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Member #46692

Just found a really cool, free flowchart drawing software.

Basically, I was searching the net for something similar to visio and smartdraw and came across yED. ( stuff in word and open office just doesn't cut it for me)

http://www.yworks.com/en/products_yed_about.html

Edited by Member #46692 because: n/a
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Dani AI

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Nice find . For readers who land here years later looking for a lightweight Visio/SmartDraw alternative, a few practical notes and tips make the tool far more useful than just "draw and export."

Key strengths: it is a cross-platform desktop app, uses GraphML as an editable native format, and can export to scalable vector formats (SVG, PDF) and common raster formats (PNG, JPG). It includes multiple built-in shape libraries (flowchart, UML, basic BPMN), grouping and labeling tools, and several automatic layout algorithms (hierarchical, orthogonal, organic) that quickly tidy up complex diagrams. It also handles reasonably large graphs faster than simple office drawing tools.

Simple workflow to get tidy results fast: create nodes and connect them, then run Automatic Layout rather than nudging every node by hand. For process flows choose a hierarchical layout; for network-type graphs try organic (force-directed). If consistent shape sizes are important, set or lock node sizes before layout. Group related nodes to create swimlanes or modules. Save your working file as GraphML so you can reopen and edit later; export to SVG or PDF when you need crisp, printable output.

Troubleshooting and alternatives: if the app does not start, check that the required Java runtime is present or use the platform-specific installer; on macOS allow the app in Security preferences if blocked. If auto-layout gives crossings or odd spacing, try a different algorithm or adjust spacing parameters and node sizes first. For cloud-based collaboration try diagrams.net (draw.io) or commercial services; for vector touch-ups after export use Inkscape. These tips should help produce clean, reusable flowcharts without the manual drudge.

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