Lucidchart alternative for Mac: SimpleDiagrams vs Lucidchart

Want to sketch a process on your Mac, keep the file locally and pay once? SimpleDiagrams is a native Mac app built around quick, hand-drawn diagrams. Lucidchart brings people together in a shared browser-based workspace. The right choice depends on how you draw and who you draw with.

Who each is for

SimpleDiagrams

Mac users who want to explain an idea, map a workflow or sketch a system, then put the result in a document, slide or message. Local files, an informal look and one purchase.

Lucidchart

People who need to work on the same diagram together, share documents through a browser and collaborate across Mac, Windows and Linux.

Side by side

Feature SimpleDiagrams 5 Lucidchart
On your computer A native Mac app for macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon or Intel. A browser-based app for Mac, Windows and Linux.
Buying it US$39.99 once. No subscription. The licence never expires. A limited free plan, with paid subscriptions for more features and capacity.
Offline editing Create, open, edit and save diagrams offline. The app has no network access. Keep editing a document you opened while connected. Opening or creating documents needs a connection; keep the document and browser open until changes sync.
Drawing style Sketch-style shape libraries, squiggly connectors, a Pencil and an art Marker. Built around an informal, hand-drawn look. A diagramming workspace with shapes, templates and a freehand pen.
Working together Send the diagram file or an exported picture. No real-time co-editing. Real-time co-editing, shared documents and comments.
Export PNG, PDF and SVG. Print, or copy a diagram as an image. PDF, PNG, JPEG and SVG. Print.
Visio files Opens .vsdx, .vsdm, .vstx and .vstm drawings, and imports .vssx and .vssm stencils. Does not open older .vsd or .vss files or save Visio files. Imports .vsd, .vdx and .vsdx drawings. Editing imported documents and exporting Visio files require a paid subscription.

Lucidchart features and plan availability vary by subscription. See the official sources below for current details.

Why choose SimpleDiagrams?

  • You want to draw in a native Mac app and keep working without preparing documents for an offline session.
  • You prefer one purchase to an ongoing subscription.
  • You like diagrams that look like a friendly sketch, with shapes you can move, label and connect.
  • You want to keep your working documents as files on your Mac.

Explore flowcharts and workflow charts, or browse the sketch-style shape libraries for the kinds of diagrams you make.

When Lucidchart is the better choice

  • You need several people to edit the same diagram at the same time.
  • Your collaborators use Windows or Linux as well as Mac.
  • You want to share working documents through a browser and discuss them with comments.
  • You need to export Visio files for other people to edit, which Lucidchart offers with a paid subscription.

Questions about switching from Lucidchart

Can I use Lucidchart offline on a Mac?

Yes, with limits. Lucid supports offline edits in Chrome, Firefox and Edge for documents already open before you disconnect. You cannot create a document or open another one while offline. Keep the document and browser running until you reconnect and check that your changes have synced. SimpleDiagrams can create, open and save local documents without a connection.

Can I bring my existing diagrams with me?

If your Lucidchart subscription allows Visio export, try exporting a .vsdx copy and opening it in SimpleDiagrams. Review the imported layout and shapes before relying on it; this is a format conversion, not a guaranteed exact transfer. Keep your original Lucidchart document.

You can also export a PNG or SVG from Lucidchart and import it as artwork. That keeps a visual reference, but does not transfer the diagram as connected, editable SimpleDiagrams shapes.

Do people need SimpleDiagrams to see what I make?

No. Export a PNG, PDF or SVG for people to view in their usual apps, or paste an image into a document, slide or message. Editing the original SimpleDiagrams document needs the Mac app.

Try SimpleDiagrams free for 7 days

The free trial is in the download from this site. The Mac App Store edition is paid up front and has no trial.

Download the free trial Buy a licence Download on the Mac App Store

One licence covers one person on every Mac they use. Buying for a team? See team pricing.

Also considering other tools? Read our comparisons with Visio on a Mac and OmniGraffle.

Sources

Lucidchart information checked on . Lucidchart is a product of Lucid Software. SimpleDiagrams is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lucid Software.