When Lucidchart isn't enough for P&ID.
Lucidchart is a solid general diagram tool in the browser. As soon as the P&ID has to carry standards compliance, a BOM, tag logic and reviewer workflows, the tool runs out. piblaster keeps the browser comfort — and adds the P&ID specialisation.
Why Lucidchart often becomes the workaround
Because classic P&ID software is almost universally Windows-only, Mac, Linux and iPad users often reach for Lucidchart. That works for sketches and concept pictures — and hits its limits where a P&ID actually has to be carried by the tool: strict symbol standards, consistent tag numbering, automatic BOM, drawings available to reviewers.
Where Lucidchart runs out for P&ID
- No dedicated P&ID validation rules (tag completeness, line numbering, symbol standards).
- No structured extraction of equipment and tag attributes for the BOM.
- Symbol libraries are generic — standards coverage has to be built manually.
- Versioning is file-based, not field-based.
- No focus on P&ID-typical reviewer workflows.
piblaster vs. Lucidchart in detail
| Criterion | piblaster | Lucidchart |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Specialised for P&ID | General diagram tool |
| DIN EN ISO 10628 symbol library | Complete and maintained | Basic shapes, rest manual |
| Automatic BOM | Yes, Excel export | No |
| Tag and attribute logic | Data model behind it | Free text field |
| Platform | Browser (all OS) | Browser (all OS) |
| Team collaboration | Roles, review links | Comments, sharing |
| Price / user | SaaS subscription (30-day trial) | SaaS subscription |
When Lucidchart is fully enough
- Sketches and concept diagrams for meetings and slide decks.
- Non-normative process pictures in non-engineering contexts.
- Very small plants with no BOM requirement.
When piblaster is the right next step
- The output has to be standards-compliant and auditable.
- The BOM should come from the diagram, not run alongside it.
- Reviewers and external partners need structured access — not just a comment.
Frequently asked
Is piblaster more expensive than Lucidchart?
Both tools are SaaS subscriptions. The price difference comes from what's inside: piblaster brings the P&ID specialisation, standard symbols and automatic BOM — features that in Lucidchart are either missing or have to be built manually. For real P&ID work, that pays off quickly.
Can I bring my Lucidchart diagrams over?
You can export Lucidchart diagrams in common formats and import them into piblaster as a starting point. For the move to a real P&ID data model we help individually.
Does Lucidchart have its own P&ID features?
Lucidchart offers a generic symbol library for P&ID look and feel, but per several independent comparisons it lacks dedicated P&ID validation rules and structured attribute extraction for BOMs. It remains a diagram tool with P&ID looks, not a P&ID tool.
Can I just try piblaster?
Yes. You start a 30-day trial without a credit card, sign up with email and work right in the browser. No setup, no downloads.
Try it yourself?
Try piblaster free for 30 days — no installer, no credit card for the trial.
Sources
- Lucidchart — P&ID tutorial
- Worldmetrics — P&ID software review incl. Lucidchart
„P&ID-specific validation rules are limited versus dedicated P&ID tools […] Reporting is strongest at diagram level, not tag-level analytics."
- AutomationForum — 11 best P&ID software tools
„Lucidchart: Doesn't have automated checks for technical specs or engineering design validation. There is no desktop version that works offline."
More comparisons
Alternative to M4 PLANT.
M4 PLANT from CAD Schroer is a mature Windows CAD suite for 2D and 3D plant design. If you only need a standards-compliant P&ID with BOM — in the browser, no Windows requirement — piblaster is the direct route.
Alternative to PlantEngineer.
PlantEngineer from X-Visual is a strong Visio add-in — but that's exactly the problem if you don't have Visio, don't want Visio, or work on macOS or Linux. piblaster does the same core job without the Visio dependency.
Alternative to Smap3D P&ID.
Smap3D P&ID is a database-driven standalone software for Windows — capable, but with a clear IT footprint: SQL Server, client install, Windows landscape. piblaster delivers the same core result in the browser, without running a database in-house.