10 Best Affinity Diagram Software Tools for Organizing Ideas in 2025

Choosing a diagram tool is crucial in ensuring a productive brainstorming session, logical decision-making, and a straightforward problem-solving process within a team or organization. 

The right software can help you with grouping ideas into a clear, organized visual affinity chart, fostering effective communication and paving the way for innovative solutions. 

But with so many affinity diagram maker options available in the market, arriving at the right choice for your team can take time and effort. In this guide, we’ll unpack key features you should look for when deciding on your team’s best affinity diagram tool.

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What Should You Look for in an Affinity Diagram Tool?

To select suitable affinity diagram software, consider factors like:

1. Real-time collaboration tools for simultaneous idea generation from team members 
2. A variety of affinity diagram templates and customization options for flexibility and time efficiency 
3. Integration with other project planning tools enhances workflow, while scalability supports your team’s growth
4. Simple sharing and exporting options for easy dissemination of your affinity diagram

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The 10 Best Affinity Diagram Software To Use

1. ClickUp

Start Using the Template

ClickUp is a great affinity diagram software thanks to its user-friendly interface, customization options, and robust collaboration features. 

The software also lets users tweak their workspace to match their needs. Check out these diagram examples for inspiration!

ClickUp excels at boosting collaboration in the workplace. Real-time updates and comments allow team members to collaborate and instantly share their thoughts on an online affinity diagram, promoting effective communication. Users can also assign tasks and manage team workload directly within the platform.

This all-in-one productivity tool supports integrations with numerous other tools and platforms, enhancing its versatility. It’s also scalable and can effectively support small to large teams, making it a good choice for businesses of all sizes to organize ideas.

ClickUp best features

• ClickUp Whiteboards are versatile workspaces allowing you to sketch, insert shapes, construct diagrams, charts, and graphs, and drag and drop any elements to reorganize your diagram
• ClickUp Mind Maps enable you to lay out the workflow for your upcoming affinity diagramming project or illustrate the relationships between your ideas. This functionality serves to make ClickUp a go-to in the world of mind mapping software
• ClickUp automation features make it one of the best flowchart software tools on the market
• With an abundance of pre-existing affinity diagram templates, brainstorming templates, fishbone diagram templates, mind map templates, and whiteboard templates, you can select any diagram type and start modifying immediately. Try ClickUp’s Affinity Diagram Template for your next project!

ClickUp limitations

• It might require time to learn and discover the use cases that enhance your workflow the most
• The mobile app doesn’t offer all the web-based and desktop apps features yet

ClickUp pricing

• Free Forever Plan
• Unlimited Plan: $7 per user per month
• Business Plan: $12 per user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (8,250+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,750+ reviews)

2. Figma

Figma is a collaborative tool, but it may not be the most specialized option for affinity diagram software.

While it supports real-time editing, its focus on design can make creating and organizing affinity diagrams feel less intuitive compared to dedicated tools.

The vector-based interface, though powerful, can be overwhelming for users seeking a simpler, more structured approach to idea clustering.

Additionally, while integrations with tools like Slack and Dropbox exist, they may not fully compensate for the lack of native features tailored to affinity diagramming.

Its cloud-based setup offers accessibility, but users may find that the platform prioritizes design flexibility over streamlined diagramming workflows.

Figma best features

• Figma’s vector-based design tools allow for the precise creation and modification of visual elements in an affinity diagram
• Teams can simultaneously work on an affinity diagram project, fostering an efficient brainstorming session and a shared vision
• Figma’s comment feature allows for immediate feedback on your affinity diagrams, promoting better team communication while you are affinity mapping
• Being cloud-based, it offers convenience and accessibility for teams working remotely or across different time zones

Figma limitations

• For non-designers, Figma’s huge feature set might come with a learning curve
• The performance can sometimes lag with a highly complex affinity map or when many users are working simultaneously
• You always need an internet connection to work on your affinity map

Figma pricing

• Free
• Professional: $12/month per user
• Organization: $45/month per user

Figma ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (729 reviews) 
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (549 reviews) 

3. Lucidchart

Lucidchart offers affinity mapping capabilities, but it may not be the most seamless choice for teams focused specifically on brainstorming and idea clustering.

While it provides drag-and-drop functionality and templates, the interface leans more toward formal diagramming than freeform collaboration, which can limit flexibility during fast-paced ideation sessions.

Its integrations with platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office are useful, but they don’t fully offset the lack of real-time, sticky-note-style interaction found in more collaborative tools.

Data linking is a notable feature, but for teams simply looking to group and categorize ideas visually, it can feel like an unnecessary layer of complexity.

Lucidchart best features

• With Lucidchart, you can save a library of your favorite elements like sticky notes and build a completed affinity diagram template based on the flowchart you use most
• When you’re not creating custom templates, Lucidchart has a built-in affinity diagram template library to help you start diagramming quickly
• The ability to link diagrams to live data provides a dynamic visual representation
• Google Workspace integrations are particularly seamless. You can store your diagrams in Google Drive and add them to meetings in Google Calendar

Lucidchart limitations

• Some users may find the range of features and options overwhelming initially
• Although Lucidchart has mobile apps, they don’t offer the full range of features available on the desktop version
• Advanced features such as data linking require a premium subscription, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users

Lucidchart pricing

• Free
• Individual: $7.95/month per user
• Team: $9/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact Lucidchart for pricing

Lucidchart ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.6/5 (2,450+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,950+ reviews)

4. Canva

Canva is known for its simplicity and extensive design library, but it may fall short as a dedicated affinity diagram tool.

While the drag-and-drop interface is easy to use, it lacks specialized features for grouping and organizing ideas, making affinity diagram creation more manual and time-consuming. Although multiple users can collaborate, Canva doesn’t offer real-time sticky-note style interactions common in other tools.

Its large collection of stock images and fonts is useful for design, but these features don’t compensate for the absence of core affinity mapping functions needed for effective brainstorming and idea clustering.

Canva best features

• Users can easily select an affinity diagram template and start editing
• You don’t need any design background to create professional-looking assets
• It has excellent tutorials for its design tool to build various affinity diagram examples
• The Canva Website Builder lets you build one-page sites fast
• Intuitive interface and responsive design make it easier for the amateur designers
• User-friendly web design software experience
• Enjoy real-time collaboration with your team
• The pro version comes with analytics

Canva limitations

• The free version has watermarks prohibiting users from downloading or further editing designs
• Occasional bugs
• Premium design elements and features are locked behind a subscription 

Canva pricing

• Free 
• Canva Pro: $12.99/month per user
• Canva for team: $14.99/month for up to five users

Canva ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (3,771 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 10,833 reviews)

5. Creately

Creately is designed for creating professional diagrams with speed and simplicity, making it an excellent tool for affinity diagrams. It offers an array of templates, shapes, and drawing tools that make diagramming an easy task, even for beginners. 

Creately also supports simultaneous teamwork so you can diagram, generate ideas, and provide instant feedback together.

This software’s presentation mode allows for effectively communicating different ideas, transforming diagrams into interactive slideshows.

Creately best features

• You can add links, files, and other data to any of the visual elements in your diagram
• With Creately, it’s easy to allow stakeholders to edit and other team members to only comment or view
• Creately integrates with many of the most popular business software programs, including Microsoft 365 programs, Github, and Slack

Creately limitations

• It can be difficult to get your elements lined up for absolutely perfect layouts
• The mobile app is missing some features

Creately pricing

• Free
• Starter: $5/month per user
• Business: $89/month
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Creately ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.4/5 (825+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.4/5 (160+ reviews)

6. EdrawMax

Our next affinity diagram tool is EdrawMax, which offers a vast array of features that make it suitable for creating detailed affinity diagrams. 

Its robust file compatibility allows diagrams to be exported in multiple formats, including Visio, PDF, and various image formats, ensuring flexibility. 

EdrawMax allows multiple users to work on a diagram simultaneously. Its cloud-based storage ensures that your diagrams are accessible anytime, anywhere. 

The software supports integrations with popular platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, facilitating easy file sharing and management.

EdrawMax best features

• Create niche network diagram types, like context diagrams, electrical systems, P&ID drawings, and floor plans, as well as classic org charts and mindmaps
• Export and share your diagrams in just about any file type you can think of
• SSL encryption protects all your process diagrams files and file transfers

EdrawMax limitations

• Some users don’t like that there isn’t a way to update text size or image scale for the entire diagram—you’ll have to update each element individually
• The user interface isn’t as intuitive as some competitors, potentially lengthening the learning curve
• No free plan is available

EdrawMax pricing

• Subscription plan: $99/year
• Lifetime plan: $198 one-time purchase

Ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.3/5 (60+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (195+ reviews)

7. Miro

Miro’s strength lies in its comprehensive digital whiteboarding capabilities. It provides an array of templates and design tools that simplify the creation and categorization of ideas.

Its real-time collaboration feature allows for a dynamic brainstorming session, making it a great choice for remote teams. 

With Miro, you can integrate with popular tools like Slack and Google Workspace for a seamless workflow. 

Additionally, Miro’s infinite canvas ensures you always have enough space for your ideas, no matter how expansive they are. The software also allows for the easy export of boards for presentations or record-keeping.

Miro best features

• Add comments, notes, and elements, or drag-and-drop the existing elements to rearrange your affinity diagram template in real-time
• The Miro library of elements includes shapes, icons, connectors, and pre-built flowcharts
• Miro integrates with Atlassian project management tools—including Jira and Confluence—as well as other popular task-management tools, like ClickUp

Miro limitations

• Several users state that they have trouble importing graphics and that, when they do import, the graphics often don’t scale correctly
• While Miro does offer a free version, it lacks many of the program’s best features. Some users complain that they end up paying high prices when they only use one or two of the advanced features
• Some users may find the infinite canvas overwhelming or difficult to navigate

Miro pricing

• Free
• Starter: $8/month per user
• Business: $16/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact Miro for pricing

Miro ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.8/5 (4,850+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,250+ reviews)

8. Visual Paradigm

Visual Paradigm is a strong choice for you to create an affinity diagram. It offers a range of diagramming features, including numerous templates and easy-to-use drawing tools, which simplify the process of visually representing complex ideas. 

The software supports real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work on diagrams and share feedback simultaneously. 

Visual Paradigm’s seamless integration with platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and more ensures an efficient, cohesive workflow. Its cloud service allows for easy access to diagrams anytime and anywhere.

Visual Paradigm best features

• Create detailed mind maps with a simple-to-use online diagram tool
• Use dedicated infographics templates to boil your reports down to a few easy-to-digest numbers
• The drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to create diagrams

Visual Paradigm limitations

• Diagram connections can be complicated for some when building customer journey maps
• Some users found the app’s shortcuts sometimes don’t work
• It lacks some of the collaborative features users are looking for

Visual Paradigm pricing

• Modeler: $6/month per user
• Standard: $19/month per user
• Professional: $35/month per user
• Enterprise: $89/month per user

Visual Paradigm ratings & reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (2+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.2/5 (15+ reviews)

9. SmartDraw

SmartDraw reduces the complexity often associated with diagramming, making it a great tool for affinity diagrams. It provides thousands of templates and symbols to choose from to create professional-looking diagrams quickly.

SmartDraw allows for collaboration, offering both real-time editing and commenting. It integrates seamlessly with familiar tools like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Google Workspace, enhancing productivity. 

Plus, its ability to easily export diagrams in various file formats and share them makes it a versatile tool. Its strong customer support is another notable feature, ensuring users are always aware of the situation.

SmartDraw best features

• Use the automation features to update existing diagrams when information changes
• SmartDraw also has bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts for showing quantitative data, like your quarterly sales numbers or website bounce rate
• This program integrates with the tools most businesses are already using, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Confluence, Jira, and Dropbox

SmartDraw limitations

• While most of the options on this list offer a free version that allows you to use at least the program’s basic diagramming features, SmartDraw does not. They do, however, offer a free trial period, so you can play with the program’s features before you commit
• Multiple users report that the software crashes and needs to be restarted occasionally, which could cause you to lose some of your work

SmartDraw pricing

• Single user: $9.95/month
• Multiple users: $8.25/month per user

SmartDraw ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.6/5 (235+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.1/5 (110+ reviews)

10. Diagrams.net

Diagrams.net (Draw.io) is a versatile diagramming tool but may not fully meet the needs of affinity diagram users.

While its open-source nature and simple interface offer accessibility, it lacks specialized features like sticky notes, auto-clustering, or real-time collaboration that streamline affinity mapping.

Its browser-based access is convenient, but the tool’s general-purpose design means it can feel basic and manual when organizing complex ideas or large groups of data.

Diagrams.net best features

• Free and Open-Source — No cost or licensing restrictions, with a fully transparent, community-driven development model.
• Browser-Based Access — Works directly in web browsers without installation, ensuring easy accessibility across devices.
• Wide Range of Diagram Types — Supports flowcharts, network diagrams, UML, mind maps, and basic affinity diagrams.
• Integration with Cloud Storage — Seamlessly connects with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox for easy file management and collaboration.

Diagrams.net limitations

• Lacks Specialized Affinity Diagram Features — No built-in sticky notes, auto-clustering, or voting tools for streamlined idea grouping.
• Limited Real-Time Collaboration — Collaboration is possible but less seamless compared to dedicated tools with live multi-user editing.
• Basic Visual Customization — Fewer advanced styling and design options, which can make diagrams look plain or less polished.

Diagrams.net pricing

• Free — Fully free for individual users and basic use.
• Cloud: Starts at $15/month for 20 users, scaling up to $450/month for 2,000 users.
• Data Center: From $6,000/month for 500 users up to $10,000/month for 2,000 users.
• Server: Pricing available upon request—contact Draw.io for details.

Compare Draw.io Vs. Lucidchart!

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Start Organizing Ideas with Affinity Diagram Software

ClickUp stands out as the optimal choice for affinity diagrams. With its dynamic and versatile features, it is a one-stop-shop for affinity diagrams and an array of project management needs.

Its robust Whiteboards feature allows users to visualize ideas and group them effectively, streamlining how you use an affinity diagram.

Additionally, the Mind Maps feature in ClickUp helps organize thoughts and tasks visually, allowing teams to view dependencies and progress at a glance.

ClickUp’s comprehensive capabilities make it a powerhouse for creating affinity diagrams. It allows teams to turn brainstorming sessions into actionable plans, paving the way for more efficient and effective project management.

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