The ConceptDraw Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about ConceptDraw in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
ConceptDraw
The Insider’s Guide
Desktop diagramming, mind mapping and project software
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among whiteboard and mind map tools, read from ConceptDraw’s own pages.
Made by CS Odessa Corp. · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from ConceptDraw’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on ConceptDraw’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
1.6
GPA, above 0 of the 61 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade
ConceptDraw is a family of desktop programs from CS Odessa: DIAGRAM for flowcharts and other business diagrams, MINDMAP for brainstorming and presentations, and PROJECT for schedules and Gantt charts. ConceptDraw OFFICE bundles the three. The programs run on Windows and macOS and are priced per license.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about ConceptDraw, taken from its own pages and our grades.
These are full desktop programs with a learning curve.
- 1
Best for desktop flowcharts and mind maps
It is not a live whiteboard, the pages do not say if the licence is one-off or renewing, and each product is a separate purchase.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $199 per license (ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18 or MINDMAP 16, 1 license).
- 3
You can try it first
Try It Free offered on the site; trial length is not stated on the pages read
- 4
It runs on 2 platforms
Windows and macOS.
- 5
Business diagramming
DIAGRAM makes flowcharts, network diagrams, org charts, business process diagrams, dashboards and floor plans.
- 6
Mind mapping
MINDMAP covers brainstorming, decision-making and knowledge organization, and prepares presentations from a map.
- 7
Project planning
PROJECT handles schedules, resources, Gantt charts, calendars and tracking.
- 8
A 1.6 GPA, above 0 of 61
That is against the other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
The plain part of ConceptDraw you could make: mind mapping and Gantt & timelines. What surrounds it you could not. The 3 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.
ConceptDraw at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $199 per license (ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18 or MINDMAP 16, 1 license)
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- Try It Free offered on the site; trial length is not stated on the pages read
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows
- Made by
- CS Odessa Corp.
- Category
- Whiteboards & Mind Maps
- Our grade
- 1.6 GPA, weak
The report card
Best for desktop flowcharts and mind maps
ConceptDraw sells separate Windows and Mac programs for diagrams, mind maps and project plans, from $199 a licence. It is not a live whiteboard, the pages do not say if the licence is one-off or renewing, and each product is a separate purchase.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | D | $199 a licence for DIAGRAM or MINDMAP, and $299 for PROJECT, against a category one-time middle of $20.99. The category's own price tool leaves it out because the page does not say what the price buys. |
| Free plan and trial | D | A free try is offered, but its length and card rules are not stated on the pages read. |
| Features | C | Flowcharts, network diagrams, org charts, mind maps and Gantt charts. The listing names gaps: no live multi-user board, and each product is bought separately. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating on record. These are full desktop programs with a learning curve. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Windows and Mac programs only, with a Visio file conversion service. No web, phone or Linux version is named. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who ConceptDraw is for
- Fits if you want desktop diagramming software installed on your own machine
- Works for people who need flowcharts, mind maps and Gantt charts from one vendor
Who it is not for
- Pricey if you are one person: $199 a licence is many times the category's usual one-time price
- Skip it if you want a live shared board, because none is described
- Skip it if you work on the web, a phone or Linux, as only Windows and Mac are listed
- Watch out: the page does not say whether a licence is one-time or renewing
- Watch out: DIAGRAM, MINDMAP and PROJECT are separate purchases, and the OFFICE bundle is $299, with a $499 figure shown beside it
Good to know
Good for
- Individual professionals who want desktop software rather than a browser whiteboard
- Users who need diagramming, mind maps and Gantt charts from one vendor
- Academic and nonprofit buyers, who have a separate price list
Worth knowing
- These are Windows and macOS desktop programs; the pages read name no web, mobile or Linux version.
- It is not a real-time whiteboard: the pages read describe no live multi-user board.
- The pricing page does not say whether a license is a one-time purchase or renews, and it lists a maintenance assurance with free upgrades to the next paid version.
- Each product is a separate purchase, priced per license.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$199
To start
ConceptDraw is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $199 per license (ConceptDraw DIAGRAM 18 or MINDMAP 16, 1 license).
The category's own price tool leaves it out because the page does not say what the price buys.
MINDMAP 16
$199
per license, 1 license (billing basis not stated)
Mind mapping for brainstorming, structuring ideas and preparing presentations. Cheaper per license for 5 or 10 licenses.
DIAGRAM 18
$199
per license, 1 license (billing basis not stated)
Flowcharts, process and network diagrams, floor plans, org charts and infographics. The site calls it the most popular product.
PROJECT 15
$299
per license, 1 license (billing basis not stated)
Project management with schedules, Gantt charts, calendars, resources and reporting.
OFFICE 11
$299
per license, 1 license (billing basis not stated)
Bundles DIAGRAM 18, PROJECT 15 and MINDMAP 16. The pricing page also shows a $499 figure beside it.
Trying it first
Try It Free offered on the site; trial length is not stated on the pages read
Read from my.conceptdraw.com on Nov 12, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Education
Academic and nonprofit pricing
The pricing page has an Academic/Nonprofit tab with lower prices, for example $99 for DIAGRAM 18 and $75 for MINDMAP 16 for one license.
Stated on my.conceptdraw.com
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
2
Places it runs: macOS and Windows
Desktop diagramming, mind mapping and project software. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: Gantt & timelines, mind mapping, diagrams, presentations.
Flowcharts, network diagrams, org charts, mind maps and Gantt charts.
- Business diagramming
- DIAGRAM makes flowcharts, network diagrams, org charts, business process diagrams, dashboards and floor plans.
- Mind mapping
- MINDMAP covers brainstorming, decision-making and knowledge organization, and prepares presentations from a map.
- Project planning
- PROJECT handles schedules, resources, Gantt charts, calendars and tracking.
- Solutions and samples
- The site offers free and premium solution libraries, a sample gallery and ConceptDraw STORE for downloading templates and libraries.
- Visio file conversion
- The support menu lists a Visio file conversion service.
- Multi-user licenses
- Licenses for 5 or 10 users are priced lower per seat and are administered locally, and academic and nonprofit prices are listed separately.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
ConceptDraw is made by CS Odessa Corp.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
0/61
Other whiteboard and mind map tools it is graded above
ConceptDraw's GPA of 1.6 is higher than 0 of the 61 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, and level with 1.
It stands best on features (C, above 0 of 61) and worst on value for money (D, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 62 whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. ConceptDraw’s own letter is outlined.
- DValue for moneyAbove 0 of 61
- DFree plan and trialAbove 1 of 61
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 61
- CEase of useAbove 0 of 61
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 61
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
The plain part of ConceptDraw you could make: mind mapping and Gantt & timelines. What surrounds it you could not. The 3 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 60 of the 61 other whiteboard and mind map tools grade higher.
What you could make
- Mind mapping and Gantt & timelines: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A diagram editor.
- A slide editor.
- A real app for macOS and Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. ConceptDraw’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
SmartDraw, MindManager, Visual Paradigm, Microsoft Visio and Xmind
The 5 tools ConceptDraw is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.2GPA
SmartDraw
Free trial · from $10.95/mo
Floor plans, scaled layouts and business diagrams in the browser.
- Only ConceptDraw lists Windows and macOS apps.
- Only SmartDraw lists a web app.
- ConceptDraw also covers Gantt & timelines and presentations.
- 2.2GPA
MindManager
Free trial · from $99/yr
Mind mapping and diagramming software with Gantt charts.
- Only MindManager lists a web app.
- Only MindManager lists iOS and Android apps.
- MindManager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.6GPA
Visual Paradigm
Free plan · from $6/mo
Desktop and online modeling suite for UML, BPMN and architecture.
- Visual Paradigm has a free plan. ConceptDraw does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Visual Paradigm lists a web app.
- Only Visual Paradigm lists a Linux app.
- 2.4GPA
Microsoft Visio
Free trial · from $5.00/mo
Diagramming software for flowcharts, org charts and floor plans.
- Only ConceptDraw lists a macOS app.
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a web app.
- Microsoft Visio can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 3.0GPA
Xmind
Free plan · from $4.92/mo
Mind mapping app with AI, Gantt charts and a presentation mode.
- Xmind has a free plan. ConceptDraw does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Xmind lists a web app.
- Only Xmind lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is ConceptDraw free?
No, ConceptDraw is a paid product, but you can try it first. Try It Free offered on the site; trial length is not stated on the pages read.
How much does ConceptDraw cost?
ConceptDraw lists 4 plans. MINDMAP 16: $199 per license, 1 license (billing basis not stated).
What platforms does ConceptDraw work on?
ConceptDraw is available on Windows and macOS.
Does ConceptDraw offer any discounts?
ConceptDraw publicly lists the following: Academic and nonprofit pricing.
Does ConceptDraw have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. ConceptDraw is listed for Windows and macOS.
Does ConceptDraw have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. ConceptDraw is listed for Windows and macOS.
Is ConceptDraw open source?
ConceptDraw is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 12, 2026.
Does ConceptDraw have a student discount?
Academic and nonprofit pricing. The pricing page has an Academic/Nonprofit tab with lower prices, for example $99 for DIAGRAM 18 and $75 for MINDMAP 16 for one license.
Who makes ConceptDraw?
ConceptDraw is made by CS Odessa Corp.
What are the alternatives to ConceptDraw?
The closest alternatives to ConceptDraw in our directory are SmartDraw, MindManager, Visual Paradigm, Microsoft Visio and Xmind.
How does ConceptDraw compare with other whiteboard and mind map tools?
ConceptDraw's GPA of 1.6 is higher than 0 of the 61 other whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, and level with 1.
Could I make my own version of ConceptDraw?
The plain part of ConceptDraw you could make: mind mapping and Gantt & timelines.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from ConceptDraw’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from ConceptDraw's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by CS Odessa Corp. Prices change, so check conceptdraw.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- ConceptDraw, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/conceptdraw
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "ConceptDraw: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/conceptdraw
Know someone choosing between whiteboard and mind map tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/conceptdraw/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded whiteboard and mind map tools after ConceptDraw, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Whiteboards & Mind Maps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 62 whiteboard and mind map tools we grade, compared
- Microsoft Whiteboard Insider's GuideFree collaborative canvas built into Microsoft 365 and Teams3.4 GPA
- draw.io Insider's GuideFree diagram editor that saves files to storage you choose3.2 GPA
- tldraw Insider's GuideFree online whiteboard with a local desktop app3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what ConceptDraw’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. ConceptDraw is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by CS Odessa Corp. Prices and plans change: check conceptdraw.com before you buy.