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BioRender starts at $35 and has a free plan, but publication rights and graphing can add to the cost. If you’re leaving, the main question is whether you need a specialist scientific icon library or a more general tool for diagrams, maps or text-based graphs. These six options cover different workflows; none is established here as a like-for-like replacement for BioRender’s vetted scientific icons. Check each tool’s current terms before using its output in a paper or conference poster.
01Why people leave BioRender
Renewals strain small labs
In one Reddit thread, a researcher said their lab’s individual subscription was up for renewal and the PI was concerned about the cost.
Graphing expectations are unclear
A Reddit poster wondered whether BioRender could replace Prism and said they had not realized it offered statistical analysis and graphing.
Free-use rights raise questions
One Reddit poster said BioRender’s free trial could not be used for conference posters. Check current terms for your intended use.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Free diagramming
draw.iodraw.iodraw.io is the first option to consider if the goal is to stop paying for general-purpose diagrams: it is listed as having a free plan and as a fit for people who want free diagramming. Its flexible storage and Confluence or Jira fit may also help teams moving existing diagram workflows. The published information does not establish a vetted scientific icon library.
Trade-off: Not established as a scientific-figure or publication-rights replacement.
8.3/10from
$5/mofree plan - Free drawing software
LibreOffice DrawLibreOffice DrawLibreOffice Draw is listed as free drawing software for simple diagrams and illustrations, so it may suit researchers who want a no-subscription option for basic visuals. It is also a natural candidate for people already using the LibreOffice suite. The available information does not confirm specialist scientific icons or publication-use terms.
Trade-off: Its specialist-workflow guarantees are limited in the published information.
7.0/10from
Freefree plan - Text-based graphs
GraphvizGraphvizGraphviz is listed for developers who describe graphs in text, including dependency and network diagrams, with SVG or document-ready graph output. That makes it a different route from arranging icons manually and may suit structured diagrams. Pricing is not published on the vendor's site, and its fit for scientific illustration is not established.
Trade-off: Setup help and pricing details are thin.
7.0/10from
Freefree plan - Collaborative diagrams
Mermaid ChartMermaid ChartMermaid Chart is listed for teams co-editing diagrams live and for Mermaid users who want visual editing. Its profile also names people using Claude, VS Code or Cursor. It may fit a diagram workflow built around text and collaboration, rather than a library of scientific icons. The listed starting price is $10, with a free plan.
Trade-off: Paid plans are annual-only; the Basic diagram cap is conflicting.
7.2/10from
$10/mofree plan - Team diagramming
LucidchartLucidchartLucidchart is aimed at teams mapping processes and systems, building org charts from imported data, and making spreadsheet-linked diagrams collaboratively. Consider it if your BioRender work is mostly team diagrams rather than publication-ready scientific figures. It has a free plan and starts at $9, according to the pricing page.
Trade-off: Pricing transparency and free-plan limits are concerns.
6.8/10from
$9/mofree plan - Varied business diagrams
SmartDrawSmartDrawSmartDraw is listed for teams creating varied business diagrams, scaled floor plans and diagrams automated from data. It is worth considering when your team needs those broader diagram types, not just scientific figure-making. The pricing page gives a $10.95 starting price; it does not establish a scientific icon library or publication-rights terms.
Trade-off: Check the annual commitment and limits before switching.
7.1/10from
$10.95/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 BioRender BioRender (current) | 7.2 | $35/mo | Yes | Researchers making publication-ready figures |
| draw.io draw.io | 8.3 | $5/mo | Yes | People who want free diagramming |
| LibreOffice Draw LibreOffice Draw | 7.0 | Free | Yes | People who need free drawing software |
| Graphviz Graphviz | 7.0 | Free | Yes | Developers describing graphs in text |
| Mermaid Chart Mermaid Chart | 7.2 | $10/mo | Yes | Teams co-editing diagrams live |
| Lucidchart Lucidchart | 6.8 | $9/mo | Yes | Teams mapping processes and systems |
| SmartDraw SmartDraw | 7.1 | $10.95/mo | No | Teams making varied business diagrams |
Questions people ask
Which BioRender alternative is free?
The pricing page identify free plans for draw.io, Lucidchart and Mermaid Chart, and list LibreOffice Draw and Graphviz with no published starting price. A free plan does not establish that a tool includes scientific icons or permits every kind of publication use, so check the current plan and terms.
Can these tools replace BioRender for scientific figures?
The published information does not establish any of these options as a direct replacement for BioRender’s vetted scientific icons. draw.io, LibreOffice Draw, Graphviz and Mermaid Chart are described for general diagrams, drawing or text-based graphs. Confirm icon availability and usage rights before rebuilding a paper figure.
Can I use BioRender’s free plan for a poster?
The published information does not spell out BioRender’s current free-plan or poster rights. One Reddit poster said the free trial could not be used for conference posters, but that is not a substitute for current terms. Check BioRender’s pricing and licensing pages for your intended use before exporting.