Each Template Category offered a selection of basic charts, diagrams, and drawings that we could customize with our data as we built them up.
We mentioned that, like other Office apps, Visio Pro is capable of a lot in experienced hands, but unfamiliar users will nevertheless be able to start building diagrams almost immediately, thanks largely to the extensive selection of Template Categories such as Business, Engineering, and Flowchart in the left sidebar. Visio Pro's interface resembles earlier Office layouts rather than the newer ribbon look, but it's still functionally and stylistically up-to-date.
But if you're wondering if this fairly expensive tool is worth the cost, start with the trial version. The trial is only active for a limited time, and a nag screen asks for a Product Key every time you open it. All of Visio Pro's features work, but you can't save or modify files. Visio Professional is available in a free but limited trial version. Visio is part of the Office suite and integrates with it in Windows, but it's not included with most Office editions it comes in separate releases in several versions. With an extensive array of top-quality templates, Visio is both easy to use and sophisticated enough for professional applications, much like Microsoft's other Office tools. All things considered, it’s certainly worth considering Visio as an option if you’re looking for a powerful program to streamline workflow processes.Microsoft Visio is a professional drawing tool for creating charts, graphs, diagrams, engineering drawings, networks, layouts, and schedules to use in reports, documents, and presentations. However, Visio does fall down slightly on the customer service front, and some of its competitors offer significantly cheaper subscription options. It comes with an impressive range of tools, great collaboration features, four different payment options, and a 30-day free trial. Microsoft Visio has developed a reputation as one of the best diagramming and visualization programs in the world, and for good reason. It’s extremely beginner-friendly and a much more affordable option Final verdict
SimpleDiagrams is also a good alternative to Visio. (Image credit: Microsoft) The competitionĪlthough Microsoft Visio is a powerful tool for those who need to create top-quality diagrams and visualize workplace processes or data, there are numerous alternatives out there.įor example, Lucidchart is a popular option due to its affordability and the slightly different features it offers.
Its collaboration features are up there with the best, and its integrations with other Microsoft software will help you streamline numerous processes. Visio’s desktop app is even more impressive, allowing you to perform advanced actions and create high-quality diagrams at the touch of a button. It’s very easy to navigate and comes with the core features Visio is known for. The web version is the simplest, but it’s also a great option for those who want to work on the go. Both interfaces are extremely intuitive and beginner friendly. Visio supports desktop and browser-based use.
The web app is a great tool for those who regularly work from different devices, as it doesn’t require a PC-specific licence.įinally, Microsoft Visio also comes with complete Office 365 integrations, allowing you to easily connect your project to programs like Excel and Word to further streamline workflow processes. Visio also offers impressive flexibility, with both desktop and web versions available.
A few of the things you can link to include Microsoft Excel workbooks, SQL Server databases, and Access databases.
This means that you can set your flowcharts and diagrams to automatically update when new information becomes available. Another of our favorite things about Visio is its ability to integrate with real-time data sources.