The 5 Best Process Flow Diagram Software
A process flow diagram(PFD) is a diagram of an industrial plant or any of its equipment displaying all significant components and their relations with each other to produce good machinery. Since a PFD could be quite complex in some instances, many engineers prefer using process flow diagram software that already has almost all the required icons and symbols to represent various elements the equipment is composed of. Even though mostly used in industries, a PFD can sometimes be helpful in other domains as well.
List of the Best Process Flow Diagram Software
As mentioned above, since drawing a PFD could be extremely challenging at times, especially when a piece of equipment is sophisticated and comprises several components, most professionals prefer using an efficient computer program to expedite and simplify their diagramming tasks. That said, listed below are the five best process flow diagram software that can help you create perplexing PFDs within a couple of minutes with ease:
1. EdrawMax
The first process flow diagram software on the list that is both low in price and easy to work with is EdrawMax. This tool is available for almost all major platforms, along with a web version that can be accessed using any of your favorite web browsers regardless of the operating system, as long as you have an active internet connection. The paid version of the web-based version gives you access to all the sophisticated templates and the ability to work on multiple documents at a time.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web-based
Price: Free to use/USD 245.00 for Lifetime Plan/USD 99.00 for Annual Plan.
EdrawMax DesktopEdrawMax Online2. Visual Paradigm
One of the most popular diagramming tools that also allows you to create PFDs with ease, Visual Paradigm comes with both perpetual and subscription plans. Available for all major platforms, the Community Edition and online version of this process flow diagram software have limited options, but can be used for free.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based
Price: Maximum (Enterprise) USD 1999.00 and USD 1068.00 Annual Subscription
3. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is another diagramming tool that is available for both PC and web-browsers. In addition to helping you prepare simple to complex PFDs, this process flow diagram software also has several other categories like Data Flow Diagram (DFD), Floor Plan, Flow Chart, Organizational Chart, Project Management, Invoicing, and much more.
Supported Platforms: Windows and Web-based
Price: Single User License (USD 297.00)
4. Lucidchart
One of the most popular process flow diagram software applications, Lucidchart is used by many giants of their respective industries such as Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. With the ability to create infographics and PFDs for almost every category, this diagramming tool makes the drawing process extremely simple with the least computer hardware resource consumption.
Supported Platforms: Mobile and Web-based
Price: On-demand
5. Microsoft Visio
A product that comes with Office 365 and is also available as an offline program, Visio is backed up by Microsoft brand, and that is why it is considered to be an efficient process flow diagram software for both scholars and professional engineers. Because of the typical vendor, Visio can easily integrate with other MS Office products and enables you to come up with detailed and yet formatted reports in comparatively less time.
Supported Platforms: Windows and Web-based
Price: Professional USD 530.00 and USD 15.00 Per User Per Month
Pick up the Perfect PFD Software
Although you can choose any of the process flow diagram software discussed above, taking all the details into account, EdrawMax seems to be the best among all. Not only is the program available for all the major platforms, but it can also be accessed via a web browser. Furthermore, the free version of web-based EdrawMax even lets you create create complex PFDs and other charts with unrestricted access to symbol libraries of different categories.
EdrawMax
All-in-One Diagram Software
- Superior file compatibility: Import and export drawings to various file formats, such as Visio
- Cross-platform supported (Windows, Mac, Linux, Web)
