What tools can I use to create BPMN diagrams?

Last Updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer

You can use simple diagramming tools like Visio or draw.io to create BPMN diagrams for visualization purposes. However, if you need full BPMN capabilities such as reuse, simulation, or execution, you should use dedicated BPMN modeling tools like Camunda, Bizagi, or Signavio.

The key difference is that diagramming tools create static images, while modeling tools support BPMN 2.0 XML and enable advanced process management features.

What tools can I use to create BPMN diagrams?

BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is a standard widely used for visualizing and documenting Business Processes.

There are many tools available for creating BPMN diagrams. However, before choosing one, you should first answer a key question:

👉 What is the purpose of your BPMN diagram?

Diagramming vs Modeling

Diagramming Tools (Visualization Only)

If you only need to visualize a Process and present it as a diagram (e.g., in a presentation), a simple diagramming tool may be enough.

However, if the tool does not support saving models in BPMN 2.0 XML format, then:

• the diagram is just an image
• it cannot be reused
• it cannot be executed or simulated

Modeling Tools (Full BPMN Capability)

If you want to:

• reuse model elements
• build hierarchies
• link Sub-Processes
• simulate Processes
• execute workflows in a BPMS

👉 then you need a BPMN modeling tool

These tools provide full BPMN support and enable advanced process management capabilities.

Choosing the Right Tool

Before selecting a new tool, check what is already used in your organization.

Using an existing tool may:

• reduce adoption effort
• improve collaboration
• avoid migration challenges

Transferring diagrams between tools can be difficult, especially when maintaining relationships between models.

Diagramming Tools Supporting BPMN

Here are some popular tools for creating BPMN diagrams:

PowerPoint / Microsoft Paint

It is technically possible to draw BPMN diagrams manually using tools like PowerPoint or Paint. However, this approach is inefficient and not recommended.

Microsoft Visio + BPMN Stencils

Microsoft Visio is a widely used diagramming tool that supports BPMN.

• Common in corporate environments
• Supports basic BPMN shapes
• Additional stencils available online

👉 Good for visualization, limited for advanced BPMN usage

Only the basic BPMN 2.0 shapes are included in the BPMN Basic Shapes stencil, but you can find some BPMN stencils for Vision on the web. 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/visio/flowchart-software

draw.io

Draw.io is a free and open-source diagramming tool.

• Works online and offline
• Integrates with cloud storage
• Supports BPMN diagrams

👉 Good option for simple diagrams

https://www.drawio.com/

Gliffy

Gliffy is an online diagramming tool that supports BPMN diagrams. It's easy to use and integrates with platforms like Confluence and Jira, making it a good choice for teams using Atlassian products.

https://www.gliffy.com/

BPMN Modeling tools

Below is a subjective list of popular modeling tools

Camunda

Camunda's modeling tools are some of the best tools on the market. They are very user-friendly and compliant with modeling standards such as BPMN and DMN (Decision Model and Notation) and, on top of that, thoughtful and elegant.

Another advantage is that most of the tools are free and available online.

Camunda Platform helps you design, automate, and improve any process across your organization.

👉 Strong choice for both learning and enterprise use

Camunda is available in many options:

• Simple and easy to use browser based BPMN editor: https://demo.bpmn.io/
• Open Source Desktop Camunda Modeler: https://camunda.com/download/modeler/
• Camunda Web Modeler: https://console.cloud.camunda.io/
• Camunda Platform: https://camunda.com/platform/

In the "Everyday BPMN with Filip" series, the examples are created in Camunda.

Bizagi Modeler 

Bizagi Modeler is a free BPMN modeling tool.

• Easy to use
• Supports collaboration and documentation

👉 Good entry-level modeling tool

https://www.bizagi.com/en/platform/modeler

Trisotech

Trisotech's BPMN tools provide a user-friendly environment for creating, analyzing, and optimizing business process models. Key features may include intuitive diagramming interfaces, simulation capabilities for process analysis, collaboration tools for team involvement, and integration options with other enterprise systems.

Trisotech's tools also support other OMG standards such as DMN and  CMMN (Case Management model and Notation). The Digital Modeling Suite is a complete set of visual modeling tools, from strategy to operations.

👉 Suitable for advanced and enterprise use

https://www.trisotech.com/bpmn/

https://www.trisotech.com/digital-modeling-suite/

Trisotech also offers Free Visio templates for BPMN, CMMN, and DMN. You can download them here: https://www.trisotech.com/trisotech-free-visio-templates-bpmn-cmmn-dmn/

SAP Signavio Process Manager

A comprehensive BPM platform.

• Process modeling and improvement
• Process mining capabilities
• Enterprise-ready

👉 Ideal for large organizations

https://www.signavio.com/products/process-manager/

Visual Paradigm

A multi-purpose modeling tool supporting:

• BPMN, UML, SysML, ERD
• Simulation and animation

👉 Good all-in-one solution

https://www.visual-paradigm.com/editions/modeler/

Adonis

A BPMN tool focused on process management.

• Supports modeling, analysis, and optimization
• Free community version available

https://www.adonis-community.com/

Enterprise Architect

A powerful modeling tool from Sparx Systems.

• Supports BPMN, UML, and DMN
• Feature-rich but can be complex

👉 Better suited for advanced users

https://sparxsystems.com/products/ea/index.html

Conclusion

When choosing a BPMN tool, consider:

• Ease of use
• Collaboration features
• Integration capabilities
• Support for BPMN 2.0 XML

Many tools offer free versions or trials, allowing you to test them before deciding.

In practice:

• Diagramming = creating visual representations
• Modeling = analyzing, simulating, and optimizing processes

👉 The most important factor is not the tool itself, but whether it allows you to create valid, reusable BPMN models.

Key Takeaways

• BPMN tools fall into two categories: diagramming and modeling
• Diagramming tools create static diagrams, while modeling tools enable execution and reuse
• Choose tools based on your goal: visualization vs process management
• Modeling tools support BPMN 2.0 XML, simulation, and automation
• Popular diagramming tools: Visio, draw.io, Gliffy
• Popular modeling tools: Camunda, Bizagi, Signavio, Trisotech
• Always consider tools already used in your organization
• The best tool is the one that allows you to create valid and usable BPMN models