yEd Graph Editor vs EdrawMax

yEd Graph Editor8.8Visit EdrawMax8.5Visit

Higher score yEd Graph Editor #5 in Flowchart Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit yEd

vs

EdrawMax #8 in Flowchart Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit EdrawMax

• yEd Graph Editor fits best

  Free desktop flowcharts with automatic layouts

• EdrawMax fits best

  Cross-platform users wanting broad diagram tools

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Side by side

Feature	yEd Graph Editor 8.8/10 Visit ↗	EdrawMax 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.5
Ranking	#5 in Flowchart Software	#8 in Flowchart Software
Best for	Free desktop flowcharts with automatic layouts	Cross-platform users wanting broad diagram tools
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$5.90/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Features yEd Graph Editor 0/3 · EdrawMax 0/3
Flowchart templates	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Real-time collaboration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Offline access	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Import/export formats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Diagrams on free plan	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Automatic layout algorithms speed diagram arrangement Flowchart, BPMN, UML, ER, network and swimlane palettes Broad GraphML, spreadsheet, image and document import/export	Works across web, desktop, Linux, iOS, and Android Imports CSV, Visio, SVG, and CAD files Exports to Office, PDF, SVG, HTML, and Visio
Cons	Desktop-only deployment limits browser-based teamwork No real-time collaboration for shared editing No listed integrations with external workplace tools	Flowchart-specific depth is less emphasized than broad diagramming Free plan limits Visio, SVG, and CAD imports Premium cross-platform access may require contacting EdrawMax
Our verdict	yEd Graph Editor is a free desktop application from yWorks GmbH for creating, arranging, analyzing and exporting diagrams. It suits solo users and teams that need flowcharts, BPMN diagrams, UML class diagrams, entity relationship diagrams,… Read the review →	EdrawMax is a diagramming and infographic platform for individuals, educators, marketers, engineers, and teams. Its drag-and-drop editor combines templates, symbol libraries, data visualization, chart creation, and AI-assisted infographic… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• yEd Graph Editor — where it wins

  • Automatic layout algorithms speed diagram arrangement
  • Flowchart, BPMN, UML, ER, network and swimlane palettes
  • Broad GraphML, spreadsheet, image and document import/export

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-only deployment limits browser-based teamwork
  • No real-time collaboration for shared editing
  • No listed integrations with external workplace tools

• EdrawMax — where it wins

  • Works across web, desktop, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Imports CSV, Visio, SVG, and CAD files
  • Exports to Office, PDF, SVG, HTML, and Visio

  Where it doesn't

  • Flowchart-specific depth is less emphasized than broad diagramming
  • Free plan limits Visio, SVG, and CAD imports
  • Premium cross-platform access may require contacting EdrawMax

• yEd Graph Editor8.8/10 · Free plan

  A capable free desktop flowchart tool with automatic layouts and broad format support.

  Visit yEdFull verdict →
• EdrawMax8.5/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A cross-platform diagram suite with generous imports, exports, templates, and collaboration.

  Visit EdrawMaxFull verdict →