Gliffy vs Microsoft Designer (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: Gliffy does not list a price
Free plan
Microsoft Designer
Only Microsoft Designer has one
Higher rating
Microsoft Designer
3.7 against 4.1
Same job?
Yes
Both are Design tools

Side by side

Compared on	Gliffy	Microsoft Designer
Our rating	3.7	4.1Better
Starts at	Not listed	Free
Free plan	No	YesBetter
Category	Design	Design
Plans	See pricing	Free
Key features	AI diagram generation from a description Native Confluence and Jira integration In-page editing so diagrams stay current with the docs Drag-and-drop editor with precision controls Search across diagrams	Template-first design editing similar to Canva's approach Built-in DALL-E image generation Integrated into Microsoft 365 Completely free to use Accessible without a new account for existing Microsoft users
Pros	In-page editing keeps diagrams from going stale the way exported images do AI generation removes the blank-canvas problem Deep Atlassian integration rather than a bolt-on macro	Completely free with no paid tier required Built-in DALL-E generation without a separate image tool Direct integration into Microsoft 365 for existing users
Cons	The main advantage disappears if you do not use Confluence or Jira Less feature-rich than dedicated standalone diagramming suites Licensing sits alongside your Atlassian costs	Smaller template library than more established competitors like Canva Less differentiated for users outside the Microsoft ecosystem Fewer advanced brand and team features than dedicated business design platforms
Company	Perforce Software	Microsoft, founded 2023

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260831. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Gliffy better than Microsoft Designer?

In our reviews Gliffy scores 3.7 and Microsoft Designer scores 4.1. The better pick depends on the job. Gliffy: Diagramming built for Confluence and Jira, with AI diagram generation from a prompt and drag-and-drop editing inside the page. Microsoft Designer: Microsoft's Canva competitor, backed by DALL-E image generation.

Which is cheaper, Gliffy or Microsoft Designer?

Gliffy: see pricing. Microsoft Designer: free.

Do Gliffy and Microsoft Designer have free plans?

Only Microsoft Designer has a free plan.

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