Quick Overview
- 1#1: Miro - Collaborative online whiteboard for real-time event planning, timeline mapping, and workflow visualization.
- 2#2: Lucidchart - Intelligent diagramming tool for creating detailed event flowcharts, process maps, and interactive diagrams.
- 3#3: Diagrams.net - Free, open-source diagramming application for building custom event sequences and system maps.
- 4#4: Creately - Visual workspace with templates for event journey maps, mind maps, and collaborative planning.
- 5#5: Whimsical - Intuitive tool for quick flowcharts, mind maps, and event wireframes with wireframing capabilities.
- 6#6: MindMeister - Online mind mapping platform for structuring event ideas, hierarchies, and brainstorming sessions.
- 7#7: Microsoft Visio - Professional diagramming software for complex event modeling with data integration and templates.
- 8#8: XMind - Powerful mind mapping tool supporting event timelines, Gantt charts, and cross-platform use.
- 9#9: Coggle - Simple collaborative mind mapping service for straightforward event diagrams and idea organization.
- 10#10: Lucidspark - Infinite virtual whiteboard for sticky-note-based event strategy mapping and team collaboration.
Tools were selected based on rigorous evaluation of key factors: robust features (including collaboration capabilities, template variety, and scalability), intuitive user experience (design simplicity and cross-platform accessibility), and overall value (free tiers, premium offerings, and integration flexibility), ensuring a balanced mix of options for both beginners and professionals.
Comparison Table
Event mapping software simplifies visualizing workflows and processes, and this table compares top tools like Miro, Lucidchart, Diagrams.net, Creately, Whimsical, and more. Readers will find key features, pricing details, and unique capabilities to identify the ideal solution for their team's requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miro Collaborative online whiteboard for real-time event planning, timeline mapping, and workflow visualization. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Lucidchart Intelligent diagramming tool for creating detailed event flowcharts, process maps, and interactive diagrams. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Diagrams.net Free, open-source diagramming application for building custom event sequences and system maps. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Creately Visual workspace with templates for event journey maps, mind maps, and collaborative planning. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Whimsical Intuitive tool for quick flowcharts, mind maps, and event wireframes with wireframing capabilities. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | MindMeister Online mind mapping platform for structuring event ideas, hierarchies, and brainstorming sessions. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Microsoft Visio Professional diagramming software for complex event modeling with data integration and templates. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | XMind Powerful mind mapping tool supporting event timelines, Gantt charts, and cross-platform use. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Coggle Simple collaborative mind mapping service for straightforward event diagrams and idea organization. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Lucidspark Infinite virtual whiteboard for sticky-note-based event strategy mapping and team collaboration. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
Collaborative online whiteboard for real-time event planning, timeline mapping, and workflow visualization.
Intelligent diagramming tool for creating detailed event flowcharts, process maps, and interactive diagrams.
Free, open-source diagramming application for building custom event sequences and system maps.
Visual workspace with templates for event journey maps, mind maps, and collaborative planning.
Intuitive tool for quick flowcharts, mind maps, and event wireframes with wireframing capabilities.
Online mind mapping platform for structuring event ideas, hierarchies, and brainstorming sessions.
Professional diagramming software for complex event modeling with data integration and templates.
Powerful mind mapping tool supporting event timelines, Gantt charts, and cross-platform use.
Simple collaborative mind mapping service for straightforward event diagrams and idea organization.
Infinite virtual whiteboard for sticky-note-based event strategy mapping and team collaboration.
Miro
creative_suiteCollaborative online whiteboard for real-time event planning, timeline mapping, and workflow visualization.
Infinite canvas with AI-assisted diagramming for scalable, interactive event maps
Miro is a powerful online visual collaboration whiteboard platform that enables teams to map out events through customizable templates for timelines, floor plans, schedules, and flowcharts. It supports real-time collaboration, sticky notes, shapes, and integrations to create comprehensive event maps dynamically. Ideal for event planners, Miro transforms complex event logistics into intuitive visual representations, fostering creativity and efficiency in planning.
Pros
- Infinite zoomable canvas perfect for detailed event layouts and timelines
- Extensive library of event-specific templates and real-time multiplayer editing
- Seamless integrations with tools like Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for users new to visual tools with its vast feature set
- Advanced features require paid plans, limiting free tier for large-scale events
- Occasional performance lag with very large boards or many collaborators
Best For
Distributed teams and event planners needing collaborative visual mapping for conferences, weddings, or corporate events.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Starter at $8/user/month; Business at $16/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Lucidchart
creative_suiteIntelligent diagramming tool for creating detailed event flowcharts, process maps, and interactive diagrams.
Universal Canvas with infinite scrolling and layering for expansive event timelines and storming workshops
Lucidchart is a versatile cloud-based diagramming platform that enables users to create detailed visual maps, including event timelines, flowcharts, and process diagrams ideal for event mapping and event storming techniques. It supports custom shapes for commands, domain events, aggregates, and policies, laid out on an infinite canvas with sticky notes and connectors for collaborative modeling. Integrated AI features and real-time editing make it suitable for mapping complex event-driven systems in software development and business analysis.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with extensive shape libraries adaptable for event mapping
- Real-time collaboration for team-based event storming sessions
- Seamless integrations with tools like Jira, Slack, and Google Workspace
Cons
- Not specialized for event storming, requiring manual customization of templates
- Free version limits document size and advanced features
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams needing enterprise controls
Best For
Agile development teams and analysts collaboratively mapping event-driven architectures and business processes.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Individual plan at $7.95/user/month, Team at $9/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom pricing.
Diagrams.net
otherFree, open-source diagramming application for building custom event sequences and system maps.
Pre-built Domain-Driven Design library with event storming-specific shapes (events, commands, policies) using workshop-style sticky notes.
Diagrams.net (formerly Draw.io) is a free, versatile diagramming tool ideal for event mapping, featuring specialized Domain-Driven Design (DDD) shape libraries with color-coded elements like orange events, blue commands, and yellow aggregates for event storming workshops. It enables users to create detailed visual maps of event sequences, lifecycles, and system interactions through drag-and-drop interfaces and customizable templates. The tool supports offline editing, exports to multiple formats, and cloud integrations for sharing.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited usage and no feature paywalls
- Dedicated DDD and event storming shape libraries with sticky notes and connectors
- Offline desktop app and seamless integrations with Google Drive, OneDrive, and GitHub
Cons
- Collaboration requires cloud sharing links rather than native real-time multiplayer
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and layers
- No built-in facilitation tools like timers or voting for workshops
Best For
Solo developers, DDD practitioners, and small teams needing a robust, no-cost tool for event storming and mapping without collaborative bloat.
Pricing
Entirely free for core features, offline use, and unlimited diagrams; optional enterprise plans for advanced auth and integrations starting at $5/user/month.
Creately
creative_suiteVisual workspace with templates for event journey maps, mind maps, and collaborative planning.
Infinite canvas with thousands of pre-built templates for rapid event timeline and sequence diagram creation
Creately is a versatile online diagramming platform that supports event mapping through customizable templates for timelines, Gantt charts, flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and process maps. It enables users to visually represent event sequences, dependencies, milestones, and workflows in a collaborative environment. With real-time editing and an infinite canvas, teams can build detailed event plans dynamically. AI-powered features also assist in generating diagrams from text descriptions.
Pros
- Extensive template library tailored for timelines and process flows
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with smart connectors
Cons
- Not specialized solely for event mapping, lacking advanced event-specific tools like RSVP integration
- Free plan has limitations on exports and storage
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
Best For
Collaborative teams and project managers needing flexible visual tools for mapping event timelines and workflows.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid tiers start at $5/user/month (Basic), $10/user/month (Pro), $25/user/month (Business), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Whimsical
creative_suiteIntuitive tool for quick flowcharts, mind maps, and event wireframes with wireframing capabilities.
Lightning-fast flowchart and timeline creation with AI-assisted auto-layout for seamless event sequence building
Whimsical is a visual collaboration tool that supports event mapping through intuitive flowcharts, timelines, mind maps, and wireframes, enabling teams to diagram event sequences, user journeys, and planning workflows. Its infinite canvas and real-time multiplayer editing make it ideal for brainstorming and visualizing complex event structures collaboratively. While versatile for general diagramming, it adapts well to event mapping needs like process flows and timelines without requiring specialized plugins.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick event flow creation
- Real-time collaboration with unlimited guests on free plan
- Clean, minimalist design that enhances visual event mapping clarity
Cons
- Lacks deep integrations with event management tools like calendars or CRM
- Limited advanced analytics or automation for complex event simulations
- Free plan restricts file exports and history, impacting larger teams
Best For
Small to medium teams or designers seeking a simple, collaborative platform for visual event planning and journey mapping without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $10/user/month; Org at $20/user/month (billed annually).
MindMeister
creative_suiteOnline mind mapping platform for structuring event ideas, hierarchies, and brainstorming sessions.
Real-time collaborative editing with live cursors and chat for seamless team mind mapping
MindMeister is a cloud-based mind mapping platform that allows users to create visual, hierarchical diagrams for brainstorming, planning, and organizing complex ideas. In the context of event mapping software, it enables users to structure event timelines, tasks, venues, budgets, and attendee flows through intuitive node-based maps. It supports real-time collaboration and integrates with tools like MeisterTask for task management, making it useful for initial event planning phases.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick map creation
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for team event planning
- Extensive export options and integrations with productivity tools
Cons
- Lacks specialized event management features like calendars, RSVPs, or budgeting tools
- Free version has limitations on map size and exports
- Advanced features require higher-tier paid plans
Best For
Event planners and creative teams needing a visual tool for brainstorming and outlining event structures collaboratively.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Personal (€6.74/user/month annually), Pro (€12.37/user/month), Business (€20.37/user/month).
Microsoft Visio
enterpriseProfessional diagramming software for complex event modeling with data integration and templates.
Data-driven diagrams with automatic linking to external sources for live event mapping updates
Microsoft Visio is a powerful diagramming application designed for creating detailed visual maps, including event timelines, flowcharts, and process diagrams ideal for event planning and mapping. It provides hundreds of customizable templates and shapes specifically for timelines, Gantt charts, and cross-functional flowcharts to visualize event sequences, dependencies, and logistics. Integrated with Microsoft 365, it supports data import from Excel or databases for dynamic event maps that update automatically.
Pros
- Vast library of event-specific templates like timelines and swimlane diagrams
- Seamless data linking from Excel/SharePoint for real-time event updates
- Strong Microsoft ecosystem integration for collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Full features require expensive desktop Plan 2 subscription
- Web version lacks advanced editing capabilities
Best For
Enterprise teams already using Microsoft 365 who need professional-grade diagramming for complex event planning and process mapping.
Pricing
Visio Plan 1: $5/user/month (web-only); Visio Plan 2: $15/user/month (desktop); included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans.
XMind
creative_suitePowerful mind mapping tool supporting event timelines, Gantt charts, and cross-platform use.
Seamless integration of Timeline and Gantt chart views for dynamic event dependency mapping and scheduling.
XMind is a versatile mind mapping and diagramming tool that excels in creating visual representations of ideas, including timelines and Gantt charts ideal for event mapping. It allows users to sequence events chronologically, link dependencies, and add notes or attachments for comprehensive planning. With cross-platform support and a range of templates, it's suitable for project timelines, storyboarding, and event coordination, though it's more general-purpose than specialized event software.
Pros
- Versatile diagram types including timelines and Gantt charts for event sequencing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with customizable themes
- Cross-platform availability and strong export options
Cons
- Freemium model limits advanced features like unlimited maps in free tier
- Not as specialized for pure event mapping as dedicated timeline tools
- Occasional performance lag with very large maps
Best For
Individuals and teams seeking a flexible, all-in-one visual tool for event planning and timeline visualization without needing highly specialized software.
Pricing
Free basic version; Pro subscription at $59.99/year or $7.99/month; one-time purchase options available.
Coggle
otherSimple collaborative mind mapping service for straightforward event diagrams and idea organization.
Seamless real-time collaboration allowing multiple users to edit event maps simultaneously
Coggle is a web-based mind mapping tool designed for creating visual diagrams, flowcharts, and hierarchical structures to organize ideas and relationships. It excels in branching layouts that can represent event sequences, causal chains, and timelines through customizable nodes and connections. With real-time collaboration, it's suitable for teams mapping out event flows, though it lacks specialized timeline or Gantt features native to dedicated event mapping software.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick diagram creation
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for team event planning
- Unlimited public diagrams on the free plan with export options
Cons
- No native timeline or event-specific templates, requiring manual adaptation
- Private diagrams limited to 3 on free plan
- Advanced styling and integrations require paid upgrade
Best For
Small teams or individuals seeking a simple, collaborative tool for basic event sequence visualization and brainstorming.
Pricing
Free plan (3 private diagrams); Awesome $5/user/month (unlimited private); Team plans from $10/user/month.
Lucidspark
creative_suiteInfinite virtual whiteboard for sticky-note-based event strategy mapping and team collaboration.
Breakout boards for dividing large event maps into focused subgroups during collaborative sessions
Lucidspark is a cloud-based virtual whiteboard platform from Lucid Software, designed for visual collaboration, brainstorming, and diagramming. It supports event mapping through customizable templates for timelines, journey maps, process flows, and event storming workshops commonly used in agile and domain-driven design. Teams can collaborate in real-time, adding sticky notes, shapes, and connectors to visualize event sequences, dependencies, and outcomes effectively.
Pros
- Extensive template library tailored for event mapping and workshops
- Real-time multiplayer editing with voting and timers
- Seamless integrations with tools like Slack, Jira, and Lucidchart
Cons
- Not specialized solely for event mapping, lacking built-in calendar or RSVP tools
- Canvas can feel cluttered with complex event diagrams
- Advanced features require higher-tier paid plans
Best For
Remote teams and agile workshops focused on event storming, process visualization, and collaborative mapping without needing rigid event management structures.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid Individual plan at $9.95/user/month, Team at $13.99/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
When evaluating event mapping software, Miro emerges as the top choice, leading with its real-time collaboration and intuitive design for timeline and workflow visualization. Lucidchart follows closely, offering rich features for detailed, data-integrated flowcharts, while Diagrams.net stands out as a free, flexible option for custom event sequences. Together, these three tools cater to varied needs, solidifying their positions as top performers.
Start your event planning journey with Miro—its collaborative power and broad capabilities can transform how you map and execute events, so don’t miss out on this essential tool.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison