If you encounter an issue with importing an existing diagram file into Lucidchart, following the steps included in this article often resolves the issue. Read this article for troubleshooting steps you can try on your own before contacting the support team.
How to import files into Lucidchart
If you are not experiencing performance issues, but rather want instructions on how to import Microsoft Visio, Gliffy, Draw.io, and OmniGraffle files into Lucidchart, check out our Import files into Lucidchart article.
Try basic troubleshooting first
Many problems with importing files into Lucidchart are related to browser or network issues. Review our Basic troubleshooting article for more information. In most cases, the steps outlined in that article will resolve the problem you are having.
Identify the issue
If basic troubleshooting did not solve the problem, use this section to identify the specific issue you are having with importing a file into Lucidchart. Under each of the common issues below is a list of troubleshooting steps that usually resolve the issue. Click the troubleshooting step for more detail.
My file won't import
If you get an error that your import upload failed, try these troubleshooting options:
My imported file looks incorrect
If your imported file looks different or incorrect in Lucidchart, try these troubleshooting options:
Note: With imports from other applications, Lucidchart prioritizes functional fidelity over visual fidelity so that the shapes can behave as intended. In some cases, you may need to customize the diagram in Lucidchart to make it look exactly the same as the original.
Troubleshooting steps
Verify the file works in its original application
Before trying other troubleshooting steps, verify the file works in its original application (Visio, Gliffy, Draw.io, OmniGraffle, etc.). If the file doesn’t work in its original application, Lucidchart cannot import it correctly.
Check file size
Lucidchart has a file size limit of 100 MB for importing files. If your diagram fails to upload, check the size of the file to make sure it is under that limit. If it is too big, reduce the file size and try uploading again.
Tips to reduce file size
- Compress or reduce images in the diagram.
- If your file has a lot of content or multiple pages, split your document into multiple documents with fewer pages and/or objects.
- If you are exporting from Visio, save it as a VSDX file. VSDX files are generally smaller than VDX files.
Upload a different file type
If Lucidchart is unable to import the diagram, try uploading a different file type. See the list below for different file types to try from various applications.
- Visio: .vdx, .vsdx, .vsd
- Draw.io: .xml (compressed), .xml (uncompressed), .vsdx
- Gliffy: .gxml, .gliffy
- OmniGraffle: .graffle, .graffle.zip
- Any application: .bpmn
FAQ
Which diagram file types can I import into Lucidchart?
Lucidchart supports files from Microsoft Visio (.vdx, .vsdx, and .vsd), Gliffy (.gxml, .gliffy), Draw.io (.xml), and OmniGraffle (.graffle, .graffle.zip). You can also import .bpmn files into Lucidchart from any application, but imports from Signavio will have the highest fidelity.
Can I import a PDF or image into Lucidchart to create an editable diagram?
No. While you can insert a PDF into a Lucidchart document as an image, you cannot make a PDF or image file editable in Lucidchart.
Why can't I edit a diagram I imported into Lucidchart?
Any Lucidchart user can import an external diagram, but editing an imported diagram is a premium feature available only to Individual, Team, and Enterprise accounts.
Resources
To learn more about this feature, explore the additional resource below. This resource is available in English only.
Post in the Lucid Community
If none of the steps or resources above resolve the issue, search the Lucid Community for the answer to your question or post a new question to get support.