I find the library of shapes very helpful. I do appreciate that shapes are tied to various templates because it makes it easier/quicker to complete a diagram when the type of diagram you choose automatically loads the shapes that are tied to it. I frequently load additional shapes into the program to keep my diagrams fresh and promote a certain type of individuality to my designs.
Information Technology Coord at a tech services company
I find the library of shapes very helpful. The layering feature is not easy to work with.
What is most valuable?
How has it helped my organization?
We have used this solution since 2009.
What needs improvement?
The first thing that comes to mind is the layering feature of the software. It is not easy to work with and definitely needs some revisions to help users modify/control the layers easier. Even after all the years I have used this software program, I still have issues with the layering aspect and features. The reason it’s not a 10, is because when I first began learning how to use this program, I found it very difficult and not very user-friendly. I have not used the newer versions of Visio, so I am not too sure if the newer versions are any more user-friendly than prior versions. Hopefully, they are.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There were issues with stability. When attempting to have more than three diagrams open at a time, the system frequently crashes; however, I have never experience a crash with only one diagram open.
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Visio
December 2025
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879,425 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There were some scalability issues. While new shapes can be added, there is still the issue with compatibility problems with other versions of the Visio software.
How are customer service and support?
Not too sure. I have never contacted tech support for this product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I did not use a different solution. I used Adobe Photoshop for other needs that are sometimes similar, but for diagramming MS Visio is the best.
How was the initial setup?
Initially, the program looks very similar to other Microsoft Office products, however once you get into the program, it is difficult to understand where to start. I tried using the software without training, in the beginning, and only became frustrated at not understanding how to use the program. However, with a moderate amount of training, creating basic 1-layer diagrams becomes fun and easy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I obtained this software when I was attending the University of Phoenix, so with the student discount I think I paid $10, back in 2009-2010. I still have and use the same version because the software is a bit pricey and the version I have works well for my needs. I would advise others to try to get discounted pricing through educational institutions, if possible.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I did not evaluate other options. The software was originally needed for completing my college assignments.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend first determining the needs of the company and what the expectations are for the software. I would then view basic training videos available, to truly see if their needs aligns with the features and outputs of the software program.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Business Consultant at a financial services firm
Templates provide a wide variety of the commonly used graphics
What is most valuable?
The templates are the most valuable feature as there is a wide variety of the commonly used graphics.
When you open a diagram, you have a number of templates such as Engineering, Network, Software, Maps, etc. that quickly organize the images you can use in Visio.
How has it helped my organization?
We can build the process workflows. It makes it easier to describe the process flows.
What needs improvement?
There is a need to keep updating the mobile icons.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have used this solution for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
There were no stability issues.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There were no scalability issues.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is simple; just load and go.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is a great investment. Use the Visio Viewer, which is for people that really don’t need to just create a view.
What other advice do I have?
It is fantastic, but avoid making flow charts a full-time job.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Visio
December 2025
Learn what your peers think about Visio. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
879,425 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Change Management Consultant at a analyst firm with self employed
It is a robust tool for quick mapping. It is not user friendly when it comes to handling large number of processes.
What is most valuable?
Every aspect of it is highly valuable.
What needs improvement?
- Template creation
- Process conversion to SOP
- Ability to enter thorough details for each activity that can be expanded for reading
- Ability to create/define roles and functions and re-use them in all processes
- Ability to establish hierarchy for related processes
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Visio for almost 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Surprisingly, I have not encountered any stability issues.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We did evaluate other products, but I don’t remember the names at this stage.
What other advice do I have?
Microsoft Visio is a robust tool for quick mapping. However, it is not user friendly when it comes to handling large number of processes. The details that can be entered into the activities are limited. There is no option to create/define roles and functions as well as their hierarchy. Also, there is no option to enter control notes (other than the simple note tool). Also, there is no option to extract the process as a Word document. There is no option to convert the process flow into an SOP format. Creating custom templates within company’s brand specifications is difficult as well.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Solution Architect and a Cloud Architect at a tech consulting company with 11-50 employees
Has a simple setup process, but the repository management feature needs enhancement
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable aspect of Visio is enabling comprehensive coverage of architectural elements."
- "The platform has limitations in managing aspects like repositories."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case for Visio involves database modeling and designing software architecture patterns. We use it to create strategic layers, business architecture, and application and technology architectures.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspect of Visio is enabling comprehensive coverage of architectural elements.
What needs improvement?
The platform has limitations in managing aspects like repositories. Unlike dedicated tools such as Spark Enterprise Architecture, Visio may lack the ability to create an entire architecture factory or manage repositories effectively. Additionally, they could support specifications for designing strategic layers.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Visio for ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable platform.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have around 12 Visio users in our organization.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup process is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We deploy the product with the help of our in-house team.
What other advice do I have?
We use Visio’s mapping feature for tasks related to technology architecture, emphasizing higher-level architectural patterns. It strongly supports technological elements of design for providing an efficient security architecture network. However, it is difficult to streamline the business processes using the platform.
I advise others to consider the product cost and ensure the functionality meets the business requirements. I rate it a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Creates impressive diagrams that we use in digitalization projects, but its initial setup is a bit complex
Pros and Cons
- "The diagrams Visio creates are quite impressive in the sense that we can cooperate with more colleagues in one task and see the flow of the process."
- "The solution's initial setup was a bit complex for me."
What is our primary use case?
We use Visio for some digitalization projects we have.
What is most valuable?
The diagrams Visio creates are quite impressive in the sense that we can cooperate with more colleagues in one task and see the flow of the process.
What needs improvement?
The solution's initial setup was a bit complex for me.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Visio for two to three months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution a seven out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Visio is a scalable solution. Around ten users, including the major project manager and their colleagues, use Visio in our organization.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have some minor experiences with monday.com. Although its pricing plan and features were quite impressive, it was not good for us.
What other advice do I have?
When we have to estimate for the annual budget planning to control costs, it is very important, as a government agency, to have some kind of KPIs, like total ownership costs and different types of efficiency KPIs. We were able to monitor our processes in a custom-made dashboard. At the moment, we would like to improve the level of integration because the solution is used very isolated and needs a lot of workaround.
Around two to three people, including engineers and IT specialists, are required to deploy and maintain the solution.
Overall, I rate the solution a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: December 2025
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