Dia
Dia: A capable free choice for technical diagrams, with a desktop-first workflow and limited collaboration scope. Ranked #28 of 36 in Diagram Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free structured technical diagrams on desktop.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree structured technical diagrams on desktop
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Broad object sets for UML, networks, databases, circuits, and more
- Custom shapes plus vector and bitmap import and export
Where it doesn't
- Desktop application rather than a browser-based collaborative workspace
- No documented collaboration or version-history workflows
- Current maintenance and availability require cautious evaluation
Our verdict on Dia
Dia is a free, open-source desktop application for creating structured technical diagrams. It is intended for people who need flowcharts, UML, SADT, network diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, database diagrams, electrical circuits, GRAFCET, IDEF0, and related formats. Official installation packages are documented for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making Dia a practical fit for users who prefer local desktop software and do not need a subscription-based diagram service.
Its strongest area is breadth within technical diagramming. Dia includes specialized object sets, a custom shape module, and support for user-created shape sheets. The XML-based native .dia format provides a structured way to save diagrams, while import and export cover formats such as DXF, SVG, VDX, WPG, XFig, PDF, CGM, HPGL, WPG, and bitmap formats. Specialized UML source-code exporters and undo and redo support add useful depth for technical documentation and modeling workflows.
Dia is less suitable when diagramming needs to be shared, reviewed, or managed as a collaborative online workspace. Its documented scope is centered on a desktop application, without collaboration workflows or version history. The official installer site returned a 502 error when opened, and GNOME’s download page describes its content as old and identifies version 0.97.2 as the latest stable release. Users who value open-source desktop diagramming, custom technical notation, and broad file support should consider Dia; teams prioritizing current cloud collaboration, integrated review, or a more actively maintained platform should look elsewhere.
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Dia pricing
Dia fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Diagram types | Entity-relationship diagrams; UML diagrams; flowcharts; network diagrams |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Export formats | EPS; SVG; XFIG; WMF; PNG |
| Import formats | Dia XML (.dia); Visio XML (.vdx) |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Version history | Not verified |
| Maximum editors | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | dia-installer.de |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Dia
- draw.ioA broad, flexible diagramming editor for teams that want free cross-platform coverage.9.4
- Visual ParadigmA broad modeling suite with collaboration, engineering tools, and a free plan.9.2
- LucidchartA broad, collaborative diagramming workspace with a free tier and web-only access.9.0
Also Ranked In
Dia is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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