# Draw.io vs Pencil Comparison
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## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that **Draw.io** excels in user satisfaction, boasting a higher overall rating compared to **Pencil**. Users appreciate its simplicity and powerful diagramming features, which allow for the creation of everything from simple flowcharts to detailed system diagrams without feeling overwhelmed.
- **According to verified reviews** , **Pencil** is recognized as a great tool for beginners, offering a free and open-source platform that is quick and easy to use. However, some users mention challenges with smooth drawing, even with graphics tablets, which may limit its appeal for more advanced users.
- **Users say** that **Draw.io** provides a seamless web-based experience, eliminating the need for installation and allowing for easy access across devices. The autosaving feature is highlighted as a significant advantage, ensuring that users don’t lose their work.
- **Reviewers mention** that **Pencil** offers a variety of premade controls that make layout design straightforward, but its limited library may not meet the needs of users looking for extensive customization options.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that **Draw.io** has a robust template library that helps users organize and structure their ideas quickly, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to visualize complex concepts efficiently.
- **According to recent feedback** , **Pencil** has a strong appeal for small businesses, with a significant portion of its user base coming from this segment. However, **Draw.io** also serves small businesses effectively, offering a more comprehensive feature set that may better support growth and scalability.



| | Draw.io | Pencil | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 446 | 20 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (49.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (65.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Draw.io

Pros:
- Ease of Use (22 reviews)
- Easy Creation (12 reviews)

Cons:
- Diagram Issues (4 reviews)
- Feature Complexity (3 reviews)

### Pencil

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Draw.io | Pencil | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (384 reviews) | 8.1 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.8 (388 reviews) | 8.5 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.2 (97 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (233 reviews) | 6.9 (6 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.4 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (374 reviews) | 5.9 (20 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Draw.io

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Pencil

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available


---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Diagramming Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/diagramming)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Draw.io | Pencil | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 49.9% | 65.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 27.1% | 25.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 23.0% | 10.0% | 

### By Industry

#### Draw.io

- **Computer Software:** 16.1%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 15.4%
- **Design:** 5.1%
- **Higher Education:** 3.7%
- **Education Management:** 3.5%
- **Internet:** 3.5%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 3.0%
- **Leisure, Travel &amp; Tourism:** 2.8%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.5%
- **Financial Services:** 2.3%
- **Other:** 42.2%

#### Pencil

- **Information Technology and Services:** 30.0%
- **Computer Software:** 20.0%
- **Internet:** 15.0%
- **Design:** 10.0%
- **Program Development:** 5.0%
- **Online Media:** 5.0%
- **Management Consulting:** 5.0%
- **Legal Services:** 5.0%
- **Graphic Design:** 5.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Draw.io

- [Miro](https://www.g2.com/products/miro/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13005 reviews)
- [Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/lucid-software-inc-lucid-visual-collaboration-suite/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (8636 reviews)
- [Mural](https://www.g2.com/products/mural/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1458 reviews)
- [Creately](https://www.g2.com/products/creately/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1378 reviews)
- [Sketch](https://www.g2.com/products/sketch/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1226 reviews)
- [Visio](https://www.g2.com/products/visio/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (680 reviews)
- [SmartDraw](https://www.g2.com/products/smartdraw/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (378 reviews)
- [Cacoo](https://www.g2.com/products/cacoo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (234 reviews)
- [Gliffy](https://www.g2.com/products/gliffy/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (222 reviews)
- [Whimsical](https://www.g2.com/products/whimsical/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (189 reviews)

### Alternatives to Pencil

- [Visio](https://www.g2.com/products/visio/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (680 reviews)
- [Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/lucid-software-inc-lucid-visual-collaboration-suite/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (8636 reviews)
- [Moqups](https://www.g2.com/products/moqups/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (91 reviews)
- [Sketch](https://www.g2.com/products/sketch/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1226 reviews)
- [Gliffy](https://www.g2.com/products/gliffy/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (222 reviews)
- [Miro](https://www.g2.com/products/miro/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13005 reviews)
- [Creately](https://www.g2.com/products/creately/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1378 reviews)
- [SketchWow](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchwow/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (353 reviews)
- [Mural](https://www.g2.com/products/mural/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1458 reviews)
- [FigJam](https://www.g2.com/products/fig-jam/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (462 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Draw.io

- Title: [Can I trust draw io?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-trust-draw-io) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "yes! For sure it is a brilliant application for drawing and making various diagrams and flowcharts."
- Title: [Could the concurrence of people working on the same diagram be implemented?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/could-the-concurrence-of-people-working-on-the-same-diagram-be-implemented) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, It is workable by your entire team"
- Title: [Do you plan to create a offline tool?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/do-you-plan-to-create-a-offline-tool) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Happy to say this already exists.
From the &quot;Help&quot; menu, &quot;Download draw.io Desktop...&quot;"
- Title: [Some time it automaticaly stoped responding even it is connected to network.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12756-some-time-it-automaticaly-stoped-responding-even-it-is-connected-to-network) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi,
On the upper part where says &quot;Help&quot; there is an option to turn on the &quot;Work Offline&quot; option, when you clic it explains how to use the offline..."
- Title: [What is Draw.io used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-draw-io-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Diagramming and whiteboarding"

### Pencil

No discussions available for this product.

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**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/draw-io-vs-pencil)

