Lucidchart and Gliffy are both industry-leading diagramming tools. They can be used to create mind maps, org charts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, and much more.
What we cover
Device Compatibility
Although Lucidchart is primarily a cloud-based software it does also have downloadable desktop options that you can use offline. It can be used on Mac and PC, and it’s also mobile-friendly.
Gliffy is cloud-based too but can only be used with desktop devices. It doesn’t have an offline option, unless you download the free Gliffy Chrome app. However, all diagrams are then saved on your own device and not on the cloud.
As they’re both mainly cloud-based, there is no installation, and you’ll be able to begin making professional diagrams in no time.
Templates & Dashboard Tools
No diagram tool is useful without templates. Both Lucidchart and Gliffy provide templates for existing diagrams.
Lucidchart offers access to its huge template library for free. This includes flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, and taskboards. The paid versions of Lucidchart come with more advanced shape libraries and templates.
Gliffy also has plenty of free templates such as Venn diagrams and timelines. The paid versions feature many more templates.
Both Gliffy and Lucidchart offer high levels of customization.
Gliffy allows you to easily alter the color, border style, and drop shadow of your shapes. You can also view the revision history of your diagrams via the dashboard.
Lucidchart has similar customization tools but to unlock its custom branding features, you need the paid version.
Importing & Exporting Files
Lucidchart is more versatile than Gliffy in terms of importing and exporting. You can import diagrams from other programs such as OmniGraffle and Gliffy. You can use auto-generated links or export using JPEG, PDF, and PNG files.
Gliffy also allows you to import files from Lucidchart. You can export data using Jira and Confluence in formats like PDF, SVG, and PNG.
Team Collaboration
In each of these programs, you can work remotely with your team and share live data and up-to-date resources and links with each other. You can also publish, present, and share files with your colleagues.
Lucidchart may have slightly more features when it comes to collaboration, but there isn’t much difference between the two.
To access team collaboration in Gliffy you need to pay for the Enterprise plan. This allows you to collaborate with up to 10 colleagues on a diagram at the same time. Enterprise customers can collaborate with an unlimited number of colleagues.
The Individual plan from Lucidchart gives you the ability to collaborate with up to three colleagues at once. The Team and Enterprise plans mean you can work with an unlimited number of teammates.
Overall User Interface
Lucidchart has a much more intuitive interface than Gliffy. The drag-and-drop feature makes it very easy to use.
Gliffy takes a bit more getting used to. You have to place and format each line and shape individually.
Integration
On the integration front, both diagramming tools are pretty impressive.
Lucdichart works with Dropbox, Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft products.
Users of Jira and Confluence benefit from Gliffy as it has specific apps for these tools. It can be used with G Suite, WordPress, and Slack.
Support
The two programs can’t be split when it comes to customer support. There are video tutorials, product demos, and user guides readily available for each.
Gliffy’s customer support can be reached via email at [email protected] and Lucidchart’s can be reached at [email protected].
Pricing Plans & Free Trials
Lucidchart
- Free version: 100 templates, storage of 3 editable documents, basic collaboration features.
- Individual: $7.95
- Team: $9.00
- Enterprise: Custom
Gliffy
- Free version: 2-week trial where you can try out all of the features
- Professional: $6 – $8, depending on the number of users
- Enterprise: Custom
- Gliffy Diagrams for Jira: $10 per month (max 10 users) or $3.80 per user, per month (max 100 users).
- Gliffy Diagrams for Confluence: same pricing as above.
Final Verdict
Overall, Lucidchart is the better app for beginners due to its simple interface and drag-and-drop feature. Gliffy allows for more collaboration at a lower price point.
Lucidchart pros
- Intuitive interface
- Importing and exporting versatility
- Desktop and mobile compatibility
Lucidchart Cons
- Poorly reviewed online
- Full collaboration is only available at higher price points
Gliffy Pros
- Available as an app for Jira and Confluence
- Customizable templates
Gliffy Cons
- Only compatible with desktops
- The interface is a little cumbersome
