Lucid
Lucid is a web-based visual collaboration suite. The key tools include:
- Lucidspark for digital whiteboarding
- Lucidchart for process mapping and diagramming.
Key features
- Diagram tools include flow charts, org charts, customer journey mapping, process/system maps.
- Whiteboard tools include mind mapping, visual workshop facilitation, strategic planning, retrospectives, swimlanes.
- Formatting tools include sticky notes, shapes and custom shapes, marker pen, tables, dynamic connectors, snap to grid, and AI generation.
- Real time collaboration: multiple users can collaborate on whiteboards simultaneously using interactive tools like comments, mentions and timers.
- Share documents with others in multiple different formats with varying levels of access.
- Integrations include Google, Slack and the Wiki.
Access instructions
Anyone can create a free Lucid account, but features and functionality are limited.
We have a limited number of full licences available. We review requests in line with our licence management.
You’ll receive an email with more information on your request.
Available to staff (restrictions apply)
You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.
Web-based
This service works in your web browser.
Funded by the University
There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.
Additional information
- Job role priority:
Staff members whose job roles require frequent creation of charts, process maps and/or in depth whiteboard tools, for example a Project Manager or Business Analyst, will be given priority access to Lucid. - Project-based access:
Staff members working on projects that require significant or in depth mapping, discovery work and collaboration may be granted temporary access to Lucid for the duration of the project. - Duration of access:
Access to Lucid may be granted on a temporary basis, with licences rotating among staff members based on operational needs and usage patterns, subject to agreement with IT Services. - Licence allocation:
The allocation of Lucid licences will be managed centrally by IT Services to ensure equitable distribution based on eligibility criteria. - Monitoring and review:
The usage of Lucid accounts will be periodically monitored and reviewed to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and optimise licence allocation.
Access instructions
Anyone can create a free Lucid account, but features and functionality are limited.
We have a limited number of full licences available. We review requests in line with our licence management.
You’ll receive an email with more information on your request.
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Get started guide (help.lucid.com)
- Lucid Help Center (help.lucid.com)
Training and best practice
- Lucid Training Labs (training.lucid.co)
- Use our Slack channel #lucid-users to share best practice and ask questions with other York users
Accessibility
- Accessibility reports from Lucid (lucid.co)
Contact for support
If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.
Service commitments
Terms of use
- Account security:
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your Lucid account credentials. - Authorised use:
Lucid is to be used solely for official University of York business. - Duration of access:
You are responsible for informing IT Services if you no longer require a Lucid licence, via the Lucid licence request form. - Document storage:
You are responsible for downloading and storing documents that are necessary for your records. Documents should be accessible to others who may need access, including after you have left the organisation. - Transferring documents:
- When your account is removed you should either download the documents in the appropriate format to be stored in a shared drive accessible to the relevant people.
- If the documents need to remain in Lucid, you need to transfer them to another person with a licence - if there isn’t anyone to take ownership please include this when you complete the request form to remove your account.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Availability
- This is a live service, available 24/7.
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
- They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
Page last reviewed: 1 February 2025