Venn diagrams are a popular and incredibly useful way to visually compare data sets and concepts to spot trends, understand relationships, and gain insight. With the right Venn diagram maker, creating these visual data maps is fast and straightforward for analysts, scientists, researchers, marketers and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover 12 of the top Venn diagram tools, walk through how to build diagrams step-by-step, and provide must-know tips for crafting effective Venn diagrams to glean transactional, scientific or abstract data comparisons. Let‘s dive in!
What is a Venn Diagram and When Should You Use One
A Venn diagram comprises 2-4 overlapping circles or other closed shapes that each represents a data set or concept. The areas of overlap illustrate similarities and shared traits between the sets, while portions not overlapping highlight differences between them.
Venn diagrams excel at depicting logical relationships in a clear visual format. They allow fast analysis of categorical data and concepts to identify trends and patterns that tables of numbers may not reveal.
Common uses of Venn diagrams include:
- Comparing and contrasting data sets
- Finding relationships between abstract concepts or categories
- Visualizing logical reasoning
- Simplifying complex associations
- Organizing information to aid decision making
Scientists, analysts, marketers, project managers and other data-driven professionals utilize Venn diagrams to better understand connections in data for research, analytics, presentations and more. Students employ them to study logic, mathematics, linguistics and other academic concepts.
Now let’s examine 12 of the top online Venn diagram makers to create powerful data visualizations.
1. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is one of the most full-featured, user-friendly Venn diagram tools available. Their templates make it simple for novices to start constructing useful Venn diagrams quickly, while customization options give power users control over styles and layouts.
Key Features
- Drag and drop editor for easy building
- Numerous templates for quick starts
- Customizable circles, borders and labels
- Share and export finished diagrams in various formats
- Real-time collaboration abilities
- Integrates with Google, Jira, Confluence and more
Lucidchart balances usability with customizability for foolproof, professional Venn diagram creation suitable for various applications.
Pricing
Lucidchart offers a free version with limited functionality. Three paid tiers unlock additional diagramming features, storage and collaboration capabilities:
- Team (5 editors) – $7.95/member/month
- Business (unlimited editors) – $11.95/member/month
- Enterprise (added security and controls) – Custom pricing
2. Canva
The browser-based Canva provides an immense library of design templates spanning diagrams, presentations, social posts, logos, reports and much more. Their Venn diagram offerings make swift work of basic as well as complex multi-set renderings.
Key Features
- Huge collection of templates
- Easy customization of colors, text, backgrounds
- Photo and illustration libraries
- One-click design enhancements
- Drag and drop simplicity
- Animation options
For attractive Venn diagrams without an advanced learning curve, Canva delivers plenty of flair. Best of all, signing up is free.
Pricing
Canva operates on a freemium model. Users can access basic design functionality and templates without charge. Canva Pro unlocks extra features, assets and tools for $12.95/month. Teams can also purchase enterprise solutions.
3. SmartDraw
With SmartDraw‘s Venn diagram software even casual business users can build presentation-worthy visualizations in minutes thanks to the tool‘s intelligent design automation. Simply plug in desired data and let SmartDraw handle optimal arrangements.
Key Features
- Automated graphic design expertise
- Dozens of templates
- Copy and combine elements freely
- Export as images or files for external use
- Works on desktop (Windows & Mac)
- Integrates with Office 365, Google Workspace and more
When short on time or design experience, SmartDraw crafts professional Venn diagrams with no manual tweaking needed.
Pricing
SmartDraw offers a full-featured free trial. Paid subscriptions with expanded capabilities are affordably priced for solos and teams. Plans start from $179/year for a single user license. Volume, enterprise and Office 365 integrated editions are also accessible.
4. App Diagrams
App Diagrams transforms a browser into a adaptable virtual whiteboard for crafting all manners of diagrams; from flowcharts to UML renditions to Venn depictions of logical data sets. Work individually or enable real-time collaboration for virtual team diagramming sessions.
Key Features
- Interactive virtual whiteboard
- Real-time collaboration abilities
- Extensive shape and symbol libraries
- Connects with Google Drive and GitHub
- Export diagrams as image files or as URLs
- Works on any device with a browser
For adaptable applications and pricing suitable for any need, App Diagrams excels.
Pricing
A free version covers use by up to 3 editors with limited functionality. Paid plans unlock more capabilities plus private diagrams and enhanced collaboration for teams:
- Personal ($5/month per user)
- Team ($8/month per user)
- Enterprise (Custom pricing)
5. Visme
Visme simplifies crafting Venn diagrams of all complexities for non-designers through their easy drag-and-drop interface loaded with customization options. Pick a template or start from a blank page to tailor data visualizations.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop editing
- Numerous templates and examples
- Animation capabilities built-in
- Photo, font and illustration libraries
- Collaborative functionality
- Export file formats incl. infographics, video and more
Visme vaporizes designer-level diagram creation so anyone can render beautiful, effective data visualizations in a few clicks.
Pricing
Visme grants access to many features without charge. Three paid tiers lift limits on storage, assets and functionality:
- Basic ($0/month per user)
- Standard ($25/month per user)
- Business ($59/month per user)
6. Creately
Browser-based Creately simplifies building presentable Venn diagrams individually or as a distributed team with handy collaboration abilities for planning, brainstorming and analysis sessions.
Key Features
- Simple drag-and-drop editor
- Numerous shape combinations
- Real-time collaboration
- Customizable styling
- Integrates with Office 365, Google Workspace, Evernote and more
- Export files as images, PDFs, CSVs plus URLs
Straightforward tools join forces with potent integrations to get Creately’s Venn diagrams seamlessly created then incorporated into external apps and sites.
Pricing
Creately offers a forever-free plan covering basic diagramming along with tiered pricing for additional capabilities:
- Free ($0/month per user)
- Professional ($5/month per user)
- Business (Custom pricing)
7. Visual Paradigm Online
The browser-based Visual Paradigm serves up advanced customization options expert users demand while remaining approachable for Venn diagram novices.
Key Features
- Highly-tailorable circle formatting
- Numerous styling controls
- Easy alignment and distribution of elements
- Export files as images or Office docs
- Real-time collaboration abilities
- Integrates with Office 365, Google Workspace and more
Whether crafting basic or intricately-detailed Venn depictions, Visual Paradigm provides the control avid design-lovers desire minus struggles.
Pricing
A free tier permits basic diagramming functionality. Two paid levels unlock richer features and assets:
- Professional ($4.99/month per user)
- Team (Custom team pricing)
8. Vizzlo
For infusing rich context into Venn diagrams through images and videos, browser-based Vizzlo empowers simply dragging-and-dropping media assets into information visualizations.
Key Features
- Easy drag-and-drop builder
- Image and animated GIF support
- Numerous shape combinations
- Styling personalization
- Animated transitions between slides
- Export files as images, PDFs, PPTs and more
Vizzlo opens doors for displaying concepts and logical connections through not just data sets but related pictures, clips, fonts, icons and colors.
Pricing
Vizzlo grants free access to some templates and functionality. Three payment levels unlock extras:
- Free ($0/month)
- Presenter ($8/month per user)
- Business ($16/month per user)
- Enterprise (Custom pricing)
9. Appy Pie
For fast Venn diagram creation minus design or coding skills, Appy Pie simplifies the process through premade templates requiring only minor edits like text and color choices to complete polished visualizations.
Key Features
- Hundreds of customizable templates
- Easy personalization options
- Photo, shape and illustrations libraries
- Animation effects built-in
- Export file types incl. SVG, PNG, JPEG, PDF
Appy Pie lifts the data visualization burden off non-creatives so anyone can render meaningful Venn depictions swiftly.
Pricing
Appy Pie grants free access to their Venn diagram maker and other basic app creators. Subscriptions enable more advanced development capabilities and features:
- Free ($0/month)
- Gold ($39/month per user)
- Platinum ($69/month per user)
Step-By-Step Guide to Building Venn Diagrams
While every Venn diagram software operates a bit differently, certain best practices in their creation remain consistent. Follow these fundamental tips when constructing your first Venn:
1. Choose your circles/shapes
Most tools feature circle shapes representing data sets by default. But explore other options like ovals, rectangles or triangles if useful for your comparison. Complex Venn diagrams can have 3-5 shapes. Keep the number minimal unless required to convey the relationships.
2. Label the shapes
Use clear, succinct text to name each shape relevant to the data or concepts it signifies. Avoid ambiguous names and terminology unfamiliar to the diagram’s intended audience. Strive for self-explanatory labels.
3. Input data points
Populate each circle/shape and their intersections with concise data points or descriptions of elements unique to that area. Items within intersections represent commonalities. Sort data logically for easy comprehension.
4. Customize appearance
Tweak colors, borders, spacing, alignments and fonts to emphasize contrasts between sets. Some tools enable further enhancements like illustrations. Prioritize clarity above snazzy looks.
When complete, export the Venn diagram as a sharable image file, infographic or even interactive visualization if collaborators require accessing the raw data.
Tips for Creating Intuitive Venn Diagrams
Beyond the structural steps covered above, consider these tips for crafting intuitive Venn diagrams, no matter which app you use:
Simplify Over Complexity
The essence of a Venn diagram is illustrating relationships between data and concepts. Avoid cramming so many variables that key takeaways become lost in the connections.
Spotlight Important Intersections
Emphasize critical data overlaps using color, size and bold fonts to direct the viewer’s attention to most relevant relationships.
Use Contrasting Colors
Vary circle colors to indicate contrasts between data/concept sets. Intersections can blend colors to signify blending of those items.
Align Shapes Tightly
Eliminate awkward white spaces between overlaps so intersections appear intentional, not accidental.
Clarify Labels
Self-document how shapes correspond to data/concepts through clear, descriptive titles positioned directly on relevant circles/shapes.
Applications of Venn Diagrams
Venn diagrams enable multifaceted data comparisons across many industries and use cases. Here are just a few examples.
Customer Segmentation
Define customer groups based on common as well as distinct traits using overlapping circles with descriptive data points in each.
Product Differentiation
Highlight unique selling features per product alongside common capabilities competing offerings share.
Risk Analysis
Visualize threats unique to certain solutions along with generalized risks affecting all options.
Medical Research
Contrast health conditions sharing symptoms vs. ailments with distinguishing indications.
The applications are unlimited since nearly any data sets can be compared through Venn visualizations.
Transform Complex Connections Into Clear Visualizations
As demonstrated, Venn diagrams unravel intricacies within multifaceted data relationships to derive actionable insight. The right software solution empowers technical and non-technical users alike to reap these analytical benefits across various applications – from academic concepts to transactional data and everything between.
We encourage you to test drive the user friendly Venn diagram builders covered here to discover which solution best addresses your analytical needs. Most offer free versions to experience first-hand their capabilities and suitability.
So pick a tool, fire up the editor, grab some data sets ripe for comparison and transform complex associations into intuitive visual maps using the power of Venn diagrams!
