With the growing complexity of IT solutions, it has become crucial for organizations to effectively communicate system architecture and workflows. AV diagramming software provides a visual way to map applications, infrastructure components, data flows and more. In this detailed review, we will compare some of the top AV diagramming tools on the market including dtools cloud, Lucidchart, Visio and Dia. Each tool will be evaluated based on features, pricing, ease of use and overall value.

 

dtools cloud Overview

 

dtools cloud is a leading online diagramming software that allows users to create, edit and share visual diagrams from any device with an internet connection. Some key capabilities of dtools cloud include:

 

Extensive template library - dtools cloud comes preloaded with templates for common diagram types like network diagrams, flowcharts, floor plans, workflows and more. This allows users to start diagramming right away without having to build templates from scratch.

 

Real-time collaboration - Multiple users can work on a diagram simultaneously in real-time. Edits are synced automatically so distributed teams stay up-to-date.

 

Version history - Previous versions of diagrams are kept so users can roll back to older versions if needed.

 

Export options - Diagrams can be exported as images in popular formats like PNG, JPG, PDF and also as XML files for easy sharing and integration.

 

Integrations - Build diagrams directly within other applications like Confluence, Github via integrations.

 

Pricing tiers - Basic plans are free forever. Paid professional/enterprise plans provide additional features.

 

Online/offline editing - Diagrams can be accessed and edited online or offline via desktop and mobile apps for greater flexibility.

 

Lucidchart Overview

 

Lucidchart is another leading cloud-based diagramming software known for its easy to use interface. Key Lucidchart features include:

 

Templates - Large library of professionally designed templates for common diagram types.

 

Shapes library - Extensive library of shapes, connectors, flowchart symbols that can be dragged and dropped.

 

Comments - Ability to add comments and feedback directly to diagrams for review.

 

Version control - See changes over time through automatic versioning of diagrams.

 

Export formats - Export to common file formats as well as direct integration with apps like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.

 

Online access - Web-based tool allows access from any device with a modern browser. Mobile apps also available.

 

Integrations - Tight integrations with tools like Jira, Google Workspace, SharePoint for easy collaboration.

 

Pricing - Freemium basic access. Paid plans provide additional storage and features.

 

Visio Overview

 

Microsoft Visio is a desktop diagramming application that has been around for decades making it very familiar and full-featured:

 

Shape libraries - Extensive pre-built shape libraries for networking, floor plans, flowcharts etc. Easy to customize shapes.

 

Themes - Built-in themes and styles to maintain consistent visual styles.

 

Templates - Comes bundled with templates for common diagram types.

 

Formatting/styles - Robust formatting and styling capabilities for visual consistency.

 

macros/code - Ability to add basic macros and code for more advanced automation.

 

Export formats - Export to image, PDF formats as well as Visio file formats.

 

Add-ins marketplace - Large ecosystem of third party add-ins for additional capabilities.

 

Integration with Office - Tightly integrated with Microsoft Office ecosystem for sharing/collaboration.

 

Desktop only - Runs only on Windows limiting access to single device/workspace. License required.

 

Dia Overview

 

Dia is an open source, cross-platform diagram creation program. While more basic than paid options, it provides the following key features:

 

Shape libraries - Basic range of shapes for flowcharts, UML, network diagrams, floors plans etc.

 

Themes - Limited built-in themes and ability to customize colors.

 

Templates - Some basic templates included for common diagram types.

 

Advanced features - Specialized capabilities for things like circuit diagrams, software diagrams.

 

Open source - Freely available with full source code access under the GNU GPL license.

 

Platform support - Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS via native installers.

 

Simple interface - Clean interface focused on basic diagramming over extras.

 

Export capabilities - Export to raster graphic formats, vector PDF, SVG formats.

 

Use Cases

 

Each diagramming solution shines in different scenarios:

 

Documentation - dtools cloud, Lucidchart and Visio excel at documentation tasks like creating diagrams for technical documentation, workflows, communications etc due to robust features and templates.

 

Collaboration - dtools cloud and Lucidchart provide real-time collaboration for distributed team use cases. Visio is limited to solo/offline editing.

 

Software Design - Visio has specialty templates and deep customization for technical tasks like UML diagrams, databases, circuits etc. Dia is also suited for some software design diagrams.

 

Education - Lucidchart and dtools cloud work well for remote learning sessions due to sharing/collaborating features. Visio and Dia also work locally.

 

Integration Projects - Lucidchart tightly links with project tools like Jira, Confluence making it well suited when paired with those platforms. dtools cloud works similarly with integrations.

 

Budget Conscious - Dia is extremely cost-effective due to being free and open source for non-commercial use cases. Lucidchart free tier also works for basic personal use.

 

Complex Customization - Visio has the widest ecosystem for add-ins/ macros and unparalleled customization abilities for highly complex diagrams. dtools cloud is also very extensible.

 

Recommendations

 

In summary, here are the best diagramming tool recommendations based on different scenarios:

 

Individual/Solopreneur: Lucidchart free tier or Dia open source version.

 

Small Business: Dtools cloud free or Lucidchart pro tiers for teams of 1-5 users.

 

Enterprise: Dtools cloud professional/enterprise or Visio depending on customization needs and budget.

 

Education: Dtools cloud or Lucidchart due strong collaboration features and price for schools.

 

Open Source: Dia for personal projects not needing advanced features.

 

Tight Integrations Needed: Lucidchart for tools like Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace.

 

Complex Diagrams: Visio for electrically specialised, circuit diagrams or deep customization projects.

 

Budget Not a Concern: Visio permanent license or dtools cloud highest tiers.

 

In summary, dtools cloud, Lucidchart and Visio excel in different scenarios based on collaboration needs, customization, platform support and budgets. Proper evaluation of use cases will determine the best diagramming tool for each organization or individual. Real-time collaboration features are particularly valuable for modern distributed teams.