Table of Contents
Genogram Pro vs EdrawMax (2026)
EdrawMax supports 280+ diagram types, which means genograms are one small corner of a massive interface. It has some genogram symbols buried in nested menus, but the experience is clunky and unintuitive. Genogram Pro does one thing well: clinical genograms with full notation, structured data, and a clean editor.
Genogram Pro
Dedicated clinical genogram maker
- Dedicated genogram editor
- Auto-arrange
- Medical tracking
- GEDCOM support
From $9.99/mo billed annually
EdrawMax
General diagramming tool with 280+ diagram types
- 280+ diagram types in one application
- Cross-platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, and web
- One-time purchase option available
- Pre-designed genogram templates
$99/year or $198 one-time
Quick comparison
EdrawMax is a general diagramming tool with 280+ diagram types, priced at $99/year or $198 one-time. Genograms are one buried corner of it, with some McGoldrick symbols nested several menus deep and no medical tracking, auto-arrange, or GEDCOM. Genogram Pro is a dedicated clinical genogram editor with the full symbol set, 37 emotional bond types, 16+ medical conditions, and encrypted client data.
Which should you use?
Use Genogram Pro when
You build genograms as your primary work and want documented McGoldrick notation, emotional bonds, medical condition tracking, and watermark-free exports in a clean editor.
Use EdrawMax when
You need one tool for many diagram types like flowcharts, floor plans, and network diagrams, and prefer a one-time desktop license where genogram depth is not critical.
Genogram Pro vs EdrawMax: feature comparison
A side-by-side on clinical notation, structured data, privacy, and access.
| Feature | Genogram Pro | EdrawMax |
|---|---|---|
| Core Genogram Support | ||
Dedicated genogram tool Built for genograms, not a generic diagram add-on | ||
Emotional relationship lines 37 types: closeness, conflict, cutoff, enmeshment | ||
Medical condition tracking 16 built-in plus custom conditions, with onset dates | ||
McGoldrick notation Standardized clinical genogram symbols | ||
Structured data per person Dates and places, 6 vital statuses, 67 GEDCOM fact types | ||
| Intelligence & Layout | ||
AI genogram builder Describe a family in plain text and the AI builds it | ||
Auto-arrange layout One-click layout by generation, following McGoldrick | ||
Semantic data behind symbols Each node stores structured data, not just shapes | ||
| Data & Export | ||
GEDCOM export Export to the standard genealogical format, 67 fact types | ||
GEDCOM import Bring in existing family data from other tools | ||
PDF export | ||
PNG export | ||
| Privacy & Security | ||
End-to-end encryption No one, not even the servers, can decrypt your genograms | ||
Password-protected sharing Share genograms via secure links | ||
Works offline Keep editing with no internet connection | ||
| Usability & Access | ||
Cross-platform Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and mobile, not one OS | ||
Mobile support Edit genograms on tablets and phones | ||
Interactive legend A visual key of every symbol, bond, and condition used | ||
Reusable templates Save genogram structures to reuse across clients | ||
Auto-save | ||
Free editor (no signup) Start building without creating an account | ||
Pros and cons
Genogram Pro
Pros
- 66+ relationship types with full McGoldrick notation
- AI assistant for natural-language genogram building
- End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge architecture
- Works in any browser: Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, mobile
- Medical condition tracking: 16 default + custom, with onset dates
Cons
- Newer than long-established desktop genogram software
- No permanent free plan beyond a single saved genogram (7-day free trial of Professional)
- No offline access (can export for offline backup)
- Single-user editing, no real-time collaboration
EdrawMax
Pros
- 280+ diagram types in one application
- Cross-platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, and web
- One-time purchase option available
- Pre-designed genogram templates
Cons
- Genogram support is shallow within a massive tool
- Some genogram symbols exist but are clunky and buried in menus
- Generic AI, not trained for genogram work
- Cluttered interface with too many options
Key differences between Genogram Pro and EdrawMax
280+ Diagram Types
EdrawMax markets itself as an all-in-one diagramming solution with 280+ diagram types. Genograms are listed under More Shapes, nested inside Family Tree. They are buried several menus deep in a product whose bread and butter is flowcharts, floor plans, and network diagrams.
When a product tries to cover 280+ diagram types, no single type gets deep attention. EdrawMax does have some genogram symbols and basic relationship lines, but finding them is unintuitive and the clinical depth is shallow compared to a dedicated tool.
Watermarked Free Exports
EdrawMax's free tier adds a watermark to every exported file. For clinical work, a watermarked genogram is not usable in therapy sessions, case presentations, or client records. The free tier also limits you to 60 shapes, which is insufficient for a detailed multigenerational genogram.
The free tier works for evaluation, not for real work. And once you pay $99/year or $198 one-time, you are buying a generic diagramming license just to make genograms.
Vague Genogram Claims
EdrawMax describes its genogram support with phrases like "abundant symbols" and "professional genogram maker." In practice, there is some McGoldrick-style notation included, but the documentation does not specify which symbols are supported, how many relationship types exist, or how completely the tool follows the clinical standard.
Without clear documentation, clinicians cannot verify whether the tool meets their needs before committing to a purchase. Genogram Pro documents all 66+ relationship types and follows McGoldrick conventions explicitly.
The verdict
When to choose Genogram Pro
- Every relationship type documented with clear clinical definitions
- Watermark-free exports for clinical records and presentations
- AI editing and McGoldrick-based auto-arrangement
- Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop browsers
- Encrypted storage for client data
When to choose EdrawMax
- You need a single tool for many diagram types (flowcharts, floor plans, network diagrams)
- Desktop diagramming with one-time purchase pricing
- Template-driven workflows where genogram depth is not critical
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EdrawMax make genograms?
Are EdrawMax free exports usable for clinical work?
Does EdrawMax support mobile devices?
Is Genogram Pro better than EdrawMax for genograms?
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