calligraflow

Launch the flowchart and diagram application

$ calligraflow

$ calligraflow [path/to/file]

$ calligraflow --[help|version]

calligraflow [options] [files | URLs]

-h, --help
    Display brief help message

--help-all
    Show complete list of options including Qt/KDE

--help-class
    Help for specific class (e.g., --help-qt)

-v, --version
    Print version information

--author
    Show author information

--fullscreen, -f
    Launch in fullscreen mode

--template template
    Open with specified template file

--embed component
    Embed specific KPart component

[file]
    Open diagram file(s) on startup

Calligra Flow is a versatile diagramming application in the open-source Calligra office suite, designed for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, UML diagrams, network layouts, and technical schematics. It features an intuitive canvas-based interface with drag-and-drop shapes, automatic connectors, layers, text styling, and advanced layout tools. Users can customize shapes, apply themes, and generate reports.

Supporting vector graphics, it handles complex diagrams efficiently with grid snapping, alignment guides, and scripting via JavaScript. Import/export includes native .flw files, SVG, ODG (OpenDocument Graphics), PDF, PNG, and more, enabling interoperability with tools like Inkscape or LibreOffice Draw.

Launched by calligraflow, it integrates with KDE Plasma but runs on any desktop. Ideal for engineers, educators, and business professionals seeking a free Visio alternative. Requires graphical environment; no CLI diagramming.

GUI-only; requires X11/Wayland and Calligra libraries. Not suited for headless/batch processing. Large diagrams may need ample RAM.

Native: .flw; Read/write: SVG, ODG, PDF; Export: PNG, EPS, EMF.
Import: Visio (.vsd limited).

Calligra Suite, KDE Frameworks 5/6, Qt5/6, shared-mime-info. Install via distro packages: calligra or calligra-gemini.

Use layers for complex docs; connectors auto-route. Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+N new, Ctrl+S save, F5 preview.

Originated as Kivio in KOffice 1.x (pre-2010). Rebuilt as Calligra Flow in Calligra 2.4 (2012), with major updates in Calligra 3.x for KF5/Qt5 support. Maintained by KDE community; latest stable in Calligra 3.2.0 (2020+). Usage peaked in KDE ecosystems, now niche due to LibreOffice Draw competition.

karbon(1), calligragemini(1), dia(1), xfig(1), libreoffice(1)