A network diagram is a visual representation of the connections and devices in a computer network. It can assist you in understanding the configuration, performance, and structure of your network. A network diagram maker is a piece of software that makes it simple and effective to generate, modify, and share network diagrams.
Some network diagram makers are feature-rich, more compatible, or have higher ratings than others. To help you design expert and eye-catching network diagrams, we have put together a list of the top 10 paid and free network diagram makers. In this article, we will discuss the selection criteria for the best network diagram maker and thoroughly analyze each of the top 10 tools.
How We Have Chosen the Diagram Makers?
When choosing the ten network diagram makers, here are some key criteria we consider:
Ease of Use
Choosing a simple network diagram maker is crucial. An ideal network diagram maker enables you to create a perfect network diagram, even if you have no technical expertise. A suitable network diagram maker presents a user-friendly interface. It provides helpful tutorials and documentation to aid you in creating a professional network diagram.
Compatibility
Select a network diagram maker that is compatible with your operating system. Try a network diagram maker that works on multiple platforms, such as Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, etc. It should import and export network diagrams in a variety of formats. While choosing a cloud-based network diagram maker, ensure its compatibility with your cloud computing platform.
Features
A high-quality network diagram maker provides an extensive feature set to facilitate the creation of elegant network diagrams. While searching for an ideal network diagram maker, look for a tool that offers pre-made templates, icons, shapes, symbols, connectors, text boxes, labels, and legends. It should allow you to include elements like color, effects, layout, and theme styles in your network diagrams.
Ratings
The rating of a top network diagram maker depends on the positive reviews of users and experts. Therefore, it is crucial to check the reviews and feedback left by other users. If the tool got awards or accolades from reliable sources, you should give it a try.
Top 10 Network Diagram Makers
There are many network diagram makers available in the market. However, all tools are not the same. Choosing the network diagram makers that best fit your requirements is critical. Therefore, here are the top 10 network diagram makers:
1. Wondershare EdrawMax
EdrawMax is a free network diagram maker that enables users to generate a professional-looking network diagram efficiently. You can select from more than 280 diagrams, such as rack diagrams, AWS network diagrams, Cisco network diagrams, and simple network diagrams. Moreover, you can modify your network diagram with a drag-and-drop feature. Using EdrawMax, you can utilize more than 26,000 built-in symbols and icons on your canvas.
Key Features
- Massive Resources. EdrawMax boasts 10,000+ free templates and 26,000+ symbols.
- User-friendly UI. EdrawMax has an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop operation options.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility. EdarawMax is available on Windows, MacOS, Linux, or online. You can access it at any time from anywhere.
- Export Flexibility. EdrawMax supports the export of a dozen of file formats, including PDF, JPG, or PowerPoint.
- AI Diagramming: EdrawMax AI can generate flowcharts, mind maps, timelines, and various other types of diagrams with a single click.
Pros:
- A comprehensive library of templates and symbols
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful customization options
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons:
- The free plan only has access to basic features
2. Microsoft Visio (Paid)
Microsoft Visio is a fruitful diagramming software that aids in modifying your network diagram. In Microsoft Visio, you can explore exciting built-in network shapes and templates. These templates and shapes make the network diagramming procedure easy. After creating a network diagram, you can save it in a variety of formats, including .vsdx, PDF, and PNG.
Pros:
- Vast collection of features and functionality
- Integration with other Microsoft products
- Responsive support resources
Cons:
- Limited platform support
- Complexity
3. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a famous diagramming software. Using the drag-and-drop interface, you can create an elegant network diagram. With Lucidchart, you can collaborate network diagrams with other users in real-time. This feature enables you to brainstorm new ideas and improve your network diagram. Moreover, you can use its large library, which contains routers, switches, servers, etc.
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration feature
- Easy-to-understand interface
- Export to a variety of formats available
Cons:
- The free version offers limited options
- Expensive for teams
- Could lag when the user is working on complex diagrams
4. Intermapper
Intermapper is one of the most trusted network diagram makers. It enables users to create a physical and logical network diagram. Using Intermapper, you can benefit from its real-time monitoring feature. Intermapper analyzes your network in real-time. After a thorough analysis, it shows the status of each device and links to your network.
Pros:
- Precise device discovery option
- Google Earth integration
- Supports a wide range of networking devices
- Provides status charts for the health of your network
Cons:
- Expensive as it is a licensed software
- There is no server to maintain or manage Intermapper
5. Draw.io (Open-source)
Draw.io is an exceptional network diagram maker. It is a free online diagramming software that provides a wide range of features, making it a suitable option for beginners and experts. With Draw.io, you can embed your network diagram in web pages and other documents. Moreover, it allows you to access your diagrams from anywhere with an internet connection.
Pros:
- Free and open-source software
- Integration with fruitful tools, like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
- Support a wide range of network devices.
Cons:
- Performance issues
- Bugs and errors
6. ConceptDraw Diagram
ConceptDraw Diagram is a trusted visual diagramming and graphics software. Using the ConceptDraw network symbols and templates, you can create a proficient network diagram. ConceptDraw Diagram features a Smart Connectors option that helps to connect two network components of a network diagram. Moreover, you can get thrilling network symbols in its object library, such as Cisco, Juniper, and HP network devices.
Pros:
- Sturdy customization options
- Integration with other ConceptDraw products
- Utilize a variety of network diagram shapes and templates
Cons:
- License required after the free trial period
7. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a famous network diagram maker. Using SmartDraw vast library of network symbols, you can generate a network diagram in minutes. It is a good option for network diagram makers of all levels of experience. SmartDraw presents an easy-to-use interface. Users can easily navigate and create complex network diagrams.
Pros:
- Affordable as compared to other commercial products
- It offers automatic layout and automatic routing features
- Versatile templates available
Cons:
- Limited export options
- It does not offer real-time collaboration
8. Creately
Creately is an online diagramming tool that offers a variety of collaboration features. Its industry-standard shape libraries allow you to create an appealing network diagram. It has built-in templates for common network diagram scenarios, such as local area networks, wide area networks, and cloud networks.
Pros:
- It offers a library of pre-made templates
- It allows to collaborate on network diagrams in real time
- Affordable pricing plans for individual users
Cons:
- Lack of support for importing or exporting Visio diagrams
- Performance issues
9. SolarWinds
SolarWinds is a fruitful network diagram maker for network administrators. It helps in maintaining precise and up-to-date network diagrams. Using SolarWinds, you can automatically discover devices and their interconnections on your network. Furthermore, you can benefit from its customizable network diagram templates.
Pros:
- Automatic network discovery feature
- Update maps in real-time
- Displays identifiers and statuses of all the devices on your network
Cons:
- Slow initial scan
10. Faddom
Faddom is a hybrid IT mapping tool that helps in generating appealing network diagrams. Using network traffic protocols, it automatically locates and maps any device on your network. Faddom allows you to map application dependencies by giving you a comprehensive picture of the whole IT setup.
Pros:
- Utilize custom shapes and symbols
- A variety of layout options are available
- Export to a variety of formats
Cons:
- License required after the free trial ends
- Slows down when working with a large, complex diagram
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the significance of network diagrams, the criteria to consider when picking a network diagram maker and provide a list of top network diagram makers. When selecting a network diagram maker, it is vital to consider ease of use, compatibility, features, and ratings.
Compare the tools with the criteria and find the one that is most suitable for you. if you are looking for a free tool with access to massive resources to boost your productivity, try EdrawMax. Its collaboration feature, user-friendly interface, and affordable pricing plans make it an exceptional tool for all your diagramming requirements. Give it a try to streamline your creative projects.
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