Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Lucidchart · 📐 diagrams
Lucidchart vs diagrams.net
The obvious answer because it is the right one: broad diagramming, local ownership, imports, templates, and real-time collaboration through Google Drive or OneDrive. Here is how diagrams.net ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Lucidchart ($9/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
diagrams.net
$0.00/mo · Apache-2.0
Lucidchart vs diagrams.net Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Lucidchart (Paid) | diagrams.net (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $9 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $108 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $108) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $540 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $540) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,080 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,080) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Apache-2.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopwebself-hostedthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 62k (active jul 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Lucidchart to diagrams.net
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It matches the drawing depth but has a weaker integrated team workspace for comments, review, versioning, administration, and cross-document organization than Lucidchart.
How to deploy diagrams.net
Open the web app, or install the native desktop package
Where your data lives
Diagrams are local .drawio XML files or files saved to a user-selected provider such as Google Drive or OneDrive; the desktop app keeps diagram content on the machine and can export common image/document formats
Why fork diagrams.net instead of vibe-coding a Lucidchart clone?
The visible diagramming loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Lucidchart earns its keep through interaction polish, collaboration, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.
Lucidchart vs diagrams.net FAQ
Is diagrams.net a good free alternative to Lucidchart?+
Yes. diagrams.net is a verified open-source (Apache-2.0) replacement for Lucidchart. The obvious answer because it is the right one: broad diagramming, local ownership, imports, templates, and real-time collaboration through Google Drive or OneDrive.
What is the catch when switching from Lucidchart to diagrams.net?+
It matches the drawing depth but has a weaker integrated team workspace for comments, review, versioning, administration, and cross-document organization than Lucidchart.
How much do you save switching from Lucidchart to diagrams.net?+
Lucidchart costs $9/mo ($108/yr) per seat, whereas diagrams.net is $0/mo. Switching saves $108/yr for a solo user, $540/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,080/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host diagrams.net instead of Lucidchart?+
Install: Open the web app, or install the native desktop package.
