Visual diagramming, flowcharts, and technical drawings.
Key Functions
| Function | Description | AI Opportunity |
|---|
| Shape Library | Pre-built shapes, icons, symbols | Auto-suggestion |
| Connectors | Lines, arrows, relationships | Auto-routing |
| Flowcharts | Process flows, decision trees | Auto-layout |
| Architecture | System diagrams, network maps | Generate from code |
| Wireframes | UI mockups, prototypes | AI generation |
| Collaboration | Real-time editing, comments | — |
| Templates | Pre-built diagram types | Smart templates |
| Export | PNG, SVG, PDF, embed | — |
| Version History | Track changes, restore | — |
| Integrations | Embed in docs, wikis | — |
Core Entities
| Entity | Fields | Volume | Sensitivity |
|---|
| Diagrams | canvas, elements, metadata | High | Low-Medium |
| Elements | type, position, style, connections | Very High | Low |
| Templates | structure, defaults | Low | Low |
| Libraries | custom shapes, stencils | Low | Low |
| Comments | content, position, author | Medium | Low |
| Versions | snapshots, timestamps | High | Low |
| Exports | generated files | Medium | Low |
Integration Points
| System | Data Flow | Direction |
|---|
| Confluence/Notion | Embed diagrams | Bi-directional |
| Google Docs | Embed, sync | Bi-directional |
| Git | Diagram as code | Bi-directional |
| Jira | Attach to issues | Outbound |
| Slack | Share, preview | Outbound |
| Figma | Design handoff | Bi-directional |
Data Retention
| Data Type | Typical Retention | Compliance Driver |
|---|
| Diagrams | Indefinite | Documentation value |
| Version history | 30 days - indefinite | Audit trail |
| Comments | Until resolved/deleted | Collaboration |
| Exports | Temporary | Delivery |
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Ease of use | High | Quick diagram creation |
| Shape library | High | Coverage of your needs |
| Collaboration | Medium | Real-time editing |
| Export quality | Medium | Resolution, formats |
| Integrations | Medium | Where diagrams live |
| Pricing | Medium | Free tiers vary |
| Offline access | Low | Work anywhere |
Market Leaders
| Product | Strength | Best For |
|---|
| Excalidraw | Sketch feel, open source | Quick diagrams |
| Miro | Whiteboarding, collaboration | Team workshops |
| Lucidchart | Professional, templates | Enterprise |
| draw.io | Free, comprehensive | Budget-conscious |
| Figma/FigJam | Design integration | Design teams |
| Mermaid | Diagram as code | Developers |
AI Disruption Potential
| Function | Current State | 2027 Projection |
|---|
| Diagram generation | Manual | Text-to-diagram |
| Auto-layout | Basic | Intelligent |
| Code-to-diagram | Limited tools | Comprehensive |
| Style suggestions | Templates | Context-aware |
| Documentation | Manual | Auto-generated |
Build vs Buy: Buy (or use free tools). Diagramming is commodity. Excalidraw and draw.io cover most needs. Pay for enterprise features only if needed.