Draw.io is Free.
But Is It Worth Your Time?
Draw.io is a great free diagramming tool. But for genograms, "free" means spending hours building clinical notation that should take seconds.
GenogramAI also has a free plan. 2 genograms with all clinical features included.
The Hidden Cost of "Free"
Draw.io costs $0. But your time isn't free.
"It's completely free"
But you spend hours manually creating clinical notation that should be built-in. Your time has value too.
"It has tons of shapes"
But not the specific shapes therapists need: miscarriage symbols, adoption brackets, emotional relationship lines.
"It's good enough"
For basic family trees, yes. For clinical genograms with medical conditions and relationship dynamics? You're doing extra work.
"You can create your own symbols"
Which means you're building genogram software yourself instead of doing therapy. That's not your job.
What You Have to Build in Draw.io
Every clinical feature requires manual construction.
Medical Quadrant
In Draw.io
Layer 4 quarter-circles, color each, align precisely, group them. 10+ minutes per person.
In GenogramAI
Click the condition. 2 seconds.
Fused-Hostile Relationship
In Draw.io
Draw 3 parallel lines. Add zigzag overlay. Align everything. Hope it doesn't break when moved.
In GenogramAI
Select relationship type from menu.
Miscarriage Symbol
In Draw.io
Draw small triangle. Position it on the marriage line. Search for how it should look. Manually recreate.
In GenogramAI
Click 'Add Miscarriage.' Standard symbol appears.
GenogramAI vs Draw.io: Feature Comparison
When Draw.io Does Make Sense
To be fair, Draw.io is a solid choice if:
- You only need basic family trees without clinical notation
- You enjoy building things manually and have time to spare
- You're creating a one-time diagram, not ongoing clinical documentation
But if you're a therapist or social worker creating genograms regularly, the time savings of purpose-built software pays for itself quickly.
Try Both. See the Difference.
GenogramAI has a free plan too. Create a genogram in each and compare how long it takes. We're confident you'll see the value.
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