7 Best FREE Network Diagram Software (2023)
Lawrence Williams
Network Diagram Software tools define networks graphically. These detailed network diagrams help users illustrate the relationship between different network components, devices, and nodes. Using these software tools, users can document and design different networking patterns.
An unstable network diagramming software solution may not serve the purpose effectively. There can be limitations in functionality, incompatibility issues, customizations, and security concerns. Keep in mind these are not the only areas of concern. A bad tool may lack the presence of relevant technical support to address queries. Henceforth, it is important to install good Network Diagram Maker.
We have explored several of these software tools to understand their true potential. We scrutinized these software solutions and picked a select few. Go through our detailed Network Diagram tools review to understand their features, Pros and Cons, and pricing.
Best Network Diagram Software (Free & Open-source)
| Tool Name | Supported Platforms | Key Features | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Topology Mapper | Windows, macOS, and Linux |
• Alerts for specific events • Instant New Device Detection |
14 Days | Learn More |
| Miro | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
• Advanced facilitation tools • AI-generated Mindmaps |
Free Version available | Learn More |
| EdrawMax | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Floor plan design • Foundational system development |
15 Days | Learn More |
| Lucidchart | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Intelligent diagramming feature for better clarity • Real-time collaboration |
Free Version available | Learn More |
| Microsoft Visio | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Creating flowcharts • Easy to develop org charts |
30 Days | Learn More |
1) SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper
SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper is a network diagram tool. It is capable of designing accurate maps for different network devices.
The reporting features include graphic visualization to address different network infrastructure issues. You can generate network maps automatically using the Automated Network Diagram feature.
Features:
- Everything Automated: Enjoy fast and easy LAN topology mapping using the automated process.
- Auto-discovery: The auto-discovery feature uncovers all the devices present in your network. If any device is added, the tool detects automatically and alerts.
- Customize maps: You may customize maps for better visual appeal and productivity.
- Multiple maps from a single scan: You can now create multiple LAN topology maps from a single scan. You need not have to go for network discovery rescanning to create several maps. Thus, you will save a lot on your effort, time, and bandwidth.
- Report Generation: You can use NTM to generate reports on VLANs, network switch diagrams, device Inventory, and Subnets.
Pros
Cons
14-Days Free Trial
2) Miro
Miro is a free network diagram software solution. It provides a digital canvas so teams can brainstorm, plan, and collaborate while managing projects.
Miro is an ideal choice for a team working in a distributed or remote environment. Teams of any size can use Miro’s visually interactive workspace to better streamline the workflow process.
Features:
- Workflow Automation: Miro AI lets you auto-generate ERD and UML diagrams within seconds.
- Create diagrams from codes: The inclusion of Plant UML and Mermaid apps allows you to transform codes into diagrams quickly.
- Automated Diagramming: This feature creates AI-based diagrams with a few clicks.
- Interactive Video Collaboration: Communicate with your team members through video for better decision-making.
- Central Workspace: One workspace is what Miro uses to accumulate data and content for teams. This approach makes it easy for teams to make better decisions.
Pros
Cons
Free Version Available
3) EdrawMax
EdrawMax is a network planning software solution. This tool makes it the least time-consuming for users to design high-quality visual content and network diagrams.
The network diagrams software is a flagship product and versatile in features and individual preferences. Through this platform, organizations can visually represent concepts, processes, and information.
Features:
- Built-in Symbol Libraries: Follows the latest industry standards when including signs and symbols.
- Easy sharing option: Supports different file formats like PDF, JPG, SVG, PNG, Excel, Visio, and Word to export your files.
- Import Visio Files: You can easily import your Visio files using the “Import” feature.
- Create Slideshows: EdrawMax has a built-in Slideshow Maker to create professional-level presentations.
- Annotate icons: Users can annotate the icons using the premade symbols and shapes for easy and fast diagramming.
Pros
Cons
15-Days Free Trial
4) Lucidchart
LucidChart is a network design software tool for designing and developing network diagrams. This tool makes it super easy to develop and share these diagrams.
This open source networking diagram software tool creates mind maps, flowcharts, and organizational charts. These charts identify different areas within the industrial processes, concepts, and systems. Using these charts, you can envision better ideas to implement in the processes.
Features:
- Import from Visio: You can import all the Visio extension files .VSDX, .VSD, and . VDX and work on those projects.
- Layered Diagram creation: This network diagram generator creates layers within diagrams. It helps in highlighting action buttons, process phases, external links, etc.
- Better collaboration: Use the @mention comments and in-chat editor to share feedback. You also customize permissions for shared content.
- Better clarity: The Intelligent Diagramming feature creates a clear outlook for complex processes and projects.
- Real-time collaboration: LucidChart makes it easy for team members to collaborate from anywhere for better productivity.
Pros
Cons
Free Version Available
5) Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is one of the best software for network diagrams. Visio is part of the Microsoft Office 3645 Suite.
This tool creates network mapping structures. It also creates other visual content to represent systems, concepts, information, and processes.
Features:
- Real-time collaborations: Using Visio, you can give a professional touch to network maps. It helps in better process execution and data visualization.
- Accurate Scalable Templates: The templates available with Visio help visualize the flow and functionality of the diagrams with accuracy.
- Enhanced accessibility: High-contrast support, accessibility checker, and narrator make the Visio diagrams easily accessible.
- High-end security: Visio comes with enterprise-level security features and encryption for securing network diagrams.
- Data Connectivity: Users can easily connect the network diagrams to different data sources like SQL Server, SharePoint, and MS Excel.
Pros
Cons
30-Days Free Trial
6) Visme
Visme is a visual content development tool. Use this tool to create social media graphics, flowcharts, infographics, network maps, etc.
Visme is perfect for designing, sharing, or storing aesthetically appealing content.
Features:
- Network Diagram Templates: The best way to design a network diagram in Visme is by using the templates available.
- Premade Diagram blocks: Visme offers the easiest way to create visual content using readymade diagram connectors and blocks.
- Easy customization: Every diagram you create through Visme can be customized in numerous ways for better network management.
- Drag-n-Drop Functionality: Any diagram in Visme comes with an easy drag-n-drop facility.
- Numerous sharing options: Share your network diagram as an offline web page, embed it within the website, or in PDF or image file format.
Pros
Cons
Free Version Available
7) Creately
Use Creately to design charts, flowcharts, mind maps, and other visual diagrams. The intuitive user interface allows you to collaborate on different visual projects with teams.
Creately lets you assign roles to different team members while gathering the necessary information for better work productivity.
Features:
- Advanced diagramming: Creately features 8000+ professional templates. Additionally, there are hand drawing options and mark-up support for developing diagrams.
- Easy workflow management: Manage your workflow with the help of Kanban Boards. You may also use multiple boards for advanced-level workflow management.
- Best-level collaboration: With advanced sharing options like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, you can collaborate.
- Real-time collaboration: Bring together all the participants and collaborate in real-time while working on one project.
- Visual Note-taking: The presence of On-Canvas-rich text makes it easy to take visual notes.
Pros
Cons
Free Version Available
What is a Network Diagram?
A network diagram demonstrates an organization through the visual medium. It also reflects on the organization’s interactions with the team members. Such diagrams help in improving business productivity.
A physical network diagram focuses on the essential physical aspects within the network topology like racks, cables, ports, etc.
A logical network diagram focuses on the connections and other elements that remain invisible but are associated with the physical objects in the network.
Network diagrams focus on planning, implementing, and troubleshooting different network issues.
The three most common types of network diagrams are:
- Computer Network
- Network Security
- Switch Diagrams
Whether it is physical or logical network diagrams, they focus on either a singular component or multiple aspects within a network.
Why are Network Diagrams Useful?
Network diagrams can be useful for different purposes. Review these diagrams to have a better understanding of their network components, their interaction procedures, and connectivity status.
Here are some of the other advantages of using network diagrams.
- You can troubleshoot any network problems and create reports.
- These diagrams can be beneficial in designing a professional network or updating an existing network.
- Users can send relevant info or keep track of some components using these diagrams.
FAQs
Verdict
We always aim to review the best tools. When selecting a network diagram tool, you only need clarity, ease of operation, sharing options, and customization. Accordingly, we have our 3 top picks:
- SolarWinds NTM: The Network Topology software is an excellent tool for creating network maps and flowcharts without effort. Additionally, this tool also comes with live updates.
- Miro: Creating visual representations of your network becomes faster and easier with Miro. Use the Comment Feature to receive feedback instantly from other members.
- EdrawMax: One of the best network mapping software tools for creating network diagrams. EdrawMax features professional-level templates and icons, making it super easy and fast.
Best Network Diagram Software (Free & Open-source)
| Tool Name | Supported Platforms | Key Features | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Topology Mapper | Windows, macOS, and Linux |
• Alerts for specific events • Instant New Device Detection |
14 Days | Learn More |
| Miro | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
• Advanced facilitation tools • AI-generated Mindmaps |
Free Version available | Learn More |
| EdrawMax | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Floor plan design • Foundational system development |
15 Days | Learn More |
| Lucidchart | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Intelligent diagramming feature for better clarity • Real-time collaboration |
Free Version available | Learn More |
| Microsoft Visio | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
• Creating flowcharts • Easy to develop org charts |
30 Days | Learn More |