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Flow charts, site maps, wire frames, business process diagrams and similar tools are valuable in many situations. They can be used to provide information to a client or business partner or help explain progress and tasks to a team. LucidChart provides users with a better, easier way to build many of these vital presentation tools. Users can access an enormous library of shapes used for business process modeling, website development and more. Collaboration tools are also available so that an entire team can benefit from using LucidChart together. LucidChart also gives users additional layers of protection by saving every version of each diagram automatically. Documents are backed up each hour to multiple data centers so there is little to no chance of a complete loss of work.

LucidChart is based out of Provo, Utah. The team is rather small, but effective. Employees include CEO Karl Sun, CTO Ben Dilts, Chief Software Architect Ryan Probasco, User Experience Guru Alma Madsen, Business Development manager Dave Grow and Darrell Swain who handles marketing. LucidChart was founded in December 2008.

Building the right presentation tools can be difficult, especially for users who have minimal computer knowledge. LucidChart stands out because the application makes it easy for almost anyone to build a clean, effective chart, graph, or any other kind of diagram. Users can select premade shapes and customize their diagram to a specific project. In a business environment, presentation is very important. LucidChart makes it possible to enhance presentation and make a good impression with clients, colleagues and business partners.

The LucidChart website offers users a clean, well organized layout that uses a lot of white highlighted by blue and orange. The application can handle many different types of diagrams, but the creation process is kept simple so anyone can use LucidChart without a problem. The application is overall ideal for users of all skill levels.

Visitors can begin using LucidChart by clicking on the orange, arrow shaped “Try It Now” button along the bottom, left hand corner of the homepage. A new browser appears and presents the tutorial to the user. This may take a while to load. The user can follow through the tips by clicking the black and white “Next Tip” button at the bottom right hand corner, or skip using the blue link in the bottom left hand corner. Skipping or completing the tutorial gives the user access to the drawing tools so they can begin building a diagram. A save button can be found at the top right hand side of the page so the user can preserve their progress. A link can also be found across the top of the page that gives the user an easy way to share the diagram with others. Clicking save will cause the membership plan box to appear. The user must select one and enter their first and last name, email address, username, and password to register. Users can also sign up through Google.

LucidChart offers four membership plans to users. The first is the free membership which includes one user, two collaborators, up to 5 MBs of storage and up to 60 objects per document. The Team plan costs about $25 per month and upgrades to include multiple users, unlimited collaborators, unlimited objects, SSL encryption, wire framing, revision history, shared templates and images. The Professional membership is for independent professionals and costs about $10 per year. This account includes one user, unlimited collaborators, 1 GB of storage space, and premium features. The Personal membership costs about $5 per month and includes one user, five collaborators, 100 MBs of storage and unlimited objects per document.

LucidChart is a great tool for anyone who needs to build a diagram. Users can create professional diagrams that are ideal for personal and business use. The four membership plan options also make it easy for users to fit LucidChart into their budget.

• Collaborate with others while working on diagrams
• Use pre designed shapes in each diagram
• Work with confidence knowing your progress is backed up on multiple servers
• Review revision history
• Create diagrams with little to no design experience

LucidChart video

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