This Mac document management software is best for companies who outsource their work a lot and there are many remote users. All the features offered by this software are the ones which are suitable for businesses with moderate document management requirements.
Creation of an Index page, Exporting document as PDF, Sharing it over social media, Quick Edit, Toggle on/off comments and word count are some of the additional key features of Authorea that makes it one of the best tools for LaTeX editing right from the comforts of your web browser. But it also includes the option to password-protect your file, so even if that option isn’t available in the original file’s format, you can still get the additional protection. Don't forget that adding a multi-layered approach to security is the best method to secure files on your Mac.
File shredder programs are software tools that permanently delete files on your computer. As you may or may not know, deleting a file just hides it from the operating system. It isn't really gone until that same space is overwritten by something else.
This is exactly what a file shredder does — it overwrites selected files using a specified data sanitization method, ensuring that's it can never be un-deleted with a file recovery program.
See our How to Wipe a Hard Drive tutorial if you're interested in erasing an entirehard drive, a great step before selling or recycling a computer. While some of the tools below can do that, that tutorial and the programs listed in our free data destruction programs list are better suited for that task.
Below is an updated list of the very best completely free file shredder software tools:
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Eraser
Eraser is a very well designed file shredder program. As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the file shredder competition hands down. With Eraser, you can schedule file shredding with all the precision you'd expect with any scheduling tool.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data
Eraser works in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2008 and 2003.
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Securely File Shredder
Securely File Shredder is another file shredder program that installs really fast and works by drag and drop. You can add one or more files and folders to Securely File Shredder to completely obliterate them using any of the shredding methods listed here.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Schneier
In addition to the above, you can use Securely File Shredder to easily shred the contents of the Recycle Bin by clicking the appropriate button in the program.
Securely File Shredder works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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WipeFile
WipeFile is a portable file shredder program with some unique options and support for several data wipe methods.
Data Sanitization Methods: Bit Toggle, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NATO Standard, NAVSO P-5239-26, MS Cipher, Random Data, WipeFile, Write Zero
You can save the files and folders you have queued up so you can restore and remove them later. WipeFile can also overwrite data with custom text, write to a log file, and be setup to work with the 'Send to' context menu in Windows Explorer.
I tested the most recent version of WipeFile in Windows 10, but it should also work in older versions too like Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
WipeFile downloads in the 7Z format, so you'll need 7-Zip or another free file extractor program to open it.
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Freeraser
Freeraser is incredibly easy to use. Much like Securely File Shredder from above, it places a Recycle Bin-like icon on your desktop that you can use for a file shredder. Just drag a file or group of files to the bin and they'll be forever erased from your computer.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
When running the Freeraser setup file, you can choose to install it like a standard program or run it like a portable one, which means the files will install to a folder that you can use on a removable drive.
You can use Freeraser in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
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Secure Eraser
Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as a file shredder program but also a registry cleaner.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, VSITR
The easiest way to use Secure Eraser is to simply drag and drop files and folders into the program. They'll automatically show up and you can just click Start deletion to choose a method from above and start shredding. You can also add data from the right-click context menu.
An option is available to exit the program, reboot the computer, or shutdown the computer when the file shredding is finished.
Note
Secure Eraser attempts to install another program during setup that you must deselect if you don't want it.
Versions of Windows that can use Secure Eraser includes Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003.
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TweakNow SecureDelete
If you're looking for an easy to use and stylish file shredder program, TweakNow SecureDelete has you covered. The buttons are simple to understand and the options are easily accessible.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
Browse for files and folders to add to the program or simply drag and drop them. The shredding method is simple to change and you can choose a custom number of passes before shredding anything.
Important
One thing that can be confusing about TweakNow SecureDelete is that there are two buttons with similar names: 'Remove' and 'Delete.' The 'Remove' button simply clears the file/folder from the application window without deleting the actual data. The 'Delete' button does the actual deleting and should be clicked when you’re ready to shred the data.
TweakNow SecureDelete works with Windows XP up through Windows 10.
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Hard Disk Scrubber
Shredding files with Hard Disk Scrubber is as easy as choosing the Add Files or Add Folder button and then clicking Scrub Files.
Data Sanitization Methods: AFSSI-5020, DoD 5220.22-M, and Random Data
In addition to the above, Hard Disk Scrubber lets you create your own custom wipe pattern, such as writing specific characters over files.
Hard Disk Scrubber is a file shredder program that runs in Windows 2000 and newer versions of Windows.
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BitKiller
BitKiller is a super simple portable file shredder program. Just add specific files and folders to the queue, or drag and drop them there, and choose any of the supported methods from below to securely erase them from the hard drive.
There aren't any extra buttons that are hard to understand and there are absolutely zero settings aside from those you can see on the left side of the program.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zer
Something I don't like about BitKiller is that once you've begun the process of shredding files, while there is a cancel button, you're unable to click it.
BitKiller can shred files in all versions of Windows including Windows 10.
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Free File Shredder
Another easy to use file shredder program is called Free File Shredder. It supports drag and drop and you can delete one folder at a time or choose to remove multiple files at once.
You can also use Free File Shredder to securely empty the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
When using the wizard, you can choose to not delete subfolders, not to remove files in subfolders, as well as to skip removing folders altogether and just delete files.
Unfortunately, Free File Shredder tries to install other software during setup that has nothing to do with the file shredder.
Free File Shredder works in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
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Moo0 File Shredder
Similar to a couple programs from above, Moo0 File Shredder is yet another easy to use file shredder program that resembles the Recycle Bin, like removing multiple files and folders at once by dragging them into the program window.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
You can configure Moo0 File Shredder to sit on top of every other window so you can always have instant access to securely delete files. Also, the confirmation prompt can be disabled so you can delete files just that much quicker.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003 users can install Moo0 File Shredder.
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PrivaZer
PrivaZer is a PC cleaner that includes file shredding capabilities to securely delete files and folders.
Data Sanitization Methods:AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, IREC (IRIG) 106, NAVSO P-5239-26, NISPOMSUP Chapter 8 Section 8-501, NSA Manual 130-2, Write Zero
Right-click context menu integration is permitted and, as you can see above, there are a few unique wiping methods you won't find in many of the other programs listed here.
Because PrivaZer can do many other privacy cleaning tasks like deleting old files and erasing Internet activity traces, it can be a confusing process to use just the file shredding features.
Users of Windows 10 through Windows XP can use PrivaZer.
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PC Shredder
PC Shredder is a small, portable file shredder program that's really easy to use. Just browse for a single file or a whole folder to gather a list of things to shred.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
I like that PC Shredder is portable and has a simple interface. It takes up less than 300 KB, which is great for storing on a flash drive.
PC Shredder is said to work on only Windows Vista and XP, but I used it in Windows 10, 8, and 7 without any issues.
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Hardwipe
Hardwipe isn't as easy to use as the above file shredder programs, but it supports a variety of data sanitization methods and can power off or logoff when it's finished deleting files.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
A couple things I don't like is that you can only shred one folder at a time and a small advertisement is always displayed in the program, but it’s not too intrusive.
Hardwipe works with all the most recent versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.
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File Shredder
File Shredder is a really easy to use as it supports drag and drop and also works by right-clicking on files/folders to instantly start the removal process from anywhere without first opening the program.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
If using the right-click context menu, you can choose to securely delete the files or simply to add them to the queue to remove later.
I tested File Shredder in Windows 10 and Windows 7 without any issues. It also works with Windows 8, Vista, XP, 2000, and Windows Server 2008.
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Super File Shredder
Super File Shredder is another file shredder program that's intuitive and quite easy to use.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
Just drag and drop files or folders into Super File Shredder and then click Start to shred them. You can also shred files from the right-click context menu.
Choose a different sanitization method from the settings.
Super File Shredder works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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Delete Files Permanently
Delete Files Permanently is a free file shredder program that supports more methods of sanitization than most of the other programs in this list, and you can even add custom data wiping schemes from the settings.
Data Sanitization Methods:AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, HMG IS5, NAVSO P-5239-26, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, Schneier, VSITR, Write Zero
There are options in the settings to protect the program with a password and run it in an invisible mode when shredding files.
Unfortunately, Delete Files Permanently only supports shredding individual files and not entire folders like most of the other programs in this list.
Delete Files Permanently works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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WinUtilities File Shredder
WinUtilities is a program suite that includes several system cleaning and optimization programs, like DiskDefrag. Another free tool is a file shredder.
You can shred multiple files and folders at once with WinUtilities File Shredder and even drag and drop them into the program to do so.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NCSC-TG-025, Write Zero
You can also use WinUtilities File Shredder to shred all the files in the Recycle Bin.
The file shredder in WinUtilities can be found in the Modules > Privacy & Security section.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP (32-bit and 64-bit versions) are the supported operating systems.
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XT File Shredder Lizard
XT File Shredder Lizard is another free file shredder. You can add multiple files at once to the queue to be shredded as well as entire folders. You can also easily shred the files that are in the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
The only thing I don't like about XT File Shredder Lizard is that the interface is a bit outdated, which makes it a little strange to work with.
XT File Shredder Lizard works in newer versions of Windows like Windows 10 and 8, but also older ones like Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
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Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free Free is a program with many individual tools you can use to optimize your PC, with one of the tools being a file shredder called File Wiper.
If you're erasing files, you can drag and drop multiples into the program at once and then shred them all. You can import the contents of multiple folders, too, and even securely erase the Recycle Bin's contents.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
This program's free file shredder tool can be opened from the home screen. Select Main menu from the top-right corner, and then choose File Wiper.
I tested the most recent version of Windows 10 but it also works in Windows 8 and Windows 7.
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Advanced SystemCare's File Shredder
Advanced SystemCare (a system optimizer program) includes a file shredder program called IObit File Shredder.
You can either drag and drop multiple files into the program window or select a single folder to shred. You can also erase files from the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
The deletion operations of any of the above wipe methods can optionally be repeated up to 99 times for a more thorough clean.
IObit File Shredder is found in ASC's Toolbox > Security & Repair section.
You can install Advanced SystemCare in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
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Remo File Eraser
Remo File Eraser is easy to use file shredder that not only lets you securely remove multiple files and folders at once but also schedule the removal of anything you wish on a one-time, daily, or weekly basis.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
Remo File Eraser also lets you empty the Recycle Bin using any of the above sanitization methods.
One thing I don't like about Remo File Eraser is that while several wipe methods are shown in the settings, you can only choose the three from above in this free version. Also, you can't create more than one schedule.
I tested Remo File Eraser in Windows 8 and Windows XP, so it should work in other versions of Windows too, like Windows 10 and Windows 7.
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SS Data Eraser
Another free file shredder program is SS Data Eraser. It's extremely easy to use because it has only a few buttons, installs quickly, and lets you erase files and folders via drag and drop as well as from the right-click context menu.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data
A tiny portable version of SS Data Eraser is also available from the download page.
It hasn't been updated since 2007, but SS Data Eraser still seems to work just fine in Windows 10 and Windows 7, so it should work on other Windows versions as well.
SS Data Eraser, unfortunately, doesn't provide any type of confirmation prompt before shredding data.
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Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is a software suite with lots of tools, such as a file shredder, a registry cleaner, a defrag program (Disk SpeedUp), and many others. The file shredder portion of the program is in Advanced Tools > Privacy & Security.
Just drag and drop files and folders into the program window or use the buttons to browse for them. You can also right-click files or folders in File/Windows Explorer and choose Wipe with Glary Utilities to send them to the file shredder program.
Though probably not necessary, you can repeat the data wipe method up to 10 times for a more thorough clean.
Glary Utilities can also write over the free space of an entire hard drive, which is useful for ensuring files you're already deleted are truly irrecoverable.
All versions of Windows should be able to run Glary Utilities.
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AbsoluteShield File Shredder
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is another very simple file shredder tool. You can delete multiple files at once, as well as any number of folders.
Instead of using the program to add files to the queue, you can also quickly send files and folders to AbsoluteShield File Shredder using the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.
The shredding method can be changed from the Action menu.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is said to work in Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. I tested the most recent version in both Windows 10 and Windows XP without any problems.
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DP Secure WIPER (DPWipe)
DP Secure WIPER (DPWipe) is a small portable file shredder that works by dragging and dropping a single file or folder onto the program and clicking Start wiping to completely erase the files.
Free Snipping Tool For Mac
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
In addition to the above, you can also set DPWipe to erase files using no special method, which results in a simple, non-secure normal delete.
One thing I don't like about DPWipe is that you can't delete more than one file at once unless they're in a folder.
I tested DPWipe in Windows 10 and Windows XP without any issues.
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DeleteOnClick
There are many easy-to-use file shredders in this list but DeleteOnClick may be the easiest of all. There are no buttons, no menus, and no settings at all because there is no interface to the program.
Use DeleteOnClick by right-clicking one or more files or folders and then choosing Securely Delete from the context menu.
DeleteOnClick only supports one data wipe method, so it's not nearly as advanced as most of these other file shredders. Also, there is no confirmation when you choose to remove files, which means it's possible you could accidentally erase files you meant to keep.
Note
To avoid installing a trial version of DeleteOnClick, be sure to choose the download link from the section on the right called 'DeleteOnClick Freeware Version.'
This program can be used on Windows 2000 up through Windows 10.
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ProtectStar Data Shredder
Though no longer being updated by its developers, ProtectStar Data Shredder is a free file shredder that supports erasing both files and folders, even from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.
Prompts to buy the professional version are sometimes shown, but you can easily click USE FREEWARE to bypass them.
I successfully used ProtectStar Data Shredder in Windows 10, 7, and XP.
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Wise Care 365
![For For](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126127960/985994208.jpg)
Wise Care 365 is a system optimizer program that includes over 10 tools for optimizing a computer, one of which is a file shredder for protecting privacy.
The file shredder is located in the Privacy Protector section of the program. Just load one or more files and folders using the Add button and click Shred to immediately start the process.
You can also shred files from Windows Explorer by right-clicking and choosing Shred file/folder.
A portable version is also available from within the installable version.
Wise Care 365 can also completely remove deleted files by overwriting them with more secure sanitization methods than the file shredder. This tool is called Disk Eraser.
Wise Care 365 works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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System Mechanic Free
System Mechanic Free is a suite of several programs, such as a registry cleaner, defrag program, and a file shredder.
Just drag and drop any file or folder you wish to remove, walk through the wizard to select how many times to overwrite the data (1-10 times), and then click the Incinerate Now button to start.
You must enter your email address during setup to get a free activation key required to make System Mechanic Free work.
Open the file shredder program from Toolbox > Individual Tools > Ensure Personal Privacy > Incinerator > Securely Delete Files > Start.
System Mechanic shreds files and folders in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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ToolWiz Care
Similar to System Mechanic Free, the file shredder in ToolWiz Care is part of a whole suite of other programs. You can find the File Shredder portion under the Tools > Basic Tools section.
Choose the Add Files or Add Folder/Drive button to load multiple files or a single folder at once. Files and folders will be added to the queue, after which you can click Erase File/Folder to securely delete the data.
The data wipe method can run up to 16 times for greater privacy.
During setup, choose Run without installing instead of Install now to run ToolWiz Care as a portable program.
I used ToolWiz Care in Windows 10 and Windows XP, so it should work with other versions too.
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Baidu PC Faster
Baidu PC Faster is a system optimizer that includes a file shredder. To use it, go to ToolBox (top right corner) and then File Shredder, drag and drop one or more files into the window, and click Shred Now.
The data wipe method can be ran three times by selecting the Triple Shred option.
Something unique about the Baidu PC Faster file shredder is that it keeps a history of the files you've shredded. You, of course, can't restore these files, so it serves more as an informative list that you can clear at any time.
Baidu Antivirus also includes a file shredder but it works from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer. This makes it even easier to shred files and folders.
Both Baidu PC Faster and Baidu Antivirus can run on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
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Blank And Secure
This is a completely portable file shredder that's really small in size and supports the most basic wipe method using drag and drop.
Blank And Secure has a simple interface that lets you shred files and folders and then automatically close. There's also an option to delay deleting files for 1-5 seconds, the ability to shred data from the Windows Explorer context menu, and an option to run the write zero erase method up to 35 times.
Another feature in Blank And Secure is the ability to write the free space of a folder with zeros, great for scrubbing files that you've previously deleted in the normal fashion.
Download Tools For Mac
A progress bar helps determine how much time has elapsed as well as how long until the whole process will complete.
There are two download versions available for Blank and Secure. See How To Tell If You Have Windows 64-bit or 32-bit to know if you should select the 'x64' link on the download page.
Black And Secure securely deletes files from Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP computers.
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SDelete
SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is a command-line based file shredder that can be run from the Command Prompt.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete does not utilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
There are several drawbacks to using SDelete and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. I suggest using any of these other file shredder programs before trying SDelete.
SDelete runs on Windows operating systems that are Windows 2000 and newer, as well as Windows Server versions that are Server 2003 and newer.
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Simple File Shredder
Just as it would seem, Simple File Shredder is a pretty simple file shredder, though it's also a bit unique from some of the others on this list.
You can password protect the whole program, enable Windows context menu integration, and drag and drop files to set them up for deletion. You can also add custom files and folders to System Shredder and then delete those files quickly at any time from the toolbar.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
If you choose the Random Data to wipe method, you can choose how many times (1-3) you want the data overwritten.
I was only able to get Simple File Shredder to work while using Windows XP.
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CyberShredder
CyberShredder is a tiny file shredder program that opens quickly and works a bit like the Recycle Bin. You can drag and drop files and folders into the open program so CyberShredder will immediately start shredding them.
Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data, Schneier, Write Zero
You can change the sanitization method from the menu, as well as some other settings like showing a confirmation before deleting files.
There's a portable version and a regular installer available from their download page.
I was able to get CyberShredder to shred files in Windows 8 but not Windows 10. It should also work with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
Although Microsoft has never released Visio for Mac 2019, the good news is there are some superb alternatives that can do everything Visio can on a Mac – and more.
In fact in some cases, we think the software featured here are even better than Microsoft’s product when it comes to visual communication and collaboration.
Most are certainly easier to use and in almost every case, are more cost-effective than Visio Pro which currently costs $589.99.
There’s no need to say goodbye to your precious Visio diagrams and stencils either.
All of the tools here can import and export MS Visio files althoughonly SmartDraw can export to the latest Visio 2016 VSDX format.
So whether you’re a Project Manager or Business Analysis that needs to visualize processes better, a Site Engineer that wants to easily draw floor plans or an HR Manager trying to make an org chart on a Mac you’ll find something here to solve your diagramming needs.
Note that if you’re a Project Manager looking for a replacement for MS Project which also doesn’t exist on Mac, you may also find our guide to the best Microsoft Project alternatives for Mac useful too.
Here then are the best Visio alternatives for Mac users in order of ranking.
1. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is easily the most powerful yet easy to use alternative to Microsoft Visio on a Mac.
The best thing about SmartDraw is that it does everything that Visio can but makes it far simpler and faster.
It’s been designed specifically to rival Visio (rather than just an all-purpose diagram tool like many others) and this is clear in the little touches that make it stand-out from the crowd.
For example, it’s the only alternative to Visio that can both import and export to the latest Visio 2016 VSDX format.
This is absolutely crucial if you need to work on diagrams with Visio based colleagues or Windows users.
The same goes for Visio stencils.
If you have hundreds of Visio stencils that you don’t want to say goodbye to, you can just import VSD and VSDX Visio stencils into SmartDraw and keep using them.
The results of importing and exporting Visio files into SmartDraw are generally very impressive as you can see below.
The interface of SmartDraw will feel familiar to anyone that’s ever used Visio but its far more user-friendly with a slick design that looks great on macOS.
One area where SmartDraw even blows Visio out of the water is in templates and objects.
There are more than 4,500 diagram templates in SmartDraw compared to little more than 100 in Visio.
These cover almost every conceivable need from flowcharts, org-charts and floorplans to topics as diverse electrical layouts and crime scene reconstructions.
The time you save by being able to instantly dive in and edit these ready-made templates means it takes significantly less time to create diagrams in SmartDraw compared to Visio.
The same goes for the toolset which has more than 34,000 symbols compared to around 1,800 in Visio 2016.
They look better too because they’re in high quality crisp SVG vector format.
One of the biggest advantages SmartDraw has over Visio is the Smart Formatting and auto-diagramming features.
SmartDraw automatically re-balances diagrams and layouts so when you change connectors and move things around, it adjusts things for you to keep things tidy.
This makes a big difference compared to Visio where you have to do a lot more painstaking and tedious manual adjustment of swimlanes, text wrapping, shapes and other diagram elements.
SmartDraw also recognizes that there’s a lot of Project Managers and Business Analysts out there making the switch from Visio need both a visual communication tool and project management tool on their Mac.
You can instantly turn SmartDraw Mind Maps into Gantt Charts and even send tasks to Trello where they are dynamically updated as task are completed.
This is a really slick touch to SmartDraw and we like the way changes made in one view, are instantly reflected in the other.
We also like the fact that SmartDraw doesn’t try to lock you into its own ecosystem and format.
If you want to share diagrams, you can easily can export files to Microsoft Office, PDF, SVG or PNG format.
Or if you just want to send someone a diagram online, you can send a URL of the diagram with customized permissions which allows anyone to view or edit it.
The same goes for Jira and Confluence. SmartDraw has plugins for both that allow you to create diagrams within Confluence for example without even opening SmartDraw.
This is another big plus over Visio which offers no official way of even viewing Visio diagrams in Confluence, never mind actually create diagrams in it.
Although there are other rivals to Visio that offer Confluence integration, SmartDraw has the best by some distance.
In summary, SmartDraw is a powerful alternative for anyone looking for Visio on a Mac.
It produces results as good as Visio but with considerably less effort and time.
You can get started now with SmartDraw for free to judge for yourself.
For a more detailed look, you can check out our in-depth SmartDraw review.
You can also see how SmartDraw vs Visio compare below.
SmartDraw vs Visio
SmartDraw | Visio | |
---|---|---|
Works on a Mac | ||
Works Online | Only some features | |
Visio Import & Export (VSD/VSDX) | ||
Import Visio Stencils | ||
Import AutoCAD | ||
Symbols | 34,000+ | 1,800+ |
Templates | 4,500+ | 100+ |
Mobile Support | ||
Firewall Protected | ||
Automatic Flowcharting | ||
Easy Sharing via URL | Limited | |
Automatic Swimlane | ||
Automatic Org Chart Formatting | ||
Automatic Project Charts | ||
Automatic Mind Maps | ||
Automatic Decision Trees | ||
Automatic Cause and Effect Diagrams | ||
Automatic Genograms | ||
Real Time Collaboration | ||
G Suite Integration | ||
Confluence Support | ||
Microsoft Office Integration | ||
Trello Integration | ||
OneDrive Integration | ||
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box Support | ||
Build Class Diagrams from Data | Some support | |
Build ERD from data | ||
Build Sitemaps from Data | ||
Open API | ||
Shape Data | ||
Standard Engineering Scales | ||
Annotation Layer | Limited | |
Free Trial |
Pricing: Single Plans $9.95/month – $5.95/month for up to 5 users
2. OmniGraffle Pro
If online apps are not your thing, OmniGraffle is the closest thing to a native Mac desktop alternative to MS Visio.
OmniGraffle is designed specifically for Mac although it’s a more artistic design tool than Visio and it’s not as easy to use at SmartDraw.
However, once mastered OmniGraffle produces attractive, professional diagrams, user interfaces and wireframes that look better than anything possible in Visio.
It’s important to note from the start that although OmniGraffle can import Visio files, it can’t export files to the latest Visio VSDX format like SmartDraw can.
If you’re going to working alongside with PC based Visio colleagues, that will rule it out straight from the off.
OmniGraffle Pro can import all Visio formats (VSDX, VSD, VDX) fand Visio stencil files (VST, VTX, VSX and VSS).
Note that Visio import support is not available in the Standard Version of OmniGraffle ($99).
Although there’s aren’t so many stencils and templates included in OmniGraffle, it has a dedicated following of users that have created repositories of free OmniGraffle Stencils.
Diagrams created in OmniGraffle look better than those in Visio because it uses high quality vector graphics. There are more tools for illustrating diagrams in OmniGraffle meaning you can create some really eye-catching flowcharts.
OmniGraffle is also the only diagramming software on Mac that allows you to use the Touch Bar on new MacBook Pros.
This helps streamline your workflow and improve productivity without having to use the TouchPad or mouse all the time.
It also has a very good native iPad app OmniGraffle for iOS ($49) that supports the Apple Pencil and syncs with Mac via iCloud.
Finally, for Project Managers, OmniGraffle is fully integrated with project management tool OmniPlan from the same developer.
OmniPlan is also a powerful project management tool which makes a great replacement for Microsoft Project on Mac.
Overall, we really like OmniGraffle because it’s designed specifically for Mac with the needs of Mac users in mind.
It’s not as fast and easy to use as SmartDraw and it’s more expensive but if you want something desktop based rather than Cloud based, OmniGraffle is one of the best alternatives to Visio out there.
You can try OmniGraffle free for 7 days by downloading it from the Mac App Store.
If you decide not to upgrade to the Pro version, you can still keep OmniGraffle as a free desktop Visio viewer on your Mac.
You can also check out our full OmniGraffle review for more.
Pricing: OmniGraffle Standard ($99.99) / Professional ($199.99 – includes Visio import support)
3. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a powerful online diagramming software with strong team collaboration features and excellent integration with Microsoft Office.
While it’s not as slick as similar Cloud based solutions like SmartDraw and doesn’t come close to it in terms of templates, objects or graphics quality, it’s still one of the leading diagramming tools out there.
Lucidchart can import Visio files (although it can’t export to the latest Visio VSDX format).
You can also import Visio stencils in VSS or VSX format (although Visio templates in VST or VTX format are not supported).
One particularly nice touch is that Lucidchart tailors the interface and toolset according to your industry and needs such as engineering, flowcharting, UML diagramming etc.
Lucidchart really excels at multi user collaboration and allows you to chat with others inside the app, see revision changes, leave comments etc.
There are free Lucidchart plugins for JIRA, Confluence and Jive integration.
Lucidchart is very well-integrated with Microsoft Office 2016 so you can draw diagrams directly in Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
There’s also a handy Chrome plugin that allows you to draw diagrams offline.
Overall Lucidchart is an easy to use online diagramming tool ideal for team collaboration and those that need good integration with Microsoft Office.
For a more in-depth look at Lucidchart, check-out our full Lucidchart review.
You can also try a free trial of Lucidchart.
Pricing: $8.95+/month per user
4. ConceptDraw Diagram
ConceptDraw Diagram (formerly ConceptDraw Pro) is a cross-platform desktop alternative to Visio that works on both Mac and Windows PCs.
Firstly, it’s important to be aware that although it’s a decent diagramming tool, the Visio format compatibility in the Mac version is not great.
ConceptDraw Diagram claims to import Visio stencils in VSS format and Visio VSD/VDX (from Visio 2007-2010) but the reality is the formatting is a mess.
The same goes for ConceptDraw Diagram’s claim to export to Microsoft’s newer open XML file format VSDX used in Visio 2013 and 2016.
The VSDX import and export tool does not work well at all and certainly nowhere near as smoothly as with SmartDraw.
However, if Visio compatibility is not important to you, ConceptDraw Diagram does a better job of exporting diagrams to Microsoft Office and Evernote among other formats.
There are plenty of templates to get you going divided into different areas such as landscaping, engineering, management, science, flowcharts etc.
There’s also a rich collection of high quality vector objects, audiovisual clips, additional templates and tutorials in ConceptDraw Solution Park.
ConceptDraw Diagram allows you to create presentations and slideshows of your diagrams.
For Project Managers, it can be used alongside ConceptDraw Project which is a powerful project management software made by the same developer.
ConceptDraw Diagram is a viable option if you want something similar to Visio that works on both Mac and PC desktops.
You can try a free trial by signing up for a ConceptDraw account.
You can also check out our review of ConceptDraw Diagram For Mac.
Pricing: $199. Minor updates are free.
5. Gliffy
Gliffy is an extremely easy to use team focused Cloud diagram software that’s ideal for collaborating on UML, network diagrams and org charts.
Gliffy is actually divided into two tools, Gliffy Diagram and Gliffy Project. The latter is for integrating and sharing your diagrams with Atlassian products such as Jira and Confluence.
The biggest disadvantage of Gliffy is that although it can import Visio files, it can’t export to Visio which rules it out if you need to work alongside other Visio users.
Gliffy does however have a Chrome extension so although it’s Cloud based, you can create diagrams offline.
It also syncs with online storage solutions such as Google Drive and Dropbox directly from your desktop.
Gliffy’s WYSIWYG interface is based on HTML5 which means it’s fast and responsive.
It uses a drag-and-drop interface which makes it easy to add objects and connectors to your diagrams.
Gliffy is an excellent choice for teams as it has full revision histories for diagrams, private sharing and all users can leave comments on diagrams.
Sharing diagrams in Gliffy is also easy. If you want to share diagrams with a non Gliffy user, it generates a simple URL which can be shared on social media and other channels so anyone can view the diagram.
Gliffy allows you to export diagrams to Google Docs, presentations, web pages and most major image formats including JPG, PNG, PNG with transparent background and SVG.
There’s a good choice of real objects to illustrate diagrams with although there aren’t many templates to choose from.
If you just want a basic but easy online diagramming solution that imports Visio files, allows you to diagram offline and is suitable for teams, Gliffy is definitely worth checking out.
You can try Gliffy for free and test drive it for yourself. Be aware however that the free version of Gliffy makes your diagrams public so it’s definitely not suitable for confidential data such as network diagrams.
You can also check out our full review of Gliffy for more.
Pricing: Starts at $7.99/user per month
6. Creately
Creately is a lightweight, fast and cost-effective alternative to Visio. Creately is a lot simpler than Visio but you can create some pretty impressive diagrams, Venn diagrams, flowcharts and process flows with it.
Creately can import but not export to Visio VSDX format.
There are some neat touches in Creately like shared project libraries, a useful Google Image search tool and auto snapping of objects connectors.
Creately also integrates with Confluence, Jira and the G Suite Marketplace.
Creately has a Mac desktop client which allows you to draw offline and sync any changes when you go online again.
There are thousands of templates to choose from to get things done quickly.
You can create up to 5 diagrams for free in Creately before deciding whether it’s for you.
You can also read our review of Creately if you want to learn more.
Pricing: $5 a month or $49 per year for individual users.
7. Textografo
If you mainly use Visio for creating flowcharts then Textografo is a data input based alternative with a clean, minimalist interface.
Textografo claims that by automating diagrams, it’s the fastest diagram tool on the market although it takes some getting used to first.
Textografo doesn’t cater for all diagram formats but consists of a Flowchart Maker, Mindmap Maker, Decision Tree Maker, Organizational Chart Maker and a Sitemap Maker.
Textografo takes a data input approach to diagramming by automating diagrams based on the data you feed it.
Textografo is designed particularly with business processes in mind especially those in Process Analysis, Business Operations, Software Development, Sales & Marketing and Customer Service roles.
Instead of drawing flowcharts by dragging and dropping shapes, you have to “program” it in Textografo using hashtags and instructions in the left hand margin and Textografo draws it.
So for example, if you type “#decision” a decision box will appear in the diagram or type “#circle” and a circle appears.
This removes the need to constantly align, resize and connect elements and objects in flowcharts by automating much of the process for you via syntax.
However, as much as you’d sometimes like to, you can’t just drag and drop elements. Everything has to go through the Textografo syntax editor.
You also can’t import or export Visio files into Textografo.
In terms of pricing plans, Textografo Essentials is the basic version of Textografo and costs $4 per month but is limited to 5 private diagrams and 50 shapes per diagram.
You can use Textografo free for 7 days before you have to purchase a plan.
You can also read our full Textografo review for a more detailed look at it.
Pricing: Textografo Essential costs $8 per month (limited to 5 diagrams) and Premium $14 per month.
8. MyDraw
MyDraw (formerly known as Nevron Draw) is a budget desktop alternative to MS Visio.
If the interface of MyDraw looks familiar, that’s because it’s heavily inspired by Microsoft Office’s Ribbon UI used in all MS Office products.
Visio file format support is excellent in MyDraw including support for importing older VDX format and VSSX stencils too.
MyDraw can also import, edit and export Visio VSDX files (although the results aren’t great with any type of Visio file).
MyDraw can also import family tree diagrams in GEDCOM format used in genealogy software on Mac. Other export formats supported include PDF, AutoCAD’s DXF format and as high-resolution images.
MyDraw has a very large number of shapes and objects to choose from and uses a powerful formula based engine similar to Visio.
It also has automatic layout algorithms to speed things up when creating diagrams.
There are plenty of free templates for simple mind maps, network diagrams, floor plans, fish bone diagrams, work flows, UML diagrams and electrical diagrams.
If you like to draw diagrams on your iPad, MyDraw also supports the Apple Pencil and other graphics tablets that work with Macs.
MyDraw isn’t quite on the same level as Visio but if you’re on a really tight budget and want a Mac desktop solution, it’s definitely worth downloading the free trial.
You can also check out our full MyDraw review for more.
Pricing: Starts at $69.00
9. Edraw Max
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Edraw Max is a cheaper desktop alternative to Visio but with a strikingly similar interface.
There are a lot of similarities between Edraw and MyDraw, most notably that they’re both desktop apps plus they can both import and export Visio files.
In fact the Edraw Max UI is very closely modeled on Microsoft Visio’s ribbon interface – so close in fact that it’s actually hard to distinguish the difference at first glance.
Edraw supports high quality vector graphics allowing you to create eye-catching diagrams.
Edraw supports VDX as well as VSDX files although the exported results aren’t always great and may involve some manual adjustment depending on the complexity of the diagram.
Although there are only around 200 templates in Edraw Max, there’s enough there for basic flowcharts, org charts and brainstorming.
You can snap and connect shapes or objects easily and there’s enough to create basic Visio diagrams.
Overall, Edraw Max is an interesting option if you want something that looks like Visio, works on your Mac desktop but is considerably cheaper.
You can test it first with the fully functional free trial of Edraw Max.
You can also check out our full Edraw Max review for more.
Pricing: Perpetual License costs $179 with no upgrade costs for 3 years. Lifetime License costs $245 with no upgrade costs. Subscription costs $99 per year.
10. Ardoq
Finally, Ardoq is an Enterprise level, data input driven replacement for Visio which like Textografo, takes information you throw at it and then automatically generates Visio like flowcharts and diagrams.
It’s aimed particularly at Product or Project Managers as it calculates dependencies and can provide estimates of project timelines and completion dates.
Arqoq gives a good overview of complex workflows and systems so that they can get a better overview of knock-on effects and the interconnections between process flows.
It automatically translates complex data that you give it into useful flowcharts and diagrams. This means less time sketching flowcharts and process flows manually.
Diagrams dynamically update and change as you update the data that powers them such as via an Excel sheet or any other tool that has an API.
Although Ardoq doesn’t allow much manual adjustment of diagrams, there are templates that you can customize manually and a plugin editor to configure how Ardoq visualizes data.
Ardoq does not come cheap though. Because it’s aimed at corporate needs, pricing is only on request but even the basic Growth Plan will probably set you back around $999 per month.
You can request a free demo of Ardoq to see if it’s right for your organization.
You can also read our review of Ardoq for more.
Pricing: On request
Which Is The Best Visio Alternative For Mac?
SmartDraw is hard to beat as a powerful but far easier to use alternative to Visio.
Its been around longer than almost any other diagramming software and all that experience, features and user interface know-how has clearly gone into SmartDraw Online Edition (formerly SmartDraw Cloud) for Mac users.
Crucially, it’s the best alternative to Visio when it comes to importing and exporting VSDX files and if you’re going to be working with Visio based clients or colleagues, you should definitely look no further.
If you’re still unsure which is the right option for you, check out the comparison table of Visio for Mac alternatives below to see them head-to-head.
Visio For Mac Replacements Compared
SmartDraw | Lucidchart | OmniGraffle | ConceptDraw | Ardoq | Gliffy | MyDraw | Creately | Textografo | Edraw Max |
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Edits Visio Files | |||||||||
Export To Visio 2016 (VSDX) | |||||||||
Real Time Collaboration | |||||||||
Automated Diagramming | |||||||||
Confluence Support | |||||||||
Microsoft Office Integration | |||||||||
1000+ Templates | |||||||||
1000+ Symbols & Objects | |||||||||
Mobile Support | |||||||||
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Free Trial |
Is Visio Part Of Office 365 For Mac?
Microsoft Visio is not included in the Standard version of Office 365.
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However, Microsoft Visio Online is now available in commercial Office 365 subscriptions to both Mac and PC users but it only allows basic editing and viewing of Visio files and there are many limitations.
Visio Online is definitely not a replacement for Visio on Mac.
For example Visio Online lacks things such as shape data, you can’t edit hyperlinks in diagrams and there are annoying glitches like session timeouts if you leave the browser tab idle for more than a few minutes.
It also only works if you have saved the files in SharePoint Online or One Drive for Business – you can’t open Visio files that are saved locally on your Mac’s hard drive or sent to you via email.
Mac users can however leave comments for other users in diagrams and Visio Online is also integrated with Skype for Business for Mac so that stakeholders can discuss diagrams with others.
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For iPhone and iPad users, there is also Microsoft Visio Viewer for iOS.
Are There Any Free Alternatives To Visio On A Mac?
The simple answer is you won’t get anything for free that can compete with a complex enterprise product like Microsoft Visio.
However, there are some free alternatives to Visio that allow a certain amount of diagram making for free.
You will find however that there are strict limitations on them such as the number of diagrams, tools and files you can save.
They all use the free versions as gateways to encourage you to upgrade to the paid versions.
Is It Possible To Run Visio On A Mac?
Yes it is possible to run Visio on a Mac although we don’t recommend it as a solution as you can read here.
You can watch Visio running on a Mac below.
Why Is There No Mac Version Of Visio?
The main reason is the relatively small market share of Macs compared to PC.
The cost of dedicating a team of developers and engineers to creating and maintaining a macOS version of Visio is not considered economically viable by Microsoft.
Naturally, Microsoft also wants to keep its business users – which are the majority of Visio users – within the Windows ecosystem.
Is There A Google Version Of Visio?
There is no software made by Google that can compare with Microsoft Visio.
The closest thing available is Google Drawings which is free and allows you to draw very basic diagrams in your browser.
There’s also Google Sketchup but it’s a 3D modelling software mainly designed for doing CAD work on a Mac.
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We hope this article has helped you find a replacement for Visio on your Mac but if you have any suggestions, comments or experiences with the software featured here, let us know in the comments below.
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