Grapholite vs Visio: making the optimal choice

In the article Grapholite as alternative to Visio we've shown that Grapholite is a worthy competitor to Visio. Both applications have their pros and cons, and it's not obvious how to make the best choice. In order to facilitate this, we have created a decision making flowchart.

It represents an algorithm based on the following facts:

• Grapholite is well designed to draw Flowcharts, UML Diagrams, various Business Diagrams.
• Grapholite has significantly richer set of elements to create professional-looking BPMN Diagrams.
• Visio is a winner in drawing Office Layouts, but Grapholite's Floor Plan stencils are usually enough.
• Visio has twice as many Business Diagram types as Grapholite has, but there are workarounds:
  • Use similar diagrams. E.g. Audit Diagram is practically a regular Flowchart, although some shapes have filled-in corners. In most cases it's OK to use it as is.
  • Also it's not difficult to complete such diagrams using available shapes.
  • Draw missing shapes "manually". Don't forget that Grapholite is a vector graphics editor.
• Visio is just a viewer on Tablet devices, Grapholite is a full-featured editor.
• Last (but not least): Grapholite costs 5-10 times less than Visio!

Color Legend:

•        Neutral; none of these programs has obvious advantages
•        Grapholite is a clear favorite
•        Visio is a clear favorite
•        Pay attention, think twice making the decision

You can click on image to enlarge