Lucidchart vs EdrawMax: Which Is a Better Fit?

I’ve noticed that more people are relying on diagrams across various roles, teams, and time zones. That shift has become clear to me while working on collaborative projects. Visuals often replace long explanations and save time.

Lucidchart has been the first choice for many. It works well, especially in browser-based setups.

But when I needed more flexibility, better file control, device access, and a wider range of diagram types, I started to look elsewhere.

That’s when EdrawMax caught my attention. The more I tested it, the more it felt worth comparing both tools directly, with a focus on what actually works in practice.

Therefore, in this write-up, I’ll explain how LucidChart and EdrawMax differ, helping you make the rational choice for your needs.

What Each Tool Offers

Lucidchart: Cloud-Based & Team-Friendly

Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagramming tool, and that’s still its primary strength. I’ve used it on Chrome and Safari without needing installs or updates. The layout is simple: a blank canvas with shapes on the side. Drag, drop, and connect, no friction.

Collaboration is where it really shines. You can share a link, set access, and watch others build with you. Comments stay right on the shapes they're about. Every change is logged with the editor’s name and a timestamp.

It integrates easily. Use it with Google Drive, OneDrive, Slack, etc. I’ve embedded diagrams into Docs and Slides, and updates show up everywhere. Pulling Jira tickets into swimlane views saved me hours of copying and pasting.

There’s a good set of templates, flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, UML, wireframes, and more. I started a customer journey map with one and filled it out in minutes. They come with layouts and sample content to help you get started quickly.

Security isn’t an afterthought. SAML SSO, SCIM, and encryption across the board gave our IT team the confidence to approve it.

EdrawMax: Versatility with a Bigger Toolkit

EdrawMax doesn’t stay locked to just one system. You can use it on a desktop or a browser, and it runs equally well across Windows, Mac, and Linux. The interface remains consistent, so you don’t waste time adjusting to a new layout.

Inside, it offers 210+ diagram types. There’s everything from technical drawings to flowcharts, infographics, floor plans, and even design layouts.

Each type comes with hundreds of prebuilt templates. For instance, if I need a quick SWOT analysis, I open the template, edit the labels, and focus on the ideas rather than the formatting.

Its AI tools help even more. Just type in a topic and hit Generate. In seconds, it gives a complete mind map you can tweak effortlessly.

Exporting is versatile. I’ve used everything from Visio and PDFs to Graphics, Markdown, HTML, and Office formats.

You can also import Excel data. I mapped column values, and it created a visual directly from the data.

It auto-saves your diagram in the cloud. If I forget to hit Save, it asks if I want to recover the last version when I reopen the tool.

Offline work is no problem. You can create diagrams even while flying and then sync them later. For cloud storage, it supports Edraw’s servers, FTP, and Google Drive. You can also share public links without requiring a login for viewers.

Lucidchart vs EdrawMax: Who Wins Where

Ease of Use

Lucidchart is built for quick access and smooth use. It works entirely in the browser, with a familiar layout that resembles other web-based apps. Shapes can be searched and dropped onto the canvas. It autosaves continuously and performs well on most devices without installation.

EdrawMax is more robust, especially in its desktop version. The interface mirrors traditional software, offering advanced tools right away.

Even its web version keeps that similar interface. You get deep control with features like layered objects, rulers, precise formatting, and grouped elements.

The interface takes a bit more time to learn, but it supports more complex work.

Templates & Diagram Types

The templates on both tools are easy to use and support shared contributions, serving most diagramming needs.

Lucidchart offers a set of over 1,000 options, well-suited for standard business and educational diagrams. It covers org charts, flowcharts, UML, mind maps, and swimlanes.

EdrawMax takes it further with 210+ diagram types, with 20k+ templates, including niche-specific ones. You get genograms, piping layouts, electrical wiring diagrams, and templates for fashion or kitchen design.

Collaboration Features

Lucidchart keeps teams in sync. You can set permissions, mention team members, and drop comments. Live edits happen instantly, and you can review past versions at any time. Admin tools are simple and effective. This is great for quick-turnaround meetings or classes.

EdrawMax saves your work to the cloud and allows you to share it via a public URL. No login required for viewers. Commenting and cloud updates work, but it doesn’t support concurrent editing.

AI Tools & Automation

Lucidchart offers AI-powered diagramming capabilities, enabling users to create flowcharts, mind maps, and process diagrams directly from text prompts. It works well for quick outlines, but is currently limited in customization.

EdrawMax offers a more comprehensive range of advanced AI tools. It supports automated diagrams for mind mapping, fishbone analysis, org charts, and more. The diagrams can be integrated into slides and docs, and you can even customize them if needed.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Deep integrations power Lucidchart. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Salesforce all link seamlessly. Diagrams update live in Google Docs. Jira workflows can spin up automatically. Single sign-on and tight enterprise sharing safeguard data.

EdrawMax skips the native app links. It focuses on import/export. Bring in Visio (.vsdx), PDF, Excel, Word, SVG, Markdown, and more file formats. This means you can reuse diagrams across documents, presentations, and websites without needing to reformat them.

Offline/Online Access

Lucidchart offers a browser-based offline mode, limited to cached files. Templates and new documents can’t be opened, and changes only sync if the browser remains open.

EdrawMax runs as a desktop app on major platforms. It works completely offline, with no feature limitations. Diagrams can be built and synced later.

Pricing & Free Plan

Lucidchart lets free users edit only three docs at once. Templates and libraries stay limited. The individual upgrade is $7.95 monthly. Teams pay $9 per user per month. Premium tools and integrations need a higher plan.

EdrawMax’s free plan does more. All diagram types and many templates are available. Exports get a watermark. No file-count limits apply. Paid options are $99 per year or a one-time purchase of $198.

Platform Compatibility

Lucidchart only works in browsers. The mobile app supports basic editing, primarily for viewing purposes. Offline mode is limited to Chrome and Firefox, and only with cached files.

EdrawMax has native apps for all: Windows, Mobile, macOS, and Linux. The browser version includes almost all the same features. Its mobile app supports editing and works well on Android and iOS.

Comparison Table: Lucidchart vs EdrawMax

Lucidchart or EdrawMax: Which One Is Right for Your Needs

Recommendations by User Type

For Teams and Schools

Lucidchart works well when you need live editing, strong integration with Google or Microsoft, and detailed permission controls. It's built for teams who review, comment, and edit together in the browser.

For Solo Users and Small Offices

EdrawMax is ideal when you need to work offline, have a comprehensive template set, and avoid subscription fees. It runs on desktop, supports multiple export options, and includes AI help.

For Students or One-Time Use

Lucidchart’s free plan can handle simple projects. EdrawMax offers a broader range of templates, even in its free tier, but some exports may include watermarks.

Recommendations by Diagram Type

For Technical Needs

Lucidchart works for general technical diagrams. EdrawMax features built-in libraries for detailed designs, including P&IDs, electrical layouts, and engineering drawings.

For Business and Marketing

Both tools work well. Lucidchart offers neat templates ready for sharing. EdrawMax lets you adjust layouts more deeply.

For Creative and Teaching Materials

EdrawMax provides hundreds of templates and a greater variety. Lucidchart includes basics but doesn’t offer much for creative formats.

What to Look For

What Adds Value

Quick Decision Table

Whether you lean toward Lucidchart’s live collaboration or EdrawMax’s all-in-one flexibility, choose the tool that fits your day-to-day workflow, not just your team size.