Any data, be it monthly household planning, technical instructions or a project work plan, must be understandable and systematized. Not everything can be presented in the form of a simple text description, list or picture. A flowchart, also called a flowchart, will help with visualization.
Simple text and graphic editors will also help you create flowcharts, flowcharts and mindmaps. But in some cases it is much more convenient to use online services. Firstly, there is no need to clog up the device’s memory, and secondly, online applications allow you to work not alone, but as a team.
We have collected 15 online services for creating and editing flowcharts.
Draw.io
The most popular online service for creating flowcharts. It is free and has a good set of tools and functions that allow you to create organizational charts, flowcharts, network diagrams, UML, circuit diagrams. The service has 5 ready-made flowchart templates. A clear interface supports virtual storage - Google Drive, OneDrive and DropBox, which allows several users to work together on a project. You can save the project in JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, HTML, XML formats, you can import files into VSDX, and save them into the proprietary formats of other services - Lucidchart and Gliffy.
For most users, its set of options is sufficient. Those who need more options should consider other options.
Features of online programs
Almost all companies provide the opportunity to use their drawing program free of charge for a limited amount of time. Therefore, sometimes it is advisable to use online drawing services. List of online services:
- knin.com.ua;
- draw.io;
- sketch.io;
- CAD.Model-R-Group.ru;
- GLIFFY editor;
- drawisland.com.
As a rule, online drawing programs are designed for beginners, so understanding their settings is simple and intuitive. Registration on such resources is available via email or social networks. Among the positive aspects: free access and the ability to use without filling your personal PC with unnecessary software. Interestingly, in addition to these web services, companies that sell software, for example online AutoCAD, also have packages for online drawing. But, of course, the capabilities of such versions are greatly reduced.
Wireflow
This service is aimed primarily at web developers and designers; it allows you to design website frameworks and user flows. Wireflow is easy to manage, has an extensive library of elements, and several options for flowchart templates. Unfortunately, you can only save the finished result in JPG, which causes some inconvenience. But this application is free, and it gets the job done.
Dia
In second place in this list, quite rightly, is Dia, which contains all the functions necessary for a modern user for constructing circuits. In addition, the editor is distributed free of charge, which simplifies its use for educational purposes.
A huge standard library of forms and connections, as well as unique capabilities not offered by modern analogues - this awaits the user when accessing Dia.
Microsoft Visio
Speaking of flowcharts, one cannot help but remember Visio. This Microsoft product was created specifically for developing flowcharts, organizational charts, and process maps. In addition, it can be used to create plans of buildings and premises, diagrams and engineering projects. You may be wondering what it has to do with online services. Visio itself is a PC program, but it allows for simultaneous online collaboration in Office 365. The flowcharts in this system are linked to the underlying source data in such a way that they are updated when this same data changes.
Create your patterns online
There are both free and paid web and mobile apps, but we are going to highlight two: one for ease of use and the other for its multi-platform mobile support.
EasyEDA
EasyEDA has as its main functions diagram design with an integrated library, circuit modeling and printed circuit design.
It has a software download version compatible with Windows 7 or higher, 32 and 64 bit for Linux 64 bit and for MacOS 64 bit. It also has an online version.
Lucidchart
For those who for some reason are not satisfied with Visio, there is an option that is a full-fledged replacement for creating diagrams and flowcharts. The application has many elements, templates for creating flowcharts and diagrams (however, you can do without them and create a diagram from scratch), there are even more of them in the paid version. The application interface is intuitive and simple, even a novice user can understand it. To work, you only need an Internet connection; there is the possibility of team work (albeit with restrictions for free accounts). The service supports importing Visio (VSDX), Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Omnigraffle files, and saves the results in JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF and Visio. In addition, there is a nice opportunity to save intermediate versions on a cloud server.
The free version of Lucidchart is functional, but if you don't have enough extensions, you can pay for a subscription. These include: a larger volume of virtual storage, the ability to create an unlimited number of projects, and add links to data. The paid version costs from $5.95 to $20 per month.
Free
Before moving on to the description of the programs, we will briefly talk about free licenses, the most common of which are the following:
- Freeware – the application is not limited in functionality and can be used for personal purposes without a commercial component.
- Open Source is an “open source” product into which you can make changes by adapting the software to your own tasks. There may be restrictions on commercial use and paid distribution of modifications made.
- GNU GPL is a license that practically does not impose any restrictions on the user.
- Public domain - almost identical to the previous version; copyright protection laws do not apply to this type of license.
- Ad-supported – the application is fully functional and contains advertising for other products of the developer or other companies.
- Donationware - the product is distributed free of charge, but the developer offers to make donations on a voluntary basis for the further development of the project.
Having gained an understanding of free licenses, you can move on to software distributed under such conditions.
Microsoft Visio
This is an easy-to-use, but at the same time very convenient vector graphics editor with a rich functionality. Despite the fact that the main socialization of the program is the visualization of information from MS Office applications, it can be used to view and print radio circuits.
The interface of Microsoft Visio is almost the same as in MS Office
MS releases three paid versions that differ in functionality and a free version (Viewer), which is integrated into the IE browser and allows you to view files created in the editor. Unfortunately, to edit and create new diagrams you will need to purchase a full-featured product. Note that even in the paid versions, among the basic templates there is no set for fully creating radio circuits, but it is not difficult to find and install.
Disadvantages of the free version:
- The functions of editing and creating diagrams are not available, which significantly reduces interest in this product.
- The program only works with the IE browser, which also creates a lot of inconvenience.
Official page: https://products.office.com/ru-ru/visio
Compass-Electric
This software is an application to the CAD system of the Russian developer ASCON. For its operation, the installation of the KOMPAS-3D environment is required. Since this is a domestic product, it fully supports the GOST standards adopted by Russia, and, accordingly, there are no problems with localization.
Compass-Electric is a completely Russian development
The application is intended for designing any types of electrical equipment and creating sets of design documentation for them.
This is paid software, but the developer gives you 60 days to familiarize yourself with the system, during which time there are no restrictions on functionality. On the official website and on the Internet you can find a lot of video materials that allow you to familiarize yourself with the software product in detail.
In the reviews, many users note that the system has a lot of shortcomings that the developer is in no hurry to fix.
Official website: https://kompas.ru/kompas-3d/application/instrumentation/electric/
Eagle
This software is a comprehensive environment in which you can create both a schematic diagram and a printed circuit board layout for it. That is, place all the necessary elements on the board and perform tracing. Moreover, it can be performed either automatically or manually or by a combination of these two methods.
Cadsoft Eagle is a good example of a comprehensive solution
The basic set of elements does not contain models of domestic radio components, but their templates can be downloaded on the Internet. The application language is English, but localizers allow you to set the Russian language.
The application is paid, but it is free to use with the following functional limitations:
- The size of the mounting plate cannot exceed 10.0 x 8.0 cm.
- When routing, only two layers can be manipulated.
- The editor allows you to work with only one sheet.
Program website: https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/free-download
Dip Trace
This is not a separate application, but a whole software package that includes:
- Multifunctional editor for developing circuit diagrams.
- Application for creating circuit boards.
- A 3D module that allows you to design housings for devices created in the system.
- A program for creating and editing components.
DipTrace is an end-to-end design system.
The free version of the software package, for non-commercial use, has minor restrictions:
- Circuit board no more than 4 layers.
- No more than one thousand pins from components.
The program does not provide Russian localization, but it, as well as a description of all functions of the software product, can be found on the Internet. There are also no problems with the component database; initially there are about 100 thousand of them. On thematic forums you can find component databases created by users, including those for Russian GOSTs.
Program page: https://diptrace.com/rus/
1-2-3 scheme
This is a completely free application that allows you to equip Hager electrical panels with the equipment of the same name.
Software “1-2-3 scheme” developed by Hager to complete its electrical panels
Program functionality:
- Selecting a housing for an electrical panel that meets the standards for the degree of protection. The selection is made from the Hager model range.
- Complete with protective and switching modular equipment from the same manufacturer. Please note that the element base contains only models certified in Russia.
- Formation of design documentation (single-line diagram, specification that meets ESKD standards, drawing of appearance).
- Creating markers for electrical switchboard switching devices.
The program is completely localized for the Russian language, its only drawback is that the element base contains only the electrical equipment of the developer company.
Autocad Electrical
An application based on the well-known CAD system Autocad, created for designing electrical circuits and creating technical documentation for them in accordance with ESKD standards.
Autocad Electrical has a wide selection of electrical components
Initially, the database includes over two thousand components, while their conventional graphic symbols meet current Russian and European standards.
This application is paid, but you have the opportunity to get acquainted with the full functionality of the basic working version within 30 days.
https://www.autodesk.ru/products/autocad-electrical/overview
Elf
This software is positioned as an automated workstation (AWS) for electrical designers. The application allows you to quickly and correctly develop almost any drawing for electrical projects linked to the floor plan.
The functionality of the application includes:
- Arrangement of UGO when designing electrical networks laid openly, in pipes or special structures.
- Automatic (from the plan) or rune calculation of the power circuit.
- Drawing up specifications in accordance with current standards.
- Possibility of expanding the element base (UGO).
An example of a diagram created in the Elf editor.
The free demo version does not have the ability to create and edit projects; they can only be viewed or printed.
Kicad
This is a completely free open source software package. This software is positioned as an end-to-end design system. That is, you can develop a circuit diagram, use it to create a circuit board and prepare the documentation necessary for production.
KiCad is one of the few free end-to-end design systems
Characteristic features of the system:
- The use of external tracers is allowed for board layout.
- The program has a built-in printed circuit board calculator; elements can be placed on it automatically or manually.
- Upon completion of the tracing, the system generates several technology files (for example, for a photoplotter, drilling machine, etc.). If desired, you can add a company logo to the PCB.
- The system can create layer-by-layer printouts in several popular formats, as well as generate a list of components used in development for order generation.
- It is possible to export drawings and other documents to pdf and dxf formats.
Note that many users note that the system interface is poorly thought out, as well as the fact that in order to master the software, you need to thoroughly study the documentation for the program.
Program page: https://kicad-pcb.org/
TinyCAD
Another free and open source application that allows you to create circuit diagram drawings and has the functions of a simple vector graphics editor. The basic set contains forty different component libraries.
TinyCAD - a simple editor for circuit diagrams
The program does not provide PCB tracing, but it does have the ability to export the netlist to a third-party application. Export is carried out with support for common extensions.
The application only supports English, but thanks to the intuitive menu there will be no problems with mastering it.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/tinycad/files/
Fritzing
Free project development environment based on Arduino. It is possible to create printed circuit boards (the layout must be done manually, since the auto-routing function is frankly weak).
The Fritzing app will allow you to quickly design any Arduino-based device
It should be noted that the application is “sharpened” for quickly creating sketches that make it possible to explain the principle of operation of the designed device. For serious work, the application has a too small base of elements and a very simplified diagram.
https://fritzing.org/home/
123D Circuits
This is a web application for developing Arduino projects, with the ability to program the device, simulate and analyze its operation. A typical set of elements contains only basic radio components and Arduino modules. If necessary, the user can create new components and add them to the database. It is noteworthy that the developed printed circuit board can be ordered directly from the online service.
123D Circuits Virtual Development Environment
In the free version of the service, you cannot create your own projects, but you can view other people’s developments that are in the public domain. For full access to all features, you must subscribe ($12 or $24 per month).
Note that due to its poor functionality, the virtual development environment is of interest only to beginners. Many of those who used the service drew attention to the fact that the simulation results differed from real indicators.
https://circuits.io/
XCircuit
Free multi-platform application (GNU GPL license) for quickly creating circuit diagrams. The functional set is minimal.
XCircuit is a simple editor with a minimum of features
The application language is English, the program does not accept Russian characters. You should also pay attention to the atypical menu, which you need to get used to. In addition, contextual hints are displayed on the status bar. The basic set of elements includes UGO of only the main radio components (the user can create his own elements and add them).
https://opencircuitdesign.com/xcircuit/
CADSTAR Express
This is a demo version of the CAD software of the same name. Functional limitations affected only the number of elements used in the development circuit (up to 50 pieces) and the number of contacts (no more than 300), which is quite sufficient for small amateur radio projects.
Fragment of the working window of the GADSTAR Express application
The program consists of a central module, which includes several applications that allow you to develop a circuit, create a board for it and prepare a package of technical documentation.
The basic set includes more than 20 thousand components; additional libraries can be downloaded from the developer’s website.
A significant drawback of the system is the lack of support for the Russian language; accordingly, all technical documentation is also presented online in English.
https://www.zuken.com/en/products/pcb-design/cadstar/resources
QElectroTech
A simple, convenient and free (FreeWare) application for developing electrical and electronic circuit drawings. The program is a regular editor; no special functions are implemented in it.
QElectroTech – a program for creating, viewing and printing electrical circuits
The application language is English, but there is a Russian localization for it.
https://qelectrotech.org/download.html
Cacoo
Cacoo is a service similar to Lucidchart, but more specialized for flowcharts. There is nothing superfluous here, but there are many templates, shapes and arrows for every taste. The application is easy to use, it has very well implemented opportunities for teamwork - after all, this is exactly what it was intended for. You can work on a project in real time and see who is currently working. There is a chat for discussion.
The service is paid. The cost of a month of work, depending on the tariff, varies from $4.95 to $18. The first 14 days can be used for free.
Google Docs
When it comes to Google Docs, it would probably be more appropriate to ask what this service cannot do. Flowcharts are no exception either - they can be created in Google Docs using the Google Drawings function. The set of functions here is standard, the controls are simple, and it’s easy to understand. Since Google services are connected to Google Drive, the possibility of team work is implied by itself. Simply create a project and send a link to it to other participants, allowing editing access. You can save the result as a picture or SVG file, and also publish it online.
The service is free, but there are limitations - only 15 GB of Disk space will be available to you.
Gliffy
Need something simpler? Then Gliffy is for you. The application does not boast a huge range of functions, but it has many templates, it is simple and fast. Works offline. Teamwork is supported, you can share your work with colleagues.
The single-user version costs $7.99, and the team version costs $4.99 per user.
A program for creating three-dimensional room designs
Are you planning to renovate your apartment yourself or are you working for a construction company? In the Interior Design 3D program you can quickly create drawings of residential premises. Realistic three-dimensional visualization will allow you to evaluate the result directly in real time. Also, using this program, you can create an estimate to calculate the budget that will be required to bring your idea to life.
Interior Design 3D
Use the app to create highly accurate drawings, track and adjust the dimensions and other parameters of each object. The project under development can be seen from any angle. Try it now:
Works great on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP
Textographo
An unusual and unique service where flowcharts are created using text. You don't have to drag blocks and arrows, just type the text using special syntax - keywords, hashtags, tagging. And the program itself will build a graphical diagram - flowchart, diagram, marking map. Teamwork is supported, all data is saved in the cloud.
The service is paid. The Essentials version costs $8, and the Premium version starts at $14 per month.
OmniGraffle
This tool is designed specifically for MacOS and iOS. Its capabilities are not limited to simply creating and editing flowcharts; the service can also work with vector graphics (for example, convert lines to Bezier curves). It is possible to enter commands and edit data from the keyboard. Advanced users can automate the service using JavaScript.
The service's tariffs are affordable - from $50 to $250. The first 14 days are free.
Paid programs for drawing electrical circuits
They are distinguished by the presence of great functionality and technical assistance from developers. They allow you not only to quickly view the resulting diagram, but also to supplement it with various elements.
Paid service functions
Micro-Cap
An application aimed at modeling digital, analog and mixed electrical circuits. All you need to do to make a drawing is to enter the parameters into the appropriate table and get the result.
Micro-Cap
OrCAD
A software package with which you can automatically develop and print board diagrams and electronic drawings.
OrCAD
TINA-TI
A special simulator with a simple graphical interface. Designed to design, test, and troubleshoot electrical circuits with complex architectures.
TINA-TI
Altera
A large suite of automated one-line electrical diagramming and diagramming programs, like sPlan, that can help you solve complex electrical wiring problems. Aimed at converting the simplest subblocks and printing tools.
Altera
Altium Designer
A commercial application whose functionality allows you to create various electronic devices. Designed for professional electricians and radio amateurs.
Altium Designer
Proteus Design Suite
A program for drawing circuits that has the necessary tools aimed at building, designing, editing and making changes to electrical and programmable integrated single-line drawings and radio circuits. Allows you to work with projects of any block size and complexity.
Proteus Design Suite
The programs listed above were created for efficient and quick design of the project. They help to draw up a project for future electrical wiring in a short time, determine the location of its elements and perform a number of other actions.
SmartDraw
An analogue of Visio, suitable for both online use and installation on a computer running Windows and MacOS. As in the Microsoft product, here you can create simple flowcharts, diagrams, and complex floor plans of buildings. As in all programs of this type, there are templates, and there are quite a few of them here - several dozen. The service has powerful functionality and is easy to manage.
The cost of using the service is $15 per month.
1.1. Electrical circuit diagram.
In accordance with GOST 2. Connection diagrams are used in the development of other design documents, as well as for connecting products and during their operation.
The supply of voltage to the power circuits and control circuits must be done through an input package switch or circuit breaker. The diagram is assembled on the worksheet using the mouse and keyboard. The selected format should ensure a compact execution of the diagram without compromising its clarity and ease of use.
All elements of the same device, machine, apparatus, etc.
Creating a schematic electrical diagram in the graphical circuit editor p-cad Schematic To present information about an electronic device, various descriptions are used in the form of diagrams: electrical structural diagram, electrical functional diagram, connection diagram, etc. Recommended line thickness is from 0.3 to 0.4 mm .
Read more: Wiring under the lining
Paid applications
The distance between adjacent parallel communication lines must be at least 3.0 mm. Signal lamps are usually switched on at reduced voltage: 6, 12, 24 or 48 V.
I think the standard font and paragraph formatting panel won’t create any questions, so I won’t touch on it. Within the diagram, all communication lines must be depicted with the same thickness. Because the document contains the main thing - information. Having received the INT signal, the microprocessor, through the system controller with a PPR interrupt confirmation signal, removes the output of this register from the high-resistance state. The code contained in it enters the microprocessor via the data highway and the command is executed. If necessary, non-standard graphic symbols are used.
How to draw a single line electrical diagram
It is recommended to record the characteristics of the input and output circuits of the product, as well as the addresses of their external connections, in tables placed instead of conventional graphic symbols of input and output elements - connectors, boards, etc. Contacts related to a specific type of relay are designated in accordance with GOST 2. You should also pay attention to attention to the atypical menu, which you need to get used to. The schematic diagram serves as the basis for the development of other design documents - connection and arrangement diagrams, product design drawings - and is the most complete document for studying the principle of operation of the product.
Now such circuits are practically not supplied with electronic devices, because the seller hopes that it will be easier for the user to throw away the device than to repair it. This prepares the address for fetching the next byte in two- or three-byte instructions, or the byte of the next instruction. This technique greatly simplifies the diagram graphics. Structural diagrams are developed when designing installation products prior to the development of other types of circuits, and they are used for general familiarization with the product installation. According to GOST 2. We draw diagrams in the KOMPAS-3D program
Creately
A very flexible service with hundreds of templates and thousands of examples from the users themselves. Diagrams, graphs, flowcharts - there are examples for everything here. Among other things, many elements are “smart” and themselves adapt to the overall style of the flowchart or diagram, even to the color scheme. You can work on a project as a team in real time, it is possible to comment and view the history of changes. Integration with Chrome and GSuite is also a definite plus.
You can work with Creately not only through a browser; there are applications on your PC and smartphone. The license cost is $5 per month or $75 perpetually per user. But it's worth it.
Mindomo
And this service was created specifically for educational programs in order, firstly, to present information visually, and secondly, to teach students how to structure it into flowcharts (mind map). Templates and samples will help in creating diagrams. In addition, you can search the web for images and insert them into your project in just a couple of clicks. It is possible to work as a team and view the history of changes, add short videos and record voice messages.
The service is integrated with GSuite, Google Drive, Office 365, as well as with learning management systems - Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, Moodle.
BlockShem
The BlockShem program, unfortunately, provides much fewer functions and conveniences for users. There is no automation of the process in any form. In Flowchart, the user must manually draw the shapes and then combine them. This editor is more of a graphical editor than an object editor intended for creating diagrams.
Unfortunately, the library of figures in this program is extremely poor.
As you can see, there is a large selection of software designed for creating flowcharts. Moreover, applications differ not only in the number of functions - some of them imply a fundamentally different operating principle, distinguishable from analogues. Therefore, it is difficult to advise which editor to use - everyone can choose exactly the product that they need.
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Canva
A simple, intuitive service for creating beautiful flowcharts. The feature set differs little from all of the options above, but Canva boasts the ability to customize its appearance. Page background, font and color of texts, adding images - your own or from a huge library. There's even a built-in photo editor. Of course, there is also support for teamwork. There are applications for both iOS and Android to work from mobile devices. Saving projects in PDF format.
The service is free, but there are premium elements (photos and vectors) that cost $1 each.
Popular
The symbols of all microcircuits do not indicate pin numbers. Micro-Cap is one of the best applications for modeling an electrical network. The program allows you to establish the dependence of the parameters of element ratings on temperature conditions, illumination, frequency characteristics, etc. Functional diagrams are used to change the principles of operation of installation products, as well as during their adjustment, control and repair. The designation of contacts may be written with a qualifying symbol in accordance with GOST 2. In the latter case, the meaning or readability of the designation should not be impaired.
Also, according to GOST 2. To start transmitting data, its channels A, B, C, which have the properties of bidirectional registers, must be configured for the direction of transmission. In addition, contextual hints are displayed on the status bar. The thickness of the communication lines depends on the diagram format and the size of the graphic symbols and is selected from the range 0. However, I have found several that are easy for the average person to use. The program is entirely in Russian. The electrical circuit diagram of a microprocessor system based on the BIS KR complex in a configuration corresponding to the control task set in the task is shown in the figure. The XL Pro program is distributed free of charge and is available for download by registered Extranet users.
1 area of use
In the context of the use of modern ES design technologies, the process is presented in the form of the following stages. To simplify the circuit, group communication lines are used, see
For example, the electrical circuit diagram is designated EZ, the hydraulic circuit diagram is GZ, the electrical connection diagram is E4, etc. Symbolic graphic designations of the elements on the diagram in the position in which they are given in the relevant standards, or rotated by an angle multiple of 90o, if in the relevant There are no special instructions in the standards. Despite the lack of official support for the Russian language, there are Russifiers for the platform.
The eeschema editor allows you to create multi-sheet hierarchical diagrams and check them for compliance with electrical rules. It is recommended to write down the characteristics of the input and output circuits of the product, as well as the addresses of their external connections, in tables placed instead of conventional graphic symbols of input and output elements - connectors, boards, etc. How to learn to read electrical diagrams
Mindmeister
Service for creating mental maps and diagrams. It has good functionality, well-implemented teamwork capabilities - support for a mobile version, chat and commenting. You can add links, images and videos, insert created files into your blog or website, view the history of changes, create presentations and slide shows from the project, there is even a drawing function. You can save in PNG, PDF, and Word. The service integrates with Google applications.
There is a free plan with 3 map projects, but there are also paid versions - from $36 for six months, with more advanced features.
AFCE Algorithm Flowcharts Editor
This editor is one of the least common among those presented in this article. This is due to the fact that its developer - an ordinary teacher from Russia - completely abandoned the development. But his product is still in some demand today, since it is perfect for any schoolchild or student who is learning the basics of programming.
In addition to this, the program is completely free, and its interface is made exclusively in Russian.
