Microsoft Project: features, use cases and plans
October 24, 2026Microsoft Defender: features, use cases and plans
October 24, 2026
Microsoft product guide
Microsoft Visio
Visio is Microsoft’s diagramming app. It is used to draw flowcharts, org charts, floor plans and network diagrams that stay editable and consistent.
- Best for: process maps, network diagrams, floor plans and org charts
- Where it runs: web, with the desktop app on Plan 2
- Included in: some Microsoft 365 plans as a web viewer
- Standalone plans: Visio Plan 1 and Plan 2
What Visio does for your business
The features clients ask about most, with an example of each in daily use.
Process flowcharts
Map how work moves through the business with standard symbols. In practice: Document the order-to-cash process so a new hire can follow it.
Network diagrams
Draw servers, firewalls and devices with a library of shapes. In practice: IT keeps an up-to-date network map for audits.
Org charts
Build org charts from a data source and refresh as people change. In practice: Generate a company org chart from the employee spreadsheet.
Floor plans
Lay out offices and rooms to scale. In practice: Plan a desk move before anyone carries a monitor.
Co-authoring
Several people edit a diagram together in the browser. In practice: A team marks up a process map together in a workshop.
Data-linked diagrams
Link shapes to Excel, SharePoint or SQL data (Plan 2). In practice: Color rooms on a floor plan by occupancy.
Which plans include Visio
Visio Plan 1 is for web use. Visio Plan 2 adds the desktop app and advanced features. Some Microsoft 365 plans include basic Visio for the web.
| Plan | Visio version | Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Visio Plan 1 Visio for the web | Web | View listing |
| Visio Plan 2 Web and desktop app with advanced features | Web and desktop | View listing |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard Basic Visio for the web (view and light editing) | Web | View listing |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium Basic Visio for the web (view and light editing) | Web | View listing |
| Microsoft 365 E3 Basic Visio for the web (view and light editing) | Web | View listing |
| Microsoft 365 E5 Basic Visio for the web (view and light editing) | Web | View listing |
Variants of these plans without Teams, and Non-Profit and Education versions, are also available. Ask us and we will point you to the right one.
For IT buyers
Licensing and deployment notes
- Plan 1 vs Plan 2: Plan 1 covers web authoring. Plan 2 adds the Windows desktop app, data linking, and advanced templates.
- Windows only desktop: The Visio desktop app runs on Windows. Mac users use Visio for the web.
- File sharing: Diagrams are saved to OneDrive or SharePoint, and people who only need to view can often use the free viewer.
- Co-authoring: Co-authoring works in Visio for the web; some features require desktop.
- Microsoft 365 inclusion: Included Visio for the web access is limited. Confirm the current terms before relying on it.
- Templates: Organization-wide stencils and templates can be shared through SharePoint.
Not sure which plan fits your team?
Tell us how many people need Visio and what they use it for, and we will recommend a plan.
Disclaimer: Microsoft may change features, pricing, plans or packaging at any time. Details here are a guide, not an offer; confirm current details on the listing or with us before you buy.
