Diagrams.net vs Google Drawings

2020. Draw.io's open source diagramming is moving to diagrams.net



The widely used open-source diagramming web application, Draw.io, is undergoing a domain name transition, shifting away from its well-known .io domain to Diagrams.net. This change is motivated by the need to enhance security and uphold ethical practices. The decision to migrate stems from a security issue associated with .io top-level domains, compounded by a lack of communication from the domain administrator in addressing the matter. The absence of communication has eroded the trust of the diagrams.net development team in the .io TLD administrator. The transition process from Draw.io to diagrams.net will be gradual and extend throughout the entire year of 2020. During this transition period, the Draw.io domain will continue to host the diagramming web application without any redirections until the migration is fully completed.


2019. Google Drawings can now be embedded into Google Docs and easily updated



Google Drawings is set to enhance its integration with Google Docs by introducing a direct and dynamically updating embed feature. Currently, users need to manually create a new drawing from the Google Docs insert menu, which opens a separate window for editing. Once completed, users can insert the drawing into the document. However, the upcoming integration streamlines this process. In the "Insert" menu, under "Drawing," a new option called "From Drive" will be available. Selecting this option opens a Drive file picker, allowing users to choose an existing Drawings file to embed. Once embedded, the drawing remains linked to the document, enabling users to update it automatically whenever changes are made to the source file. Additionally, users can choose to unlink the embedded drawing to make further customizations and edits that won't affect the original version.


2018. draw.io allows to automatically create diagrams from CSV files



Various departments and professionals within companies often deal with data presented in tables or spreadsheets, and converting that data into diagrams can enhance comprehension. Importing data into draw.io for visual representation is now a straightforward process. In this format, each row corresponds to a shape, while the columns contain the respective data for those shapes. It is important to note that not all columns are used as data within the diagram; some serve as instructions for shape formatting or act as identifiers for drawing connectors between shapes. Additionally, draw.io allows you to customize the formatting of the shapes according to your preferences.


2017. draw.io is now available as a Trello Power-Up



Now, keeping related draw.io diagrams alongside Trello tasks has become significantly easier. Instead of relying on shared folders, cloud file services, or cumbersome email exchanges, you can now embed one or multiple diagrams directly into any Trello card. This seamless integration allows for more efficient collaboration with your team. With draw.io, you have the flexibility to create various types of diagrams, including flowcharts, BPMN diagrams, mockups, wireframes, UML and ER diagrams, floor plans, electrical circuits, infographics, and more. The platform offers an extensive shape library, robust tools for importing diagrams in different formats, and securely stores all data within Trello.


2010. Google Docs adds Visio killer, collaborative editing in Google Wave style



When Microsoft demoed the Office Web Apps, we noted that nobody knows what will Google Docs look like when Office 2010 finally launch. MS Office Web will appear at least in 2 months and this question is still relevant. While Microsoft is fixing bugs in its web office, Google is constantly improving Docs. The new version of Google Docs features the significantly improved collaborative editing technology. It has a sidebar, which displays a list of users who are editing or viewing the document right now. On the same panel is chat. Each user is assigned a color and you can watch in real-time how your co-workers edit document (like in Google Wave or Etherpad). Moreover, this technology works in text documents and spreadsheets, and in the new Google Drawings. ***