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With new tools, networks are getting smarter all the time. Today’s businesses need networks to connect, communicate, and send and receive info. It can be hard to understand network parts, links, and data flows when things are this complicated. Graphs of networks can help with this. Network images show how a computer network is set up and how its parts connect to each other. It displays how gadgets work together in a network. Network diagrams are used by IT professionals to set up, manage, and fix problems with computer networks.
Computers, servers, routers, switches, and other network parts are shown as nodes or vertices in a network map. Each node or vertice has a specific job to do. These gadgets are linked together by lines or edges that show how data moves through the network. You can show IP addresses, hostnames, and network protocols on a network diagram, which gives you a full idea of how the network works.
Using network models has made my job as a network manager easier. Network maps are necessary to see how networks are set up, find slow spots, and make networks work better. These graphics make it easier for IT professionals to use modern networks with trust and accuracy by giving them information and clarity.
Best Network Diagram Software for Mac Comparison Table
There are a lot of network diagram tools out there, which can make it hard to choose. This guide will help you pick the best network diagram software for your business by looking at how easy it is to use, how well it works for business, how many features it has, how flexible it is, and how much it costs.
Feature | Diagrams.net ???? | Gliffy ???? | Microsoft Visio ???? | Creately ???? | MindManager ???? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Database Notation Support | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ |
Table Creation Tools | Basic shapes ???? | Basic shapes ???? | Extensive table creation tools ???? | Basic shapes ???? | No ❌ |
Compression Symbol Support | Limited ???? | Limited ???? | Extensive ???? | Limited ???? | No ❌ |
Free Version | Yes (limited features) ???? | Freemium ???? | Paid ???? | Freemium ???? | Paid ???? |
Collaboration | Real-time collaboration ???? | Freemium plan has limited collaboration ???? | Paid ???? | Freemium plan has limited collaboration ???? | No ❌ |
Learning Curve | Easy ???? | Easy ???? | Moderate ???? | Easy ???? | Easy ???? |
Best Network Diagram Software for Mac
Network maps are useful for many reasons because they show how different parts of a network work together. Network diagrams can help you plan the structure of a new home or business network. They can also help you make sure that updates to a current network are made in sync. You can also use network models to report and fix problems with your network and to make sure your business meets PCI and other standards.
Diagrams.net

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open-source | Free and open-source software |
Cross-platform | Works on multiple platforms including web, desktop, and mobile |
Integration | Integrates with various cloud storage platforms |
Customization | Extensive customization options for diagrams |
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Diagrams.net, which used to be called Draw.io, has also helped me. This free and open-source tool has a simple layout and a lot of features that make it easy for me to make different kinds of diagrams. It might not have all the advanced features that paid choices do, but I like that I can change things and make plugins because it’s open source.
The Good
- Free to use with no hidden charges
- Versatile and adaptable to different needs
- Regular updates and community support
The Bad
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited customer support compared to paid options
Gliffy

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Templates | Offers a variety of pre-made templates |
Integration | Integrates with popular platforms like Jira, Confluence, etc. |
Export | Export diagrams in multiple formats |
Cloud-based | Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection |
I’ve asked Gliffy for help. As well as being easy to use, its drag-and-drop feature makes it simple to make flowcharts, network diagrams, and wireframes. The free plan has some reduction, but I’ve found it to be a good place to start for simple projects. You can upgrade to get more features.
The Good
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Smooth integration with other tools
- Easy sharing and collaboration options
The Bad
- Limited features in the free version
- Less customization compared to some competitors
Microsoft Visio

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Versatile Diagramming | Supports creating a wide range of diagrams including flowcharts and floor plans. |
Collaboration | Allows multiple users to work on diagrams simultaneously. |
Integration | Works seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Office and SharePoint. |
Templates and Shapes | Offers a vast library of templates and shapes to streamline design work. |
Data Linking | Enables linking diagrams to real-time data for dynamic visualizations. |
Microsoft Visio shows itself to be a flexible tool for making diagrams and vector drawings, letting you make your own network diagrams. Even though Visio wasn’t really made to be a network management tool, it does let users make complex network visualisations that fit their needs.
The Good
- Highly versatile and powerful
- Supports collaboration
- Extensive library of templates and shapes
- Good integration with Microsoft ecosystem
The Bad
- Can be expensive
- May have a steep learning curve for complex features
Creately

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Collaboration | Real-time collaboration with team members |
Templates | Pre-made templates for different types of diagrams |
Export | Export diagrams in various formats |
Integration | Integrates with popular platforms like Google Drive |
Creately have been very helpful for getting people to work together. My team and I have been able to work together easily, even though we are in different places, thanks to its many templates and real-time teamwork features. The free plan only has a few features. However, when we upgraded to a paid plan, we got access to more advanced features that made our work even easier.
The Good
- Intuitive interface for easy diagram creation
- Extensive library of templates
- Great collaboration features for team projects
The Bad
- Limited functionality in the free version
- Occasional glitches or lag in collaboration mode
MindManager

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Mind mapping | Specialized tools for creating mind maps |
Task management | Integrated task management features |
Integration | Integrates with Microsoft Office and other platforms |
Visualization | Visualize complex information in a structured manner |
MindManager has helped me get my ideas and thoughts in order by letting me do mind mapping and thinking. Its easy-to-use design makes it simple for me to make visual representations of my projects, starting with a main topic and branching out to smaller ones. Putting notes, pictures, and files on each branch helps me see the whole picture of my work and make sure it all makes sense.
The Good
- Powerful tools for mind mapping and brainstorming
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office suite
- Robust task management features
The Bad
- Relatively high pricing compared to some competitors
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Key Features to Look for in Network Diagram Software for Mac
When choosing Mac network diagram software, look for features that cater to Mac users and offer powerful network design, visualisation, and management. Key features to consider:
- Compatibility with Mac OS: Make sure the software works with the newest macOS versions to give Mac users a smooth experience.
- Look for applications with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that follows macOS design principles. Drag-and-drop, customisable toolbars, and easy navigation improve user experience.
- Template Library: A rich library of pre-built network diagram templates (e.g., network topology, rack diagrams, floor plans) helps shorten diagram construction time.
- Customisation Options: Users can use macOS icons, fonts, and colours to build visually appealing and unified diagrams that reflect their tastes or organisational branding.
- Integration with Mac Applications: For productivity and cooperation, choose software that works flawlessly with Apple Numbers, Pages, and Keynote. Support for iCloud file storage and synchronisation is also helpful.
- Collaboration Features: Real-time editing, comments, and sharing allow Mac users to collaborate on network diagrams with team members from any operating system or location.
- Auto-Discovery and Mapping: Advanced technologies like auto-discovery and network mapping search the network architecture and generate diagrams based on identified devices and connections.
- Interactive Features: Hyperlinks, tooltips, and drill-down functionality offer context and information to diagrams without cluttering the visual structure.
- Layer Support: Layers let users manage and visualise vast network environments by separating components or degrees of information in complex diagrams.
- Export Options: Share diagrams with stakeholders, incorporate them in presentations, or print them for documentation by ensuring the software exports to PDF, PNG, SVG, or Visio.
- Security and Privacy: Passwords, encryption, and user access controls secure sensitive network data and comply with data privacy laws.
Questions and Answers
To make Network Diagrams on a Mac, open a new drawing page and the libraries that have the shapes you need. Select “New” from the “File” menu. -> Click Network, and then double-click the Basic Network Diagram or Detailed Network Diagram icon.
If you want to make a diagram on any computer, even your Mac, SmartDraw is the best and easiest way to do it. SmartDraw has quick-start templates and smart software that helps you find and add symbols, format your diagram, and then share it with just a few clicks. It’s easy to make any kind of diagram.
It’s quick and easy to make a network graph in Excel. Just follow these easy steps: You should enter your data in the form of a table with at least two columns (nodes) and a third column for the links between them. Pick the set of data you want to use to make the network graph.