Open source diagram tools

The Industrial Engineer often needs to explain a process flow, project diagram, or simple layouts. No one can replace the simple pencil and paper sketches but the computer has bridged the gap from an idea concept to professional presentation.

There are many Open Source computer aided diagramming tools available for the Industrial Engineer. Here is a list of diagramming tools that you can add to your tool bag free of cost.

Dia - excellent drawing program with strong community support. Available on Linux and Windows.

Kivio - the KOffice version of a drawing, flowcharting, and diagramming application.

OpenOffice Draw - integrated with the OpenOffice software suite. This diagramming tool is very easy to use.

There are even browser based, server-side applications that you can find on the internet. All you need is a computer with an internet connection and a decent web browser such as Firefox, Opera, or Chrome. These web based diagramming tools include the following.

Draw Anywhere

Gliffy