Yesterday I needed to create a data flow diagram for one of our technology partners at work. They are presenting to the FAA and need to explain how we (Flight Data Services) can replay the data from tens of thousands of flights in extremely short order.

Anyway, I went looking for a good tool to draw the diagram. I’ve tried several in the past and never really been satisfied. I found draw.io and it is really good. This is how they describe it.

draw.io is an online diagramming application and github project. It features the full range of visual configuration you expect, as well as web application features such as a full range of export options, a large collection of icons, real-time collaboration and embedded widget sharing.

The shape library is extensive and pretty consistent. I was able to export the diagram in the formats I wanted. Overall, it’s not half bad and completely free.