Gliffy vs Microsoft Visio
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Gliffy, owned by Perforce, is a diagramming tool built to work natively inside Confluence and Jira, letting teams create flowcharts, UML diagrams, BPMN process maps, and network diagrams without leaving their existing Atlassian workflow. It supports drag-and-drop editing, freehand drawing, and full-text search of diagram content within Confluence. Gliffy also offers a standalone Gliffy Online product and a Gliffy Zero Egress option built for regulated industries that require diagram data to stay within their own Atlassian environment for compliance reasons such as ITAR, GDPR, and HIPAA. The product holds SOC 2 Type II compliance and ISO 42001 certification.
Microsoft Visio is a diagramming application that lets you build flowcharts, organization charts, floor plans, and network diagrams with a rich set of shapes and templates. It offers both a desktop version for Windows and a web version, so you can work from anywhere. Visio integrates with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft services, enabling seamless sharing and collaboration across business analysts, IT teams, and project managers. Its subscription model provides regular updates and access to the latest features.
- Deep native integration with Confluence and Jira workflows
- Free tier covers small teams of up to 10 users
- Compliance-focused Zero Egress option for regulated industries
- Supports importing existing Visio and draw.io diagrams
- Extensive shape and template library
- Both desktop and web access
- Strong integration with Microsoft 365
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Primarily useful for teams already invested in the Atlassian ecosystem
- All purchases route through the Atlassian Marketplace, adding a dependency
- Standalone diagramming outside Confluence/Jira is less of a focus
- Requires a paid subscription
- Only available on Windows and web, no macOS native app
- Learning curve for advanced features
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Gliffy
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Visual collaboration platform for flowcharts, org charts, and diagrams on an infinite canvas.
Free, security-first diagramming tool for flowcharts, wireframes, and technical diagrams.
Alternatives to Microsoft Visio
View all →Visual collaboration platform for flowcharts, org charts, and diagrams on an infinite canvas.
Free, security-first diagramming tool for flowcharts, wireframes, and technical diagrams.
Diagramming tool for creating flowcharts and technical diagrams inside Confluence and Jira.
The Omni Group's Mac and iPad tool for professional diagrams, wireframes, and vector design.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataGliffy is the low‑cost, Atlassian‑focused choice with strong compliance; Visio offers richer diagramming features and real‑time collaboration but requires a paid subscription.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – Gliffy has a free tier, Visio only paid subscription.
- •Ecosystem integration – Gliffy embeds in Confluence/Jira; Visio integrates with Microsoft 365 apps.
- •Feature depth – Visio provides a vastly larger shape/template library and desktop app.
- •Collaboration – Visio supports real‑time co‑editing; Gliffy does not mention this.
- •Security – Gliffy offers Zero Egress and SOC 2/ISO certifications; Visio provides no such details.
Pricing & value
Gliffy offers a freemium tier covering up to 10 users; Visio requires a paid subscription.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both tools have learning curves; no specific ease‑of‑use data provided for either.
Features & depth
Visio includes a vast library of shapes, templates, desktop/web apps, and advanced layout tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
Gliffy excels in Atlassian (Confluence/Jira); Visio excels in Microsoft 365; each dominates its own ecosystem.
Collaboration
Visio explicitly supports real‑time collaborative editing; Gliffy does not mention real‑time features.
Security & privacy
Gliffy provides Zero Egress option and SOC 2 Type II/ISO 42001 compliance; Visio provides no comparable info.
Support
Gliffy offers support via Atlassian Marketplace and compliance documentation; Visio support details not specified.
Choose Gliffy if…
Atlassian teams needing embedded diagrams, free tier, and strict compliance.
Choose Microsoft Visio if…
Organizations using Microsoft 365 that need rich shape libraries and real‑time collaboration.
Common questions
Can I try the tool for free?
Gliffy offers a freemium tier for up to 10 users; Visio requires a paid subscription.
Which tool integrates with my existing platform?
Gliffy embeds directly into Confluence and Jira; Visio integrates with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps.
What security certifications does each product have?
Gliffy provides Zero Egress, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 42001 compliance; Visio’s security certifications are not specified.