draw.ioLinux
vs
Axure RPWindows
draw.io as a Linux alternative to Axure RP
Updated
Our verdict
draw.io is not a full replacement for Axure RP. It can create simple wireframes and diagrams, but it lacks the advanced prototyping features, animation controls, and responsive layout tools that Axure users rely on. It is suitable for designers who need quick diagramming or low‑fidelity mockups and prefer a free, open‑source tool, but teams that require high‑fidelity, interactive prototypes should keep Axure or look for other specialized tools.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 32.6.1 (October 23, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow creation of visual diagrams and wireframes
- Both support exporting to image or PDF formats
- Both offer desktop and web versions
- Both provide custom shape libraries
- Both enable sharing of designs with stakeholders
What is different
- draw.io lacks built‑in animation and interaction widgets that Axure provides
- No native responsive design editor for multiple screen sizes in draw.io
- Axure exports to interactive HTML with navigation, draw.io does not
- Axure supports version control and project management features, draw.io relies on external services
- Axure’s UI is tailored for UX/UI prototyping, draw.io is a general diagramming tool
Opening your Axure RP files
draw.io does not natively open Axure RP project files (.rp). To migrate, you would need to export Axure diagrams as images or PDFs and import them into draw.io, or recreate the diagram manually. No direct conversion tool is available.
Switching from Axure RP to draw.io, step by step
- Export each Axure page as PNG or SVG
- Open draw.io and create a new diagram
- Import the exported images into draw.io layers
- Rebuild interactive elements using draw.io shapes and connectors
- Save the new diagram in draw.io format for future editing
Key features of draw.io
- Web‑based and desktop versions via Flatpak
- Supports a wide range of diagram types (UML, ER, network, flowchart)
- Real‑time collaboration with Google Drive, OneDrive, GitHub
- Export to PNG, SVG, PDF, XML, and native draw.io format
- Custom shape libraries and templates
- Offline editing when using the desktop app
- Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
- Version history for each diagram
How to install draw.io on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.jgraph.drawio.desktopFrequently asked questions
Can I collaborate on draw.io diagrams like in Axure?
Yes, draw.io offers real‑time collaboration through Google Drive, OneDrive, or GitHub integration, but it does not provide the same level of interactive prototype sharing as Axure.
Does draw.io support responsive layouts?
No, draw.io does not have a responsive design editor; you must manually create separate diagrams for different screen sizes.
Is there a way to import Axure RP files into draw.io?
There is no direct import; you must export from Axure to an image or PDF and then import those files into draw.io, or recreate the diagram manually.
