One of the best applications suitable for the computer is drawing diagrams and flowcharts. Microsoft Visio is one of the more popular diagramming packages in the market. However, considering the cost ($259+) and my low budget, I like to seek alternatives.
Last month I found a free open source flow chart software package and decided to give it a try. If you want professional looking diagrams and flowcharts give Dia a try.
Dia is easy to use. Simply click on a symbol toolbar and drag and drop. Thats all there is too it.
Diagramming Libraries
Dia creates an assortment of different drawing libraries including:
- Flowchart
- UML
- Cisco Network
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil
- Database
- Electric
- ER
- Jigsaw
- Logic
- Network
- SDL
- Sybase
Custom Shapes
If you don't see the shape you want, you can always create custom shapes. Dia uses vector graphics based on the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) specification.
Dia Exports To Many File Formats
Dia can store diagram files in many different formats including:
- Cairo EMF/PNG/PS
- Computer Graphics Metafile CGM
- Drawing Interchange File DXF
- Encapsulated Postscript EPS
- Latex TEX
- PixBuf BMP, TIF, ICO,JPG,PNG
- Scaleable Vector Graphics SVG
- Visio VDX
- Windows Metafile WMF
Dia Printing
If you need to printout your diagrams you can do so. Dia will print out the entire canvas in multiple pages, allowing you to stitch them together.
Dia is Free
Dia is open source and cross platform. It runs on both Linux and Windows XP/Vista/7.
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