Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.DRAWIO
File Type
draw.io Diagram File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .drawio file format
The .drawio file format is used by draw.io (now diagrams.net), a free, open-source diagramming application. It stores diagrams, flowcharts, UML diagrams, mind maps, and other types of visual representations. The file itself is typically an XML-based format that contains the diagram's structure, ele…
File extension
.DRAWIO
File type
draw.io Diagram File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .drawio file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .drawio.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .drawio file?
File extension details and usage information
The .drawio file format is used by draw.io (now diagrams.net), a free, open-source diagramming application. It stores diagrams, flowcharts, UML diagrams, mind maps, and other types of visual representations. The file itself is typically an XML-based format that contains the diagram's structure, elements (shapes, connectors, text), attributes (colors, sizes, fonts), and layout information. Because it's XML-based, the content is often human-readable, though not easily editable directly. draw.io files are designed to be platform-independent, allowing users to create and edit diagrams on various operating systems and web browsers. The format supports a wide range of diagramming conventions and allows for collaboration through features like real-time co-editing (depending on the platform used to access draw.io). The diagrams can be exported to various other formats like PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, and more, making it versatile for sharing and integration with other applications and documents. The drawio format is the native format for saving diagrams within the draw.io environment, preserving all diagram elements and their properties for future editing.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .drawio files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .drawio files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .drawio file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .drawio file.
Why can't I open a .drawio file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .drawio format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .drawio files
To open a .drawio file, use software that supports this file format.
- draw.io Desktop
- diagrams.net Desktop
- draw.io for VS Code (extension)
- diagrams.net for VS Code (extension)
- draw.io in a web browser
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .drawio file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.