Our verdict: EdrawMax covers far more diagram types than most rivals and opens Visio files, so it works as a cheaper Visio replacement. The free version is only good for trying it out: diagrams are capped at two pages and about 60 shapes, and every export carries a watermark.
About EdrawMax
EdrawMax is Wondershare's all-in-one diagramming program with a Microsoft Office-style interface. It offers over 210 diagram types, more than 1,500 built-in templates and over 26,000 symbols for flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, network diagrams, floor plans, Gantt charts, electrical and engineering drawings. It imports Visio, SVG and CAD files, exports to Office formats, PDF, images, SVG and Visio, and includes AI tools that generate diagrams from text.
The free version keeps working indefinitely but is heavily limited: only the first two built-in templates, a maximum of two pages and 60 shapes per general diagram, five Visio or CAD imports, three cloud files and 500 AI tokens, and all exports and prints carry a watermark. When we checked, the cheapest plan was $69 for six months (auto-renewing, discounted), the annual plan $99 and a perpetual license for EdrawMax V15 $198. Subscriptions renew automatically and can be cancelled in the Wondershare account.
What it does well
- 210+ diagram types. Flowcharts, floor plans, network, org charts, Gantt and engineering diagrams.
- Templates and symbols. Over 1,500 templates and 26,000 symbols in paid plans.
- Visio import and export. Opens and saves Visio files for exchange with Microsoft Visio users.
- AI diagram tools. Generates flowcharts, mind maps and other diagrams from a text prompt.
- Many export formats. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, SVG, HTML and image export.
Who it is for
Good fit
Office workers, engineers and teachers who need many diagram types and Visio compatibility for less than Visio costs.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who wants a fully free diagram tool; draw.io and yEd have no watermarks or shape limits.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge range of diagram types and symbols
- Imports and exports Visio files
- Office-like interface that is easy to learn
- Perpetual license option
Cons
- Free version watermarks every export and limits pages and shapes
- Subscriptions renew automatically
- Promotional prices change often
How to install EdrawMax
The download button fetches a small online installer from Wondershare's download server that downloads the full program. Cloud files and AI features use a Wondershare ID. When buying, check whether the plan renews automatically and turn off renewal in your Wondershare account if you do not want it.
Questions about EdrawMax
Is EdrawMax free?
Only in a limited form. The free version never expires but allows two pages and 60 shapes per general diagram, only two built-in templates, and watermarks exports. Paid plans started at $69 for six months when we checked, with an annual plan for $99 and a perpetual license for $198.
Can EdrawMax open Visio files?
Yes. It imports Visio files and can export to Visio format; the free version allows five imports.
Is there a one-time purchase?
Yes. The perpetual plan is a one-time payment for EdrawMax V15 on the desktop, with three years of mobile and online access.
