Compare Visio Options
Visio in Microsoft 365
Good for viewing diagrams and minor editing.
Originally starting from Included now starting from Included
Included Included
in Microsoft 365 commercial plans
-
Ideal for casual diagrammers—Visio in Microsoft 365 includes:
-
Hundreds of shapes and basic icons
-
Dozens of templates for basic diagrams, including:
-
General diagrams and basic flowcharts
-
Basic organization charts
-
Infographic timelines
-
Real-time collaboration, commenting, and sharing with the Visio web app or the Visio app in Microsoft Teams
-
Security, compliance, data privacy, accessibility, and Microsoft 365 customer support
Visio Plan 1
Great for creation and detailed diagramming.
Originally starting from CAD $6.80 now starting from CAD $6.80
CAD $6.80 CAD $6.80
user/month
(Annual or monthly commitment)*
Trial cancellation terms apply1
-
Great for professional diagrammers—Includes everything in Visio in Microsoft 365, plus:
-
Thousands of shapes and Microsoft product icons
-
Additional templates for premium diagrams, including:
-
Cross-functional flowcharts
-
Detailed network diagrams
-
IT diagrams—Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
-
Software and database diagrams—entity relationship diagrams (ERD), Unified Modeling Language (UML 2.5)
-
Organization charts
-
Premium features, including:
-
Grids
-
Shape data
-
Power BI integration
Visio Plan 2
Ideal for specialized diagramming.
Originally starting from CAD $20.40 now starting from CAD $20.40
CAD $20.40 CAD $20.40
user/month
(Annual or monthly commitment)*
Trial cancellation terms apply1
-
Made for everyday users and specialized diagrammers—Includes everything in Visio Plan 1, plus:
-
Visio desktop app (Windows)
-
Access to more than 250,000 shapes and various partner-created solutions
-
Additional templates for premium diagrams, including:
-
Advanced process diagrams and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN 2.0)
-
Floor plans and office layouts
-
Electrical diagrams
-
Piping and instrumentation (P&ID), and engineering diagrams
- Timelines
-
Premium features, including:
-
Offline and local file support
-
Database reverse engineering and modeling
-
Data connectivity (two-way sync)
-
AutoCAD file support and data graphics
-
Developer and programmability support (native)
-
Custom shapes with programmability
-
Create new shapes and templates
-
Power Automate, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint integrations
| Visio in Microsoft 365Good for viewing diagrams and minor editing Originally starting from Included now starting from Included Included Included in Microsoft 365 commercial plans | Best value for your money Visio Plan 1Great for creation and detailed diagramming Originally starting from CAD $6.80 now starting from CAD $6.80 CAD $6.80 CAD $6.80 user/month (Annual or monthly commitment)* | Includes web and desktop apps Visio Plan 2Ideal for specialized diagramming Originally starting from CAD $20.40 now starting from CAD $20.40 CAD $20.40 CAD $20.40 user/month (Annual or monthly commitment)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Collaboration and sharing |  | | |
| Save diagrams to OneDrive, and view and share diagrams from virtually anywhere online.2 | | | |
| Coauthor, edit, and comment on diagrams in real time in the Visio web app. | | | |
| See where coauthors are working in the canvas with a simple presence indicator. | | | |
| Create, view, edit, and collaborate on diagrams within Microsoft Teams.3 | | | |
| User experience and features |  | | |
| Use any browser to create, edit, and share diagrams. | | | |
| Start with a powerful search experience and choose from a variety of starter diagrams, then get up to speed quickly with contextual tips and tricks. | | | |
| Add flyout shapes, insert and delete shapes with connection healing, and change shapes while preserving diagram layout and shape metadata. | | | |
| Enjoy familiar layout features, such as auto align and distribute, and smart guides. | | | |
| AutoSave your work—enabled by default for Visio for the web diagrams. | | | |
| Work more naturally using your finger or pen to create diagrams, connect shapes, and annotate on a touch-enabled device.15 | | | |
| View shapes in full fidelity online with intuitive pan and zoom functionality. | | | |
| Save diagrams locally in PNG or JPEG format with customization options for resolution, background color, transparency, and size. | | | |
| Add hyperlinks to shapes to redirect to external sites, email addresses, files stored online, or pages within the same file. | | | |
| Edit shapes using Control Points, and easily apply themes to create modern diagrams. | | | |
| Get support for ruler, layers, and grids on canvas. | | Layers and grids available | |
| Export diagrams in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format with an option to include or exclude their Visio data. | | | |
| Navigate through commands with Tell Me integration. | | | |
| Add background pages or apply shape effect options, such as shadow, bevel, and glow. | | | |
| Diagram templates and shapes | | | |
| Choose from dozens of built-in, versatile templates, including infographic timelines and block, cycle, matrix, pyramid, and Venn diagrams. | | | |
| Use templates and shapes for basic flowcharts to communicate ideas and information. | | | |
| Customize your diagrams with access to more than 1,000 icons. | | | |
| Illustrate how devices and networks work together with basic and detailed network templates, shapes, and connector tools.15 | Basic network shapes | | |
| Visualize your organizational structure using org chart templates and samples.4 | Basic capabilities | | |
| Create cross-functional flowcharts (or swimlane diagrams) to clarify who does what in a process. | | | |
| Sketch your Azure or AWS architecture with access to hundreds of Azure and AWS shapes. | | | |
| Visualize your systems and software using a rich repository of IT content including ERD and UML diagrams. | | | |
| Model the behavior of systems and functions of a process with Specification and Description Language (SDL). | | | |
| Create business process diagrams using shapes for audit, event-driven process chain (EPC), and fault tree analysis diagrams. | | | |
| Use containers to visually group Visio shapes and perform operations on the group. | | Coming soon | |
| Represent business processes graphically with a rich set of BPMN and Integration Definition for Process Modeling (IDEF0) content.5 | | | |
| Design a SharePoint workflow in Visio or import a workflow from SharePoint Designer for Visio to generate a diagram.6 | | | |
| Brainstorm and organize ideas visually using mind maps. | | | |
| Show the potential causes of a specific event with cause and effect diagrams. | | | |
| Create accurate, detailed business diagrams with templates for IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) diagrams, PivotDiagrams, Six Sigma process maps, and value stream maps. | | | |
| Simplify your system design process with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and rack diagrams. | | | |
| Quickly create high-fidelity mockups and prototypes of websites and mobile apps with web and mobile wireframes. | | | |
| Generate detailed engineering diagrams with templates for basic electrical schematics and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID). | | | |
| Bring your architecture designs to life with a rich library of floor plan templates and samples. | | | |
| Get an overhead view of your office space, residential area, or public transportation route with templates for office layouts and directional maps | | | |
| Develop clear and professional design outlines with templates for HVAC plans and plant layout. | | | |
| Communicate project schedules, tasks, and progress with timeline diagrams, Gantt charts, and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts. | | | |
| Access templates and sample diagrams that cover core education and extracurricular activities, including algebra, chemistry, physics, music, and sports. | | | |
| Annotate shapes with informative text by attaching callouts. | | | |
| Get more than 250,000 shapes through the Visio online content ecosystem | | | |
| Access a rich repository of partner-created diagrams for a variety of industries. | | | |
| Accessibility, security, and compliance | | | |
| Increase accessibility with Narrator, Accessibility Checker, and high-contrast support. | | | |
| Support compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). | | | |
| View .vsd files created with Visio 2000 and later versions. | | | |
| Edit .vsd files created with Visio 2000 and later versions. | | | |
| Protect and manage access to your Visio files with information rights management (IRM).7 | | | |
| Integrations with Microsoft 365 apps | | | |
| Create basic flowcharts, cross-functional flowcharts, and org charts from data directly in Excel with the Visio Data Visualizer add-in.8 | | | |
| Embed Visio diagrams into Power BI dashboards and connect those diagrams to Power BI data.9 | | | |
| Export parts of your diagram to PowerPoint for easy sharing and use.8 | | | |
| Automatically export Visio process diagrams, including shapes and their metadata, to Word.8 | | | |
| Quickly automate business processes by exporting Visio workflows to Power Automate.10 | | | |
| Standards support | | | |
| Get support for UML 2.5 process standards. | | | |
| Validate diagrams using built-in and extendable business rules. | | | |
| Get extended support in Visio desktop for various process standards, including BPMN 2.0 and IEEE. | | | |
| Import DWG files, including enhanced file format support. | | | |
| Intelligent diagramming | | | |
| Use ShapeSheet to describe visual relationships between elements in a diagram. | | | |
| Validate structured diagrams against predefined rules or custom validation rules and fix the issues identified. | | | |
| Create a report of shape data listing the text or data associated with those shapes. | | | |
| Generate a collection of shapes and quickly use them in a diagram with the Shapes in the Document stencil. | | | |
| Use Drawing Explorer to view and alter objects and elements in your drawing. | | | |
| Connecting diagrams to data | | | |
| Create diagrams from Excel data.8 | | | |
| Apply a rich set of data graphics, icons, and colors to visualize data. | | | |
| Link diagram shapes to data from multiple sources, including Excel, SharePoint lists, and SQL Server.11 | | | |
| Generate org charts from data sources such as Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID.11 | | | |
| Desktop version of Visio app for PC | | | |
| Fully installed and always up-to-date version of Visio for Windows PC.12 | | | |
| Create and work on Visio files offline with local file support. | | | |
| Each user can install the Visio desktop app on up to five PCs. | | | |
Visio in Microsoft 365Good for viewing diagrams and minor editing Originally starting from Included now starting from Included Included Included in Microsoft 365 commercial plans | Best value for your money Visio Plan 1Great for creation and detailed diagramming Originally starting from CAD $6.80 now starting from CAD $6.80 CAD $6.80 CAD $6.80 user/month (Annual or monthly commitment)* | Includes web and desktop apps Visio Plan 2Ideal for specialized diagramming Originally starting from CAD $20.40 now starting from CAD $20.40 CAD $20.40 CAD $20.40 user/month (Annual or monthly commitment)* |
Visio Standard 2021
Originally starting from CAD $499.00 now starting from CAD $499.00
CAD $499.00 CAD $499.00
(one-time purchase)
-
On-premises diagramming solution, licensed for 1 PC.
-
Get started quickly on professional diagrams with ready-made templates and shapes.
-
Use your finger or pen to draw and take notes naturally on touch-enabled devices.15
Visio Professional 2021
Originally starting from CAD $849.00 now starting from CAD $849.00
CAD $849.00 CAD $849.00
(one-time purchase)
-
On-premises diagramming solution, licensed for 1 PC.
-
Enjoy all the features of Visio Standard, plus additional templates, shapes, and collaboration features.
-
Build and validate diagrams that support industry standards, including BPMN 2.0, IEEE, and UML 2.5.
-
Link diagrams to live data from internal and external sources.
| Visio Standard 2021Originally starting from CAD $499.00 now starting from CAD $499.00 CAD $499.00 CAD $499.00 (one-time purchase) | Visio Professional 2021Originally starting from CAD $849.00 now starting from CAD $849.00 CAD $849.00 CAD $849.00 (one-time purchase) |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| User experience and features | | |
| Use touch to work more naturally on a touch-enabled device.15
| | |
| Use your finger or pen to draw and annotate on a touch-enabled device.15 | | |
| Save diagrams locally in PNG or JPEG format with customization options for resolution, background color, transparency, and size. | | |
| Add hyperlinks to shapes to redirect to external sites, email addresses, files stored online, or pages within the same file. | | |
| View shapes in full fidelity online with intuitive pan and zoom functionality. | | |
| Navigate through commands with Tell me integration. | | |
| Get high DPI and Dark Theme support. | | |
| Import DWG files, including enhanced file format support. | | |
| Edit shapes using control points, and easily apply themes to create modern diagrams. | | |
| Apply shape effect options, such as shadow, bevel, and glow. | | |
| Accessibility, security, and compliance | | |
| Increase accessibility with Narrator, Accessibility Checker, and high-contrast support. | | |
| Stay compatible with Windows 11. | | |
| Secure diagrams with IRM. | | |
| Support compliance with GDPR. | | |
| Open files created in Visio 2000 and later versions with backward compatibility. | | |
| Install Visio temporarily on a Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11 PC. | | |
| Intelligent diagramming | | |
| Start with a simple Getting Started experience and powerful search. | | |
| Choose from a variety of starter diagrams and get up to speed quickly with contextual tips and tricks. | | |
| Enjoy familiar formatting features, such as auto align and distribute, and Smart Guides. | | |
| Add flyout shapes, insert and delete shapes with connection healing, and change shapes while preserving diagram layout and shape metadata. | | |
| Leverage the power of ShapeSheet to describe visual relationships between elements in a diagram. | | |
| Create a report of shape data listing the text or data associated with those shapes. | | |
| Generate a collection of shapes and quickly use them in a diagram with the Shapes in the Document stencil. | | |
| Validate structured diagrams against predefined rules and fix the issues identified. | |  |
| Templates and shapes |  | |
| Use templates for basic flowcharts, cross-functional flowcharts (or swimlane diagrams), and block diagrams to create impactful stories. | | |
| Visualize your organizational structure using org chart templates and samples. | | |
| Brainstorm and organize ideas visually using mind maps. | | |
| Get an overhead view of your office space, residential area, or public transportation route with templates for office layouts and directional maps. | | |
| Communicate project schedules, tasks, and progress with timeline diagrams, Gantt charts, and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts. | | |
| Illustrate how devices and networks all work together with a variety of basic network templates, shapes, and connector tools.15 | | |
| Access more than 250,000 shapes through Visio’s online content ecosystem. | | |
| Use containers to visually group Visio shapes together and perform operations on the group. | | |
| Annotate shapes with informative text by attaching callouts. | | |
| Visualize your systems and software using a rich repository of IT content including ERD and UML diagrams. | | |
| Represent business processes graphically with a rich set of BPMN content. | | |
| Sketch your Azure or AWS architecture with access to hundreds of Azure and AWS shapes. | | |
| Quickly create high-fidelity mock-ups and prototypes of websites and mobile apps with web and mobile wireframes. | | |
| Bring your architecture designs to life with a rich library of floor plan templates and samples. | | |
| Create accurate, detailed business diagrams with templates for IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) diagrams, PivotDiagrams, Six Sigma process maps, and value stream maps. | | |
| Model the behavior of systems and functions of a process with Specification and Description Language (SDL) and Integration Definition for Process Modeling (IDEF0). | | |
| Generate detailed engineering diagrams with templates for basic electrical schematics and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID). | | |
| Create visual reports and accurate crime scene diagrams with the Crime Scene Investigation template and stencils for indoor, outdoor, and evidence. | | |
| Create workspaces that adhere to social distancing guidelines and laws with Social Distancing templates. | | |
| Develop clear and professional design outlines with templates for HVAC plans and plant layout. | | |
| Simplify your system design process with detailed network, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), and rack diagrams. | | |
| Design a SharePoint workflow in Visio or import a workflow from SharePoint Designer for Visio to generate a diagram.6 | | |
| Collaboration and sharing | | |
| Save diagrams to OneDrive or SharePoint, and share and view diagrams from virtually anywhere online.13 | | |
| Comment on diagrams and shapes. | | |
| See where coauthors are working in the canvas with a simple presence indicator for files saved in the cloud. | | |
| Co-edit diagrams with two or more people simultaneously.14 | | |
| Connecting diagrams to data | | |
| View diagrams connected to real-time data. | | |
| Create a database model from an existing database. | | |
| Generate org charts from data sources such as Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID.11 | | |
| Link diagram shapes to data from multiple sources, including Excel, SharePoint lists, and SQL Server.11 | | |
| Refresh data either on a defined schedule or manually. | | |
| Apply a rich set of data graphics, icons, and colors to visualize data. | | |
| Standards support | | |
| Get support for various process standards, including BPMN 2.0, IEEE, and UML 2.5. | | |
| Validate diagrams using built-in and extendable business rules. | | |
Visio Standard 2021Originally starting from CAD $499.00 now starting from CAD $499.00 CAD $499.00 CAD $499.00 (one-time purchase) | Visio Professional 2021Originally starting from CAD $849.00 now starting from CAD $849.00 CAD $849.00 CAD $849.00 (one-time purchase) |
Explore helpful resources for Visio
Discover what you can do with Visio in Microsoft 365
See featured Visio templates and diagrams
Visit the Visio roadmap for upcoming feature releases
Stay current on the latest Visio releases
- [1] After your one-month free trial, you will be charged the applicable subscription fee. A credit card is required. Cancel any time to stop future charges.
- [2] Get 2 GB of OneDrive cloud storage with a Visio Plan 1 or Visio Plan 2 subscription.
- [3] Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription to use Microsoft Teams.
- [4] Visio Plan 1 and Visio Plan 2 subscribers get access to additional templates, layout options, and features that are not available with Visio in Microsoft 365.
- [5] Create BPMN 2.0 diagrams in Visio for the web with the BPMN Shapes stencil, available for Visio Plan 2 subscribers only.
- [6] Requires a Microsoft 365 commercial or standalone subscription to SharePoint.
- [7] Setting IRM permissions is only available in the Visio desktop app; however, those permissions are honored for Visio files stored online and accessed through the Visio web app.
- [8] Requires a license for the desktop version of Microsoft 365 apps.
- [9] Requires a Power BI subscription for editing.
- [10] Requires a Power Automate subscription.
- [11] Data connectivity to these sources requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for Excel, Exchange, or SharePoint; Exchange and SharePoint can also be purchased as their own subscriptions; SQL Server and Microsoft Entra ID are sold separately, too.
- [12] Some features of Visio Plan 2 are only available in the Visio desktop app.
- [13] Requires a Microsoft 365 commercial or standalone subscription to OneDrive or SharePoint.
- [14] All editors must be using the Visio Professional desktop app and the file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- [15] Availability of mobile apps varies by country/region.
- [*] Subscription prices shown are per month. If you’re a global or billing administrator, an annual commitment is required to purchase online. You can choose to pay monthly or annually. Within the Microsoft 365 admin center, global and billing administrators can choose either annual or monthly commitment plans. All others may purchase a monthly subscription online.
Follow Microsoft 365