# Graphviz in Confluence: draw\.io vs Graphviz vs Mermaid

July 30, 2026 ·

<!-- -->

4 min read

[NGPilot](https://ngpilot.com)

Teams use Confluence to document architecture, processes, and organizational structures. But Confluence doesn't render graphs or charts natively — you need a marketplace app.

We built **Graphviz Charts for Confluence** to bring the power of Graphviz and DOT language to Confluence pages. In this post, we compare it against every alternative.

***

## The Apps[​](#the-apps "Direct link to The Apps")

| App                                | Rating | Installs | Vendor     |
| ---------------------------------- | ------ | -------- | ---------- |
| draw\.io                           | 4.5    | 170,000+ | draw\.io   |
| **Graphviz Charts for Confluence** | 5.0    | New      | NGPILOT    |
| Mermaid Plus for Confluence        | 5.0    | New      | NGPILOT    |
| Gliffy Diagrams                    | 4.3    | 60,000+  | Gliffy     |
| Lucidchart                         | 4.2    | 40,000+  | Lucidchart |

***

## Feature Comparison[​](#feature-comparison "Direct link to Feature Comparison")

### draw\.io[​](#drawio "Direct link to draw.io")

**What it does:** Full diagramming tool embedded in Confluence.

**Strengths:**

* 100+ diagram types
* Free and open source
* Large template library
* Real-time collaboration

**Weaknesses:**

* Steep learning curve
* Overkill for simple graphs
* No DOT language support
* Heavy on page load

**Best for:** Complex diagrams, architecture, wireframes.

***

### Graphviz Charts for Confluence[​](#graphviz-charts-for-confluence "Direct link to Graphviz Charts for Confluence")

**What it does:** Renders Graphviz DOT language directly in Confluence pages.

**Strengths:**

* Native DOT language support
* Lightweight, fast rendering
* Auto-layout algorithms (hierarchical, circular, random)
* 12 built-in shapes
* Inline in page content (no iframe)

**Weaknesses:**

* Requires DOT language knowledge
* No visual editor
* New app (no install history)

**Best for:** Org charts, dependency graphs, flowcharts, network diagrams — especially if you already use DOT language or want auto-layout.

***

### Mermaid Plus for Confluence[​](#mermaid-plus-for-confluence "Direct link to Mermaid Plus for Confluence")

**What it does:** Renders Mermaid diagrams (flowcharts, sequence, class, etc.).

**Strengths:**

* 29 diagram types
* Text-based syntax (like Graphviz)
* Live preview
* One-click templates

**Weaknesses:**

* Different syntax than Graphviz
* No DOT language support
* Some diagram types require specific Mermaid version

**Best for:** Flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts — if you prefer Mermaid syntax.

***

### Gliffy Diagrams[​](#gliffy-diagrams "Direct link to Gliffy Diagrams")

**What it does:** Drag-and-drop diagramming tool.

**Strengths:**

* Visual editor
* Good template library
* Enterprise features

**Weaknesses:**

* Paid only (no free tier)
* Slower than text-based tools
* No code-based diagrams

**Best for:** Teams that prefer visual editing over code.

***

### Lucidchart[​](#lucidchart "Direct link to Lucidchart")

**What it does:** Cloud-based diagramming with Confluence integration.

**Strengths:**

* Real-time collaboration
* Extensive template library
* Enterprise security

**Weaknesses:**

* Expensive
* External tool (not native)
* Requires separate account

**Best for:** Large enterprises already using Lucidchart.

***

## Head-to-Head: Graphviz Charts vs Alternatives[​](#head-to-head-graphviz-charts-vs-alternatives "Direct link to Head-to-Head: Graphviz Charts vs Alternatives")

### Graphviz Charts vs draw\.io[​](#graphviz-charts-vs-drawio "Direct link to Graphviz Charts vs draw.io")

| Criteria           | Graphviz Charts   | draw\.io         |
| ------------------ | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| **Syntax**         | DOT language      | Visual editor    |
| **Learning curve** | Moderate (DOT)    | Steep (features) |
| **Performance**    | Fast              | Slower           |
| **Best for**       | Code-based graphs | Visual diagrams  |

**Verdict:** Use Graphviz Charts for auto-layout graphs. Use draw\.io for complex visual diagrams.

### Graphviz Charts vs Mermaid Plus[​](#graphviz-charts-vs-mermaid-plus "Direct link to Graphviz Charts vs Mermaid Plus")

| Criteria          | Graphviz Charts          | Mermaid Plus          |
| ----------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------- |
| **Syntax**        | DOT language             | Mermaid syntax        |
| **Diagram types** | Graph-focused            | General-purpose       |
| **Auto-layout**   | Yes (4 algorithms)       | Limited               |
| **Best for**      | Org charts, dependencies | Flowcharts, sequences |

**Verdict:** Use Graphviz Charts for structured graphs with auto-layout. Use Mermaid Plus for general-purpose diagrams.

***

## Use Cases[​](#use-cases "Direct link to Use Cases")

| Use Case             | Recommended App |
| -------------------- | --------------- |
| Org chart            | Graphviz Charts |
| Architecture diagram | draw\.io        |
| Flowchart            | Mermaid Plus    |
| Dependency graph     | Graphviz Charts |
| Sequence diagram     | Mermaid Plus    |
| Network diagram      | Graphviz Charts |
| Wireframe            | draw\.io        |
| Gantt chart          | Mermaid Plus    |

***

## Quick Start: Graphviz Charts[​](#quick-start-graphviz-charts "Direct link to Quick Start: Graphviz Charts")

1. Install from [Atlassian Marketplace](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1237027/graphviz-charts-for-confluence)
2. Type `/graphviz` in any Confluence page
3. Enter DOT language code:

```
digraph G {

  A -> B -> C;

  B -> D;

}
```

4. Choose layout algorithm (dot, circo, fdp, random)
5. Save the page — graph renders automatically

***

## Frequently Asked Questions[​](#frequently-asked-questions "Direct link to Frequently Asked Questions")

**Do I need to know DOT language?** Yes. Graphviz Charts uses DOT language syntax. If you're new, start with simple graphs and expand.

**Can I use a visual editor?** No. Graphviz Charts is code-based. For visual editing, use draw\.io or Gliffy.

**What layout algorithms are available?** dot (hierarchical), circo (circular), fdp (force-directed), random.

**Can I export diagrams?** Yes. Right-click the rendered graph to save as PNG or SVG.

**Does it work with Confluence Cloud?** Yes. Fully compatible with Confluence Cloud and Data Center.

***

*This comparison is part of our [Confluence App Hub](/blog/best-confluence-apps-developers.md). See all comparisons →*

Try <!-- -->Graphviz Charts for Confluence

Render Graphviz DOT diagrams with live preview — free for up to 10 users.

[Get it on the Atlassian Marketplace](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1237380/graphviz-charts-for-confluence?utm_source=ngpilot.com\&utm_medium=website\&utm_campaign=graphviz-charts-for-confluence)

## Related guides

* [How to Create Mermaid Diagrams in Jira](/blog/how-to-create-mermaid-diagrams-jira.md)
* [Export Jira Issues to Excel or CSV](/blog/export-jira-issues-to-excel.md)
* [Bulk Download Jira Attachments](/blog/bulk-download-jira-attachments.md)
* [How to Migrate Confluence Content](/blog/how-to-migrate-confluence-content.md)

Explore NGPILOT[Browse Solutions](/solutions.md)[All Apps](/apps.md)[Atlassian Marketplace →](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/vendors/1226848/?utm_source=ngpilot.com\&utm_medium=blog\&utm_campaign=hub-links)

**Tags:**

* [confluence](/blog/tags/confluence.md)
* [confluence-apps](/blog/tags/confluence-apps.md)
* [comparison](/blog/tags/comparison.md)
* [graphviz](/blog/tags/graphviz.md)
* [charts](/blog/tags/charts.md)