Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nifdi?
Nifdi is web-based software for making diagrams.
Nifdi is particularly good for software architecture diagrams, process flow diagrams, infrastructure maps, and anything else that has lots of structure and connections.
How is Nifdi different?
Nifdi uses a physical editing model: everything in your diagram behaves like a physical object that can be pushed, stretched, and layered.
The model is easier, faster, and more fun than anything else you might have used.
Is Nifdi free?
"Nifdi Free" is available now and will be free forever. With this edition you can create and edit unlimited diagrams for free.
In the future, additional features will be available in paid tiers.
Diagrams & Collaboration
Can I export my diagrams?
Yes, you can export any nifdi diagram as SVG.
You can also copy-and-paste or download PNGs.
What about collaboration?
There are no built-in collaboration features yet. However, the SVG-based file format works well with existing file-based collaboration, for example through GitHub.
If you have a diagram and you want to share it with a field, click the Download button and send them the file via email, Slack, etc.
Where is my data stored?
By default, your diagrams are stored only on your local computer, either in your web browser's built-in storage, or in a local file. This is the default, and you don't have to put anything in the cloud.
When your diagrams are stored locally, this means:
- Nobody except you can access your diagrams.
- Your diagram data never leaves your computer unless you explicitly export and share it.
- There is no central database containing your diagrams.
- Access to your data is governed by your own device security.
If you choose cloud storage for a diagram, then that diagram is stored in the cloud instead. This makes it possible to access the diagram from other devices and to share it with people you invite. When you choose cloud storage:
- That diagram's data leaves your computer and is stored on our servers.
- Anyone you share or collaborate with can access that diagram.
- You can move a diagram back to local storage at any time.
Diagrams stay local unless you explicitly opt in to cloud storage, so you're always in control of which diagrams, if any, live in the cloud.
What data are you collecting?
We are currently collecting usage tracking information, so we can tell how well the software is working.
The information does not include the diagrams themselves or any of their contents.
Why would I lock my data into another tool?
Think of nifdi as a really convenient way to create and edit.
If ever you decided to stop using nifdi, you would still have all your diagrams as well-structured SVG, ready for import into another tool.
Feedback & Support
How can I give feedback?
We'd love to hear feedback from early users. Please email feedback@nifdi.app , or use the feedback form you'll find built-in to the app.
Are you accepting feature requests?
Yes, we'd love to hear what you'd find valuable. Please the feedback mechanisms above.
Who is behind Nifdi?
Nifdi is developed and operated by Nifdi Systems Limited, a UK-based company.
Which browsers are supported?
Nifdi runs in modern desktop browsers. Currently, only Chrome supports writing to local files on disk, so we recommend using Chrome.
Nifdi does not currently support mobile or touch-centric browsers on phones or tablets.
Why is it called "nifdi"?
The name originally comes from a combination of "nifty" and "diagrams".
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