Tools Guide

Microsoft Visio

General-purpose diagramming tool. Familiar to Microsoft users.

www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/visio/flowchart-software

At a glance

Category
Diagramming & Whiteboard
Best for
Microsoft 365 users who need occasional process diagrams alongside other diagram types.
BPMN support
BPMN shapes available but no semantic validation or XML export
Collaboration
Co-authoring via SharePoint/OneDrive
Pricing
Plan 1: $5/user/month. Plan 2: $15/user/month.

Strengths

  • +Familiar interface for Microsoft users
  • +Many diagram types beyond BPMN
  • +Integrates with Microsoft 365
  • +Desktop and web versions

Limitations

  • -BPMN shapes are visual only, no semantic model
  • -Cannot export valid BPMN 2.0 XML
  • -No process landscapes or value chains
  • -No AI features
  • -Files get lost in SharePoint folders

Our take

The tool most organizations already have. Visio can draw BPMN shapes, but it does not understand BPMN. You cannot validate, simulate, or export your models. If you are serious about process work, you will outgrow Visio quickly.

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