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In draw.io (also called diagrams.net), open File > Export As and select PDF, SVG, PNG, JPEG, or another listed image format. Save the editable .drawio or XML file separately before exporting, especially if someone may need to edit the complete diagram later.
Before exporting: save the editable diagram
Save the original diagram as a .drawio file or XML. That is the best handoff when the recipient needs the full diagram in editable form. Some export formats can also include diagram data, but an exported copy should not replace the native source.
Export a diagram to PDF
- In the draw.io editor, choose File > Export As > PDF. Menu wording can vary with the editor theme.
- Choose whether to export all pages, the current page, or a selection.
- Set the layout: crop to the selected diagram or fit the content to sheets. Adjust the border width and zoom to suit the intended document or printout.
- Enable the option to include diagram data if the PDF should be reopenable in draw.io, then export.
For a multipage diagram, check the page range and sheet layout before exporting so the PDF contains the intended pages and fits the desired print format. If PDF export reports an error, draw.io recommends File > Print, then choosing the device’s “Print to PDF” or “Save as PDF” option. See the draw.io PDF export guide.
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Export a diagram to SVG
- Choose File > Export As > SVG.
- Review the export options and save the SVG.
- Open the exported file in the destination application and check text and layout.
SVG is vector output, so it can be resized without the pixelation associated with raster images. However, destination applications do not all support the same SVG features. draw.io warns that SVG foreign objects can cause compatibility problems; for platforms that do not support them, disable text formatting and word wrap on text elements before export. The SVG export guide says the online editor exports SVG 1.1 by default.
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Export a diagram as a raster image
Choose File > Export As, then select the image format your destination accepts. draw.io’s documented formats include PNG, JPEG, WebP, and animated GIF.
- PNG: Useful for slides and documents. It can use transparency and can include editable diagram data, depending on the export settings.
- JPEG: A flattened image option; it does not carry the diagram data.
- WebP or animated GIF: Available among draw.io’s image export options; choose them when the destination supports the format and it suits the content.
For a conventional image handoff, raster formats are often broadly convenient, but they do not scale as cleanly as vector SVG. Check the export settings if retaining diagram data matters. The supported export formats and export overview describe available formats and options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the right format for the handoff
| Format | Best fit | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Documents and print handoffs | Set page range and crop or fit layout; diagram data can be included. | |
| SVG | Graphics that need to remain crisp when resized | Check compatibility and text rendering in the receiving application. |
| PNG | Raster graphics for slides and documents | Supports transparency and may include diagram data. |
| JPEG | Flattened raster-image handoffs | Does not include diagram data. |
| HTML or an embedded/published view | Interactive diagrams, hyperlinks, or richer navigation | HTML requires JavaScript; SVG and images do not. |
If the recipient needs to reopen and change the complete diagram, send the native .drawio or XML source as well as any PDF or image. For background on the available handoff options, see draw.io’s export, embed, publish, and print overview.
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