SimpleDiagrams vs OmniGraffle
Both are native Mac apps you can buy once. OmniGraffle is a deep tool for precise work. SimpleDiagrams is a small, friendly one for quick, hand-drawn diagrams.
Who each is for
SimpleDiagrams
People who want to sketch an idea, a process or a system in minutes, in an informal style, and move on.
OmniGraffle
Designers and technical users who want precise layout, Visio import, automation and apps on Mac, iPad and iPhone.
Side by side
| Feature | SimpleDiagrams 5 | OmniGraffle 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Mac only: macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon or Intel. | Available for Mac (macOS 14 or later), iPad and iPhone. |
| Price | US$49.99 once. No subscription. The licence never expires. | Mac: Standard US$149.99 or Pro US$249.99 once. Or US$129.99 per year for Mac, iPad and iPhone. |
| Free trial | 7 days. No card needed. | 14 days |
| Hand-drawn look | The whole app is built around it: hand-drawn shape libraries, a Squiggly Connector tool and Quick Styles. | A Freehand stroke style is available. |
| Shapes | Six built-in libraries, plus more hand-drawn libraries to download with a free account. Make your own. Import SVG, PNG and JPEG artwork. Free | Community stencils on Stenciltown, plus its own stencils. |
| Visio files | No | Pro opens .vsd, .vsdx, .vdx and stencils, and exports Visio XML (.vdx). |
| SVG export | Yes, with PNG and PDF | Pro |
| Automation and tables | No | Pro: JavaScript and AppleScript automation, tables |
OmniGraffle prices are in US dollars, as of September 2026.
Why people choose SimpleDiagrams
- It is small and quick to learn. Diagrams were never so easy.
- It is designed around the hand-drawn look from the ground up.
- One edition at one price, US$49.99. There is no Pro upgrade to buy.
- It works fully offline, with no network access and no analytics. See our IT and security statement.
When OmniGraffle is the better choice
- You need to open Visio files.
- You want to draw on an iPad or iPhone too.
- You want to automate diagrams with JavaScript or AppleScript.
- You need tables, shared layers or precise technical layout.
Try SimpleDiagrams 5 free for 7 days
One licence covers one person on every Mac they use.
Coming from Visio? Read SimpleDiagrams vs Visio on the Mac.
Sources
- The Omni Group: OmniGraffle
- The Omni Group: OmniGraffle release notes
- The Omni Group: Buy OmniGraffle
- The Omni Group: OmniGraffle specs
- The Omni Group: OmniGraffle features
- The Omni Group: Working with the inspectors
- Stenciltown
- The Omni Group: Business pricing
Competitor details checked . Prices in US dollars; check the vendor's site for current terms.