The editor
Is DrawDFD really free?
Yes. There are no paid plans, no sign-up and no watermark on exported images. The site is supported by ads on its information pages.
Do I need to install anything?
No. DrawDFD runs in any modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS.
How is my work saved?
The editor auto-saves your current diagram in your browser's local storage on your device. Nothing is uploaded. Click Save to download a .dfd.json file for backup or to continue on another device, and Import to load it. Import also accepts draw.io (.drawio / .xml) files, and you can drag a file straight onto the canvas.
Why did my diagram disappear?
Clearing browsing data, using a private window or switching browsers removes the auto-saved copy. Keep a saved file for anything important.
How do I draw an arrow between two shapes?
Hover over a shape until small dots appear on its edges, then drag from a dot onto another shape. Type the data name and press Enter.
Can I change the colours and font size?
Yes. Click an empty part of the canvas to change the theme, font and sizes for the whole diagram, or select a shape to style it on its own. Font sizes you choose are remembered for new shapes.
Which export formats are available?
Click Export for PNG, JPEG, WebP, SVG, PDF (fit to diagram or A4), HTML, JSON and draw.io XML. PNG, WebP and SVG support a transparent background, and you can export just the selected shapes.
Can I import a diagram from draw.io?
Yes. Click Import (or drag the file onto the canvas) and choose a .drawio or .xml file, including compressed ones. Rectangles become external entities, circles become processes and open-ended boxes become data stores.
Can I get a white background for printing?
The editor has a dark interface, but diagrams export on the theme's background. The default is white, and there's a Black & white print theme too.
Does it work on a laptop with a small screen?
Yes. Press F for focus mode, or hide either side panel with the buttons in the floating dock at the bottom of the canvas.
Data flow diagrams
What is a context diagram?
A context diagram (Level 0 DFD) shows the whole system as a single process numbered 0, surrounded by the external entities it exchanges data with. It shows the system's boundary.
How many levels should my DFD have?
Most college projects need a context diagram and a Level 1 DFD. Add Level 2 diagrams only for Level 1 processes that are still complex.
What does balancing mean?
A lower-level DFD must keep the same external entities and the same data in and out as its parent. Our examples are all balanced.
Can two external entities be connected?
No. Data exchanged directly between outside parties isn't part of your system, so it isn't shown. Every data flow must touch at least one process.
Should data stores appear in the context diagram?
Usually not. Data stores are internal details and first appear on the Level 1 DFD.
DFD or flowchart: what's the difference?
A flowchart shows the order of steps and decisions. A DFD shows how data moves through the system, with no decisions, loops or timing.
Didn't find your answer? Send us a message.
Ready to draw your DFD?
Open the free editor. No sign-up, and you can start from any example.