to explain how your business works to a new hire. Lucidchart and Visio are the two names most people reach for. I read Lucid's Lucidchart plans page and Microsoft's Visio page, and the table below sticks to what each company says.
The two diagram tools at a glance
| Lucidchart | Microsoft Visio | |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | Yes, Free plan, no card | Basic Visio included in Microsoft 365 commercial plans |
| Free limits | 3 editable documents, 75 shapes per document, 100 templates | Viewing and basic editing, limited templates |
| Trial | Seven days on Individual or Team | Try free for one month on Plan 1 or Plan 2 |
| Where it runs | In the browser | Web app, Teams, and a desktop app on Plan 2 |
| Shapes | Unlimited objects from Individual | Thousands on Plan 1, 250,000+ on Plan 2 |
| Technical diagrams | Premium shape libraries from Individual | Network, cloud (Azure, AWS), ERD and UML on Plan 1 |
| Engineering and floor plans | Not covered on the plans page | Floor plans, P&ID and electrical on Plan 2 |
| Works with the other | Visio import and export from Individual | Not covered on the page I read |
| AI | Lucid AI on every plan | Not covered on the page I read |
Lucidchart in the browser
Lucidchart's free plan needs no card and gives you 3 editable documents, 75 shapes per document, 100 templates, basic data linking, presentation mode, commenting and Lucid AI. That's enough to draw a few process maps and see whether you like it. Individual removes the document and object limits and adds 1 GB of storage, premium shapes and templates, and Visio import and export. Team adds revision history, password-protected publishing and integrations with Microsoft 365, Confluence and Jira.
Lucid says its free trial lasts seven days and gives you every premium feature while it runs, so plan a real diagram for that week rather than poking around.
Visio inside Microsoft 365
Microsoft splits Visio into three layers. Visio in Microsoft 365 comes with Microsoft 365 commercial plans and covers viewing and basic editing, with limited templates for general diagrams and basic flowcharts, and real-time collaboration in the Visio web app or inside Teams. Visio Plan 1 adds thousands of shapes, cross-functional flowcharts, network and cloud architecture diagrams, ERD and UML diagrams, mind maps, org charts and Power BI integration.
Visio Plan 2 is the heavy option, with the desktop app for offline work, more than 250,000 shapes, BPMN process diagrams, floor plans, P&ID and electrical diagrams, two-way data sync and AutoCAD support.
Check the Visio you may already have
This is the bit people miss. Many small businesses already run on Microsoft 365, and Microsoft says Visio in Microsoft 365 is included in its commercial plans for viewing and basic editing. So before you open a new account anywhere, sign in to Visio with your work login and see whether basic flowcharts are enough. If they are, you've saved yourself another tool to learn. If you need more, Lucidchart's free plan and Visio Plan 1 are the fair comparison.
Which team suits which tool
Lucidchart fits teams that work across tools, especially those already in Confluence and Jira, and people who want to draw something useful today in a browser without installing anything. Visio fits Microsoft-first businesses, IT teams mapping networks and cloud set-ups, and anyone who needs engineering, floor plan or electrical diagrams. If you're mapping how work flows, my explainer on the key project management processes gives you a structure to draw, and these brainstorming session tips help you fill it.
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My advice on picking a diagram tool
Start with the diagrams you'll draw most. Simple flowcharts and org charts for a Microsoft 365 team point to the Visio you probably have already. Process maps you'll share with people outside Microsoft, or drop into Confluence, point to Lucidchart. Technical, engineering or floor plan work points to Visio Plan 2. And if you're switching, Lucidchart's Visio import means you don't have to redraw your old files.
Do you make diagramming or flowchart software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lucidchart free?
Yes. Lucidchart's Free plan needs no card and includes 3 editable documents, 75 shapes per document and 100 templates.
Is Visio free with Microsoft 365?
Microsoft says Visio in Microsoft 365 is included in its commercial plans, with viewing and basic editing and limited templates. Plan 1 and Plan 2 add more.
Can Lucidchart open Visio files?
Yes. Lucidchart lists Visio import and export from its Individual plan up.
Which Visio plan has the desktop app?
Visio Plan 2. Microsoft lists the desktop app with offline and local file support on Plan 2.
