ProcessOn

What is ProcessOn?

ProcessOn is an online visual diagramming and knowledge-sharing platform operated by Beijing Daimaidi Information Technology Co., Ltd. Its key features include flowcharts, mind maps, thought notes, online whiteboards, prototype design, UML, BPMN, network topology, as well as a community of templates. It can be used in a browser, and it also offers desktop clients, mobile apps, and WeChat mini-programs.

ProcessOn has already integrated generative AI into its drawing capabilities. Users can use natural language to create mind maps, flowcharts, architecture diagrams, swimlane diagrams, sequence diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, Mermaid code, as well as Markdown and LaTeX formulas; the resulting outputs can be further edited as graphical elements, rather than just receiving a static image.

Core AI capabilities

1. AI-generated mind maps

After entering a topic, the AI can generate a standard mind map; it can also present the information in formats such as meeting outlines, to-do lists, lists of advantages and disadvantages, and SWOT analyses. Users can add more nodes, adjust the hierarchy, change the layout and theme, and switch between mind maps and textual notes.

Nodes support icons, images, tags, Markdown notes, LaTeX formulas, code blocks, links, and attachments. AI is responsible for quickly creating an outline, but the facts, logic, and categorization need to be verified manually.

2. AI-generated flowcharts and professional graphics

After the user describes the business processes or system logic, AI can generate various professional diagrams such as basic flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, organizational structure charts, equity structure diagrams, relationship diagrams, timelines, SWOT analyses, PEST analyses, as well as UML sequence diagrams, class diagrams, state diagrams, and use case diagrams.

The formal process should examine abnormal branches, rollback paths, permissions, input/output parameters, and termination conditions. AI-generated diagrams can serve as drafts, but they cannot replace business reviews and technical design.

3. AI Visual Infographics

ProcessOn AI’s drawing tool offers 18 different layouts for information charts, including single row, single column, multiple rows and columns, circular, S-shaped, stepped, conical, matrix, radial, contrast, and loop styles; it enables the conversion of text into visual content suitable for reports, presentations, and operational use.

Infographics compress content, which can lead to misrepresenting correlations as causal relationships. Before publishing, it is necessary to check that the data proportions, sources, legends, and the way information is presented are accurate.

4. AI reads data

The AI workspace can handle documents, PDFs, audio files, images, and web content; it allows for the extraction of information, summarization of long texts, and conversion of such text into charts. When a file contains sensitive information, it is necessary to first check the account settings as well as the policies regarding data sharing and enterprise data usage.

5. Mermaid, Markdown, and formulas

The platform can generate Mermaid chart code, Markdown content, and LaTeX equations from natural language, allowing for further modifications in the editor. This is convenient for technical documentation, teaching, and quickly creating rough drafts of architectures; however, the code syntax and the meaning of the equations still need to be checked manually.

Mind map

ProcessOn mind maps support various layout styles such as left-right structure, tree diagrams, organizational charts, fishbone diagrams, timelines, and bracket diagrams. Users can use shortcut keys to quickly create new topics, set styles, numbering, icons, notes, attachments, and relationship lines; they can also convert these mind maps into outlines, Word documents, PPT presentations, or Excel files.

Import supports common formats such as XMind, text, and OPML; export can include formats like Word, PPT, Excel, PNG, JPG, SVG, high-resolution PDF, FreeMind, XMind, and ProcessOn’s proprietary formats, with some of these formats being available only to members.

Flowcharts and professional graphics

The flowchart editor supports basic graphics, swim lanes, ER diagrams, UML diagrams, BPMN diagrams, network topologies, floor plans, architecture diagrams, organizational structures, Gantt charts, timelines, and a variety of data charts. Users can modify the styles of graphics and text, their arrangement, connection lines, pages, data attributes, formulas, and comments.

The platform supports importing files in Visio and Mermaid formats, and it allows exporting them in Visio, PDF, SVG, PNG, as well as in proprietary formats, depending on the version. The fonts, connections, and custom graphics in complex Visio files may need to be rearranged.

Thought notes and modular documents

Thought notes combine outline-based writing with graphics, allowing flowcharts or mind maps to be embedded in documents and edited simultaneously. They are suitable for course notes, project documentation, knowledge bases, and proposal outlines, helping to reduce the need to export graphics and documents repeatedly.

Multiple-person collaboration and team assets

ProcessOn supports link sharing, real-time collaborative editing by multiple users, commenting, cloud synchronization, and version history. The Team version also offers a public space, member management, file locking, ownership transfer, a team component library, and custom drawing standards, all of which are used to accumulate process assets and knowledge maps.

Public release and team collaboration involve different levels of permission. Documents containing personal information or trade secrets should not be accidentally posted in template communities.

When a member leaves, ownership should be transferred promptly and access rights revoked.

Template Community

Template communities offer flowcharts, mind maps, organizational structures, architectures, study notes, and industry-specific solutions, which users can clone and modify. Creators can also publish templates either for free or for a fee.

The current terms of service stipulate that 30% of the amount generated from the paid templates constitutes the platform’s service fee, while 70% goes to the author as earnings.

Once a user publishes a file publicly, the platform is granted extensive rights to distribute and promote it. Customer data, internal processes, personal information, and content protected by third parties must be removed before uploading.

Buying a template does not mean it can be resold or redistributed.

Free version

The free personal version remains free forever; it allows editing of 9 personal files, with one canvas per file. Up to 3 people can work together on these files. Exporting is done in standard definition only – high definition is not supported. There is no watermark option, nor the ability to add custom watermarks, attach files, or use VIP templates.

Once the membership expires, the free quota is restored; the 9 most recently used files can still be edited, and the additional files can still be viewed and downloaded, but not edited anymore. Important files should be exported as backups in advance.

Prices for the personal version and the lifetime version

As of August 2026, the price of the individual version is 159 yuan per year; there is no limit on the number of personal files or users who can collaborate, and exports can be done in high resolution without watermarks. Each file can contain up to 30 canvases, and custom themes are allowed, in addition to the possibility of using attachments and official VIP templates. The price of the lifetime version is 1590 yuan, with benefits that are similar to those of the individual version.

The terms of service define a \"lifetime member\" as someone who receives services for 100 years, and this does not imply an indefinite period in legal terms. Memberships are virtual products; no refunds are available once they take effect, and it is necessary to test the import/export functions as well as the AI features before making a purchase.

Team version price

The free version for teams costs 0 yuan; there are no limits on the number of team files or collaborators. However, a single flowchart can contain up to 60 elements, a mind map can have up to 150 topics, and each file uses one canvas. The export format is standard definition, and the number of components available in the team library is limited.

The team version costs 259 yuan per person per year; the fee is calculated based on the number of people and the duration of use, with a 15-day trial period available. After payment, there are no restrictions on the types of flowcharts or mind maps that can be created, and each file can contain up to 30 canvases. Export in high resolution without watermarks is possible, and features such as a shared workspace, member management, file locking, ownership transfer, a team component library, and access to previous versions are also available.

Private deployment and the self-developed version

The private deployment version or the domestic-developed version is intended for medium to large enterprises with more than 100 employees; the price must be consulted with the sales team. It offers SSO single sign-on, full control over corporate data, custom development options, support for domestic software and hardware, as well as priority support.

The public pricing page also lists the costs associated with licenses for flowcharts or mind maps in a domestically developed, self-reliant technology environment: 650 yuan per set for a one-year license, and 1950 yuan per set for a permanent license, which includes one year of support services. When making a purchase, it is necessary to determine the number of sets required, the terms for service renewal, the deployment environment, the AI capabilities available, and the scope of collaboration.

Editor API and integration with AI drawing tools

ProcessOn offers APIs for editing flowcharts and mind maps, which can be integrated into third-party applications. It supports cloud-based or on-premises deployment, online editing and previewing, real-time collaboration, file conversion, export in multiple formats, integration with AI-powered office tools, as well as management of unhosted data. For specific pricing details, please consult our sales team.

The AI drawing feature also supports two types of output: the editable embedding mode, which returns a page in an editor along with DSL and archived data; and the pure image mode, which provides image data while retaining the editable metadata.

Developers need to handle Tokens, event listening, errors, resource release, and timeouts properly.

Supported platforms

• Web browser version;
• Windows client: currently 64-bit, available for Windows 7 or later versions;
• macOS client, compatible with Intel and Apple chips;
• iPhone and iPad;
• Android apps;
• WeChat Mini Programs;
• Lark, DingTalk, and Enterprise WeChat ecosystem applications;
• Enterprise APIs, privatization, and in-house innovation deployment.

The desktop client supports both online and offline modes, as well as local storage and cloud synchronization; however, the official version does not yet support certain features such as team collaboration.

Security and open-source status

Officially, it uses data encryption, distributed storage, disaster recovery backups, document permissions, and various account verification methods. However, these security measures do not exempt users from the responsibility of setting proper permissions, performing backups, and handling account closures when employees leave the company.

The ProcessOn platform itself, along with its AI drawing services, are not open-source projects. It provides proprietary file formats, APIs, and documentation for integration, but the source code for the editor, collaboration engine, and AI services is not made available.

ProcessOn usage tutorial

Complete a basic task.

1. Specify the presentation topic, objectives, duration, and number of pages;
2. Import reliable data into ProcessOn and remove any irrelevant or sensitive information;
3. Use the core AI capabilities to generate an outline first, rather than arriving at a final version straight away;
4. Select templates, diagrams, and visual hierarchies using mind maps;
5. Check each page for numbers, citations, charts, font sizes, and layout;
6. Perform a full-screen preview before exporting in the desired format;

Create reusable professional workflows

1. Create brand templates, title hierarchies, and a library of common pages;
2. Fix the core AI capabilities, as well as the sequence for creating mind maps, flowcharts, and professional graphics;
3. Specify one key point per page and control the text density;
4. Assign the review of facts, visuals, and presentation logic to respective responsible persons;
5. Test fonts, animations, and proportions on different devices;
6. Save the source files, versions, and records of final approval;

Which users is it suitable for?

• Product and R&D teams that create process diagrams, UML diagrams, BPMN diagrams, and architecture diagrams;
• Teachers and students who create mind maps, lesson notes, and knowledge maps;
• Companies that streamline business processes, organizational structures, and project plans;
• Teams that require real-time collaboration among multiple people and a team component library;
• Content creators who wish to publish or purchase industry templates;
• Organizations that need to integrate editors, adopt private solutions, or deploy self-developed systems.

Product advantages

• There are a wide variety of AI-generated diagrams, flowcharts, UML diagrams, and infographics;
• Integration of mind maps, flowcharts, notes, whiteboards, and prototypes;
• Compatible with Visio, XMind, Mermaid, and various export formats;
• Offers multi-user collaboration, historical versions, and template communities;
• Support for web, desktop, mobile, and mini-programs across multiple platforms;
• It offers API options, as well as paths for privatization and procurement of domestically developed solutions.

Restrictions and Precautions

• AI-generated graphics may overlook key requirements or produce incorrect content, so the technical architecture, business processes, and professional judgments must be reviewed by humans.
• The AI page clearly states that the content is for reference only;
• The free version allows editing of only 9 personal files; once the membership expires, any additional files will become read-only.
• Regularly export backups in both proprietary and standard formats;
• Public templates will be widely disseminated; sensitive documents should not be mistakenly set as public.
• No refunds are provided for memberships and digital products once they become active; the lifetime version is defined in the terms as 100 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ProcessOn free?

There is a permanent free version that allows editing of 9 personal files and basic collaboration; features such as high-resolution exports, unlimited files and attachments, as well as VIP templates, require payment.

What types of AI images can ProcessOn generate?

It supports mind maps, flowcharts, architecture diagrams, swimlane diagrams, UML, sequence diagrams, ER diagrams, information diagrams, Mermaid, and formulas.

How much is the personal version of ProcessOn?

The current price is 159 yuan per year, while the lifetime version costs 1590 yuan; the term \"lifetime\" is defined as 100 years in the terms of service.

How much is the team version?

The team version costs 259 yuan per person per year; the price is calculated based on the number of people and the duration of use, and a trial period is available.

Is API support and privatization available?

It supports editor APIs, AI-based drawing capabilities, private deployment, and domestic innovation-based deployment; fees are determined upon project consultation.

Is ProcessOn open source?

It is not open source. Making the API and file formats available publicly does not mean that the source code of the platform and its AI services is also made public.