Exploring process mapping options in Confluence

[Stephanie Poon]

Hello App Central folks!

I'm a Business Analyst working in the public service and investigating process mapping options for my community of practice within my company.

Instead of uploading a PNG of a Visio diagram, or embedding process maps I've created using Miro or FigJam, I'm exploring what I can use within Confluence itself.

2024 - Confluence whiteboards and embedding FigJam

Last year, I had a lot of fun using Confluence whiteboards. However, I'm not able to export the swim lane diagrams I created. That said, a Confluence whiteboard is a good starting point for drafting and brainstorming swim lane diagrams, collaborating on service blueprints, creating Kanban boards, brainstorming, and retrospectives.

My preference is still to use FigJam and then linking to the page or specific frame.

2025 - Gliffy and Plant UML

This year, I've set myself a challenge to use the diagramming apps that integrate with Confluence. Thus far, I'm growing in confidence with process mapping using Gliffy. I've created swim lane diagrams and entity relationship diagrams.

I recently started a completely new learning curve with diagramming using Plant UML within the Confluence Pages I create.

Looking forward to sharing my progress with you all.

If you have any suggestions for apps that would work well in Jira or Confluence, please reach out.

[Justine MacLean - Gliffy Solutions]

Hi @Stephanie Poon

Gliffy is happy to have you as a user, and we welcome any feedback and are here to help if you need anything.  Passing along this How-to-create-UML-diagrams-with-gliffy resource blog as you continue to build your new skillset.  Way to go!

[Stephanie Poon]

Thank you, @Justine MacLean - Gliffy Solutions.

The blog post on creating UML diagrams with Gliffy is very timely. I look forward to trying the technique for myself.

[Kit Mitchell]

Hi there!

I can totally relate to the challenge of finding the right diagramming tool within Confluence. Before working with Confluence, I was using LucidChart, which I really enjoyed, but I did find the plugins a bit disconnected at times.

That said, my team has been using draw.io recently, and I’ve found it to be one of the best options so far. It integrates smoothly with Confluence, allowing you to build and save diagrams directly within the page. It’s been really convenient for our workflow!

I haven't used some of the tools you mentioned, but I’d definitely recommend giving draw.io a try if you haven't already. It might suit your needs for process mapping and diagramming well.

Looking forward to hearing more about your progress!

[Stephanie Poon]

Thank you for the suggestion, @Kit Mitchell

I have colleagues who use LucidChart, so I'm familiar with the diagrams it creates.

I'm interested to try draw.io.

[MJ Valencia -drawio diagrams-]

Hi @Stephanie Poon :) 

Love seeing your journey exploring all different options for process mapping in Confluence. I wanted to chime in with a quick note from the draw.io side. 

It sounds like you're doing a deep dive into UML and process mapping in general, which is awesome. If you haven't had the chance to try draw.io yet, it might be worth a spin. It's native to Confluence and Jira so definitely checks that box for you. 

Here are a few resources that might be helpful to you in your endeavor: 

- A blog post on process mapping 

- A beginner's guide to UML 

- A little about swimlane diagrams  

Hope that's helpful and if you have any questions, let me know! 

MJ :)

[Stephanie Poon]

Thank you, @MJ Valencia -drawio diagrams-

I appreciate you sharing the resources. I'll give them a look.