Process mapping is a crucial element in executing efficient and smooth workflows and business processes.
Whether used in the brainstorming phase or throughout development, process mapping reduces bottlenecks and optimizes operations by visually conveying a series of steps in a workflow or procedure. You can even use process maps to relay a communication chain or org chart!
Sometimes referred to as a workflow diagram or flowchart, business process mapping can be done in multiple ways and with different types of software to add more complexity, functionality, and value to your map! With so many options, it can be difficult to find the right software for the job.
But that’s what we’re here for. 🙂
Read along as we cover everything you need to look for in process mapping software. We’ve included a detailed comparison of the best process mapping tools on the market, with their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and more.
10 Best Process Mapping Tools and Software
What is Process Mapping Software?
Process mapping software is highly visual and collaborative by design, with features to help project managers easily build diagrams and charts to streamline processes, solidify timelines, and oversee progress every step of the way.
Think of your process map as a detailed flowchart that breaks down your project timeline, milestones, and key resources into clear, actionable steps.
Major elements of a business process map include the input, output, and strategy required to make your vision a reality.
This means that your software for process mapping needs to be able to support these components and make them accessible to every member of the team—plus stakeholders, clients, and across departments. And since process mapping is visual by nature, your typical task management software isn’t going to cut it. Instead, look for a tool that can tie process mapping and task management together!
Digital whiteboard software and mind mapping software are some of the most popular forms of process mapping apps, but the right tool for you will depend on your team’s unique set of needs, projects, and of course, budget. 😳
Types of Process Maps
Process maps are visual tools used to document, analyze, and improve workflows. Here are the main types of process maps commonly used today:
- Flowchart: The most basic and widely used process map, a flowchart illustrates each step in any process in a sequential manner. Process flowcharts use standard symbols like rectangles and diamonds to show inputs, outputs, and decision points in a process or workflow
- Swimlane diagram: A swimlane diagram is a process map that organizes tasks into “lanes” based on roles, teams, or departments responsible for each step. This helps to drive ownership and coordinate efforts in cross-functional projects. By organizing information by lanes, swimlane flow charts make it easier to see potential bottlenecks or delays
- SIPOC diagram: A SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers) diagram offers a high-level view of a process from start to finish. It is useful when you want to know the scope of the project. These charts also help to align stakeholders around the key elements of a process
- Value stream map: Commonly used in Lean, value stream maps connect work to the value it delivers. Also known as information and material flow maps, they focus on improving efficiency and reducing waste in processes
- Fishbone diagram: A fishbone diagram visualizes the root causes of problems in a process by categorizing potential factors. Also known as Ishikawa diagrams, these charts help to identify the causes of an effect or problem
The search for efficient process mapping software can be a daunting one. And with so much on the line, it’s a big choice to make! Instead of letting decision fatigue take over, use this detailed list to guide your research.
Compare the top 10 process mapping tools for any team or budget, plus their key features, pros and cons, and ratings.
1. – Best for Project Management Process Mapping
is an all-in-one productivity platform with hundreds of highly visual features to centralize your work across apps into a single, dynamic workspace. Its AI-enabled collaborative Whiteboards feature and Mind Maps are perfect for creating process maps, with live detection, automatic updates, and the ability to turn any object or node directly into an actionable task.
Use intuitive gestures to sketch, draw, and build your vision with the touch of a finger, and turn your brainstorms into full-fledged projects with one click with AI.
Plus, offers a vast Template Library of process map templates to help you build workflows and process maps with ease and efficiency! No matter the size of your team or industry, is the best process mapping tool designed to align with the way you want to work. Get started building your workflow with ’s Process Map Whiteboard Template!
key features
- A detailed online Help Center, webinars, and support to help you use the platform to its fullest extent
- Over 1,000 integrations to bring all relevant data and information into one platform
- Over 15 customizable workflow views to manage tasks from every angle
- Collaborative Whiteboards integrated with tasks and chat to develop ideas in real time alongside the team
- Reporting and Dashboards for an instant high-level overview of your work
- Tons of visual collaboration features available on every pricing plan
- Custom task statuses to visually convey progress
- Intuitive Mind Maps to build out processes
limitations
- Not all views are available in the mobile app—yet
- Its rich set of features can create a learning curve for some users
pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7 per user per month
- Business: $12 per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact for custom pricing
- Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month
ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
2. MindMeister – Best for Conceptualizing Company Processes
MindMeister is a web-based mind-mapping software designed to help you visualize ideas and concepts. An intuitive interface lets users create and edit mind maps, a type of diagram that shows information in a hierarchical tree-like structure. In mind maps, users can add notes and show relationships between them using lines.
For example, project managers can create a mind map to plot an org chart, outlining each main point (department heads) and its sub-points (direct reports). Then, rearrange the structure of the chart by simply dragging and dropping the elements to their correct place.
MindMeister best features
- Process map templates for brainstorming and strategy planning
- Embedded media to add context to process map content
- Multiple diagram options with Mixed Map layouts
- Comments and notifications to create discussions
MindMeister limitations
- Limited integrations with other tools and apps to handle complex processes
- Various exporting options are reserved for the expensive paid plans
MindMeister pricing
- Basic: Free
- Personal: $4.50/month (minimum 6-month commitment)
- Pro: $6.50/month (minimum 6-month commitment)
- Business: $10.50/month (minimum 6-month commitment)
MindMeister ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (290+ reviews)
- G2: 4.2/5 (30+ reviews)
3. Lucidchart – Best for Visual Process Mapping
Lucidchart is a web-based diagramming and visual collaboration software for users to create and edit a wide range of diagrams, including process flowcharts, network diagrams, wireframes, and more. Diagrams can be quickly and easily created using its user-friendly interface and prebuilt shapes, templates, and symbols.
Also available in Lucidchart are real-time collaboration features for multiple people to collaborate simultaneously on a diagram, which makes it easy for teams to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects. Process flow diagrams can be enhanced with interactive elements such as hyperlinks and annotations to create wireframes and mockups.
Lucidchart best features
Lucidchart limitations
- Interface is outdated compared to other process mapping tools
- No desktop app to create process maps
Lucidchart pricing
- Free plan
- Individual: Starts at $9
- Team: Starts at $10.00/user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Lucidchart ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (2,100+ reviews)
- G2: 4.5/5 (1,800+ reviews)
4. Pipefy – Best for Workflow Process Mapping
Pipefy is a web-based process management software designed for teams to optimize their business processes. This tool offers the functionality to add tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. This makes it easy to see what needs to be done, who is responsible for it, and when it needs to be completed.
Pipefy also offers automation features, which allow teams to automate repetitive tasks such as sending emails and updating information in other databases. For example, with Pipefy’s automation feature, you can set up an automated response to update a database record after a card leaves a phase in the process.
Pipefy best features
- Sharable Forms designed to initiate a process or gather additional data
- Intuitive visual editor to build custom templates
- Automated status updates, notifications, and approvals
- Approval Flows for workflow management software
Pipefy limitations
- Limited customization options with the free plan
- No time tracking
Pipefy pricing
- Starter: Free
- Business: Custom pricing
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Unlimited: Custom pricing
Pipefy ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
- G2: 4.6/5 (220+ reviews)
5. EdrawMax – Best for Professional Process Diagrams
EdrawMax is a professional diagramming software designed for people to create a wide variety of diagrams and graphics. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of pre-designed templates, symbols, and shapes that can be used to create visual presentations like flowcharts, organization charts, floor plans, and more.
This process mapping software also includes a variety of tools for editing, formatting, and customizing diagrams, including a rich set of drawing shapes and connectors, text boxes, and formatting options.
With a synchronous cloud workplace in EdrawMax, it’s easy to collaborate visually with everyone in real time. For instance, you can give feedback and make changes to diagrams or even draw a diagram from scratch with other project collaborators.
EdrawMax best features
- 280 types of diagram solutions to create detailed process maps
- AI-powered creation of flowcharts, mindmaps, and more
- Edrawers community for inspiration
- Project progress views
- Windows, MacOS, Linux, and EdrawMaxOnline platforms
EdrawMax limitations
- Lacks advanced project progress views
- Not suitable for handling complex workflows
EdrawMax pricing
EdrawMax ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews)
- G2: 4.3/5 (60+ reviews)
6. Microsoft Visio – Best for Integrated Process Mapping with MS Office Suite
Microsoft Visio is diagramming software developed by Microsoft. It allows users to create a wide variety of diagrams, including flowcharts, organization charts, network diagrams, floor plans, and more. There’s a rich set of drawing shapes and connectors, text boxes, and formatting options.
Viso also comes with a variety of advanced features, such as data linking. You can link diagrams to data sources such as Excel spreadsheets and databases. It also has an automatic layout, which makes it easy to arrange shapes and diagrams. Try out different layouts in a few clicks to find which works best for your process!
Microsoft Visio best features
- Starter diagrams and stencils available in the desktop and web applications
- Co-authoring to increase productivity
- Accessibility features including Narrator, Accessibility Checker, and high-contrast support
- Web version of Visio is always up to date without installing new versions
- The integration with other Office products is great
Microsoft Visio limitations
- Limited integrations with apps and tools outside of the Microsoft suite
- Data linking is only available through the Visio desktop app
- Cost is higher compared to competitor tools
Microsoft Visio pricing
- Visio in Microsoft 365
- Visio Plan 1: $5 per user/month
- Visio Plan 2: $15 per user/month
Microsoft Visio ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (3,260+ reviews)
- G2: 4.2/5 (660+ reviews)
7. GitMind – Best for Online Collaborative Process Mapping
GitMind is a web-based software for process mapping. It allows users to create, edit, and share mind maps, which are diagrams that consist of a central idea or topic, with branches or subtopics radiating out from it. Mind maps are used to organize information during brainstorming, project planning, note-taking, and more.
The mind-mapping software also includes a variety of tools for editing, formatting, and customizing mind maps. Additionally, it supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same mind map at the same time.
Paid plans also include AI, which can be used to interpret images and documents, chat, and generate mind maps with just one line of text.
GitMind best features
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract long text from images
- Outline Mode to switch over to Mind Maps
- Customizable color themes
- Slide Show functionality to create transitions
GitMind limitations
- Lacks advanced project management features compared to other process mapping tools
- Limited scalability for large teams
GitMind pricing
- Free
- Annual: $5.75 per month
- Monthly: $19 per month
GitMind ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (10+ reviews)
- G2: Not enough reviews
8. Canva – Best for Creative Process Mapping
Canva is a graphic design software designed for businesses and content creators to build professional-looking graphics and other media. It is a web-based tool and can be accessed through any browser or mobile app.
It provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and a large collection of free templates that can be used to create graphics for various content, such as social media posts, marketing materials, posters, invitations, and more.
Canva includes a variety of design tools and features to edit and customize graphics. These include a rich set of design elements, such as text, shapes, icons, and illustrations, as well as advanced editing tools like filters, effects, and layer management.
Canva best features
- Text animations for dynamic messaging
- Generate images, text, and graphics using AI
- Online video to MP4 converter
- Image enhancer to fix dark, blurry, and oversaturated photos
- Design and photo grids
Canva limitations
- Not as intuitive as other purpose-built process map makers
- Multiple file downloads are automatically compressed into a zip file
Canva pricing
- Free
- Pro: $12.95/ month per user
- Teams: $29.99/ month per user for 5 users
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Canva ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (4,400+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (12,200+ reviews)
9. Bitrix24 – Best for Customer Relationship Process Mapping
Bitrix24 is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools designed to help businesses increase efficiency, communication, and collaboration. It offers a range of features, including project and document management, task tracking, customer relationship management (CRM) functionality, web conferencing and online meetings, employee time tracking, attendance monitoring, and more.
For process mapping, you can use Bitrix24’s Kanban board to organize tasks into columns based on their status. For example, create columns such as “Backlog,” “In Progress,” “Done,” and “Pending” to visually track the tasks that are being worked on and where they are in the process.
Bitrix24 best features
- Email-to-task conversion
- Automated workflows
- Customizable templates
- Gantt charts and Kanban boards
- Advanced reporting
Bitrix24 limitations
- Lacks a modern, intuitive interface compared to other process mapping tools
- Limited project views
Bitrix24 pricing
- Free plan
- Basic: Starts at $49/month for 5 users
- Standard: Starts at $99/month for 50 users
- Professional: Starts at $199/month for 100 users
- Enterprise: Starts at $399/month for 250 users
Bitrix24 ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (920+ reviews)
- G2: 4.1/5 (500+ reviews)
10. Cacoo – Best for Team Process Mapping
Cacoo is a web-based diagramming and collaboration tool that allows users to share a variety of diagrams, such as flowcharts, wireframes, org charts, and network diagrams. It is designed for both individual use and team collaboration and allows multiple users to work on the same diagram in real time.
The versioning tool creates and stores multiple copies of a file with a different label, so users can see how the file has changed and revert to earlier versions if necessary. For example, a project manager might use a versioning tool to keep track of changes to a venue layout, restoring old versions if attendee numbers shift.
Cacoo best features
- Multi-user editing within the same diagram
- In-app video and chat
- 100+ templates and shapes
- Smart organizational system to keep your team’s flowcharts easily accessible
- AWS Importer to generate network diagrams for editing and sharing
Cacoo limitations
- Lacks task management features
- Steep learning curve to uncover all of its features
- Collaboration with external partners or guests is a paid feature
Cacoo pricing
- Free plan
- Pro: $6/month for 1 user
- Team: $6/month per user for up to 1,000 users
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Cacoo ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (210+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (150+ reviews)
11. Creately – Best for mapping project processes
Creately is a visual collaboration tool for teams that want to create detailed process flow charts and diagrams.
The platform provides a central hub for distributed teams to brainstorm ideas, plan projects, or clarify processes. Use the 1000+ shapes, links, and connectors with hand drawing and markup support. With its infinite canvas and real-time editing, multiple collaborators can create and organize any structure.
Finally, you can present diagrams directly from the canvas with its Presentation mode.
Creately best features
- AI-powered diagramming and whiteboarding
- Real-time cursors simplify creating a document with multiple people
- Data imports from CSV and other files
- Central hub to track everything from planning to execution
- Over 8,000 customizable templates and 200,000 examples
- Professional-looking charts with rich text
Creately limitations
- Can be difficult to discover all this tool can do
- The search function could be improved for a better experience
Creately pricing
- Free
- Personal: $8 per month
- Team: $8 per user/month
- Business: $149 per user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Creately ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (150+ reviews)
Benefits of Using Process Mapping Software
While deciding on a process mapping software might feel daunting, understanding its benefits can make the decision easier. Let’s dive into and explore some of the major advantages that using a business process mapping tool brings to your organization’s workflow management.
- Visual Communication: A picture is worth a thousand words. Process mapping software provides a graphical representation of workflows, allowing for a clear and shared understanding. You can visually present complicated processes that would be difficult and time-consuming to explain in text
- Efficiency: Business process mapping software helps you identify bottlenecks, redundant steps, and inefficiencies in your workflow. This can lead to improved productivity and cost savings
- Collaboration: Many process mapping tools offer collaborative features, allowing team members to create and modify process maps together. This can enhance teamwork and result in better, more comprehensive process maps
- Accountability: Clearly defined tasks, stages, and responsibilities make it easy to hold everyone accountable. You can easily track who is responsible for each step of the process
- Risk Management: Process mapping can help you identify potential risks and areas of concern in your workflow. This can aid in better planning and risk mitigation
- Continuous Improvement: Animated process maps can assist in diagnosing processes that need improvement. They can also help measure the impact of any changes made, allowing for a culture of continuous improvement to be embedded
Since process mapping tools can come in different shapes and sizes, it’s important to know the key features to look for. There’s no single way to create a process map, but whether you swear by whiteboard project management or use diagrams to develop your thoughts, there are a few non-negotiables to be aware of.
Before you hand over the company card, make sure your chosen process mapping tool checks all of these boxes:
- Choose a tool with an intuitive interface and user-friendly design
- Check if the tool supports different types of process maps
- Look for tools that are highly visual and allow customization of shapes, colors, and layouts
- Opt for tools that allow real-time collaboration, especially if your team works remotely or cross-functionally. Features like comments, version control, and sharing options can enhance team productivity
- Consider whether the tool can handle larger or more complex processes as your organization grows
- Evaluate if the tool fits your budget and whether it has a free plan or free trial
- Ensure the tool is available on multiple platforms (desktop, web, and mobile) for flexibility
- Look for tools that provide reports and insights, such as identifying bottlenecks or generating reports on process performance
- Ensure it offers robust security measures, such as encryption and role-based access
- Verify whether the tool lets you mark and identify milestones, task dependencies, and relationships
- Software with AI and automation features can save time and effort on repetitive tasks
- Ensure the tool integrates with your existing software stack (e.g., project management, CRM, or data visualization tools
Process Mapping Made Easy in Process Mapping Software
Any of these tools will help you improve your existing process mapping system and visually convey the steps needed to complete a project, but only one software can connect your process map directly to your workflow in a matter of clicks. And that tool is . 🙂
Collaborate with the team with Mind Maps, Whiteboards, and more—all at no cost! Access tons of flexible features, unlimited tasks, and 100MB of storage on ’s Free Forever Plan, or upgrade for as little as $7 to unlock even more functionality.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for today. 🏆
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