Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

UMLet VS OmniGraffle

Compare UMLet VS OmniGraffle and see what are their differences

UMLet logo UMLet

UMLet - Free UML Tool for Fast UML Diagrams

OmniGraffle logo OmniGraffle

OmniGraffle is for creating precise graphics like website wireframes, an electrical system designs, or mapping out software class.
  • UMLet Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-23
  • OmniGraffle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-18

UMLet features and specs

  • Simplicity
    UMLet offers a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source tool, UMLet is free to use and has a community-driven development approach, allowing users to contribute to its improvement.
  • Quick Diagramming
    The tool allows for quick and efficient creation of UML diagrams with minimal fuss and immediate visual feedback.
  • Lightweight
    UMLet is a lightweight application that doesn't consume significant system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on less powerful machines.
  • Integration
    It integrates well with various development environments and offers a standalone version, as well as an Eclipse plugin.

Possible disadvantages of UMLet

  • Limited Features
    UMLet lacks some advanced features found in other UML tools, which might be necessary for complex modeling tasks.
  • Manual Updates
    Since UMLet is open-source, it may not have regular updates or support services, leading to potential issues with bugs or compatibility over time.
  • Basic Graphics
    The graphical capabilities are quite basic compared to more sophisticated UML tools, which might be a limitation for users needing high-quality visuals.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While simple to use for basic tasks, customizing UMLet to suit specific needs can involve a learning curve, particularly for new users.
  • Limited Collaboration
    UMLet may not offer robust real-time collaboration features, which can be a drawback for teams working on shared UML diagrams.

OmniGraffle features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    OmniGraffle offers a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and create detailed diagrams and designs with minimal learning curve.
  • Advanced Diagram Tools
    The software provides a wide array of advanced tools and features for creating complex diagrams, including customizable templates, Bézier lines, and powerful styling options.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    OmniGraffle is available on both macOS and iOS, allowing users to work on their projects seamlessly across different Apple devices.
  • Integration Capabilities
    It integrates well with other applications and services, such as exporting diagrams to different formats and including APIs for automation, enhancing its functionality within a workflow.
  • Frequent Updates
    The Omni Group is known for regularly updating the software, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security enhancements.

Possible disadvantages of OmniGraffle

  • High Cost
    OmniGraffle is relatively expensive compared to similar diagramming and design tools, which can be prohibitive for individuals or small businesses on a tight budget.
  • macOS and iOS Exclusivity
    The software is only available for Apple products, which limits its accessibility to users who operate on Windows or other non-Apple platforms.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are easy to use, mastering the more advanced tools and functionalities can require considerable time and effort.
  • Performance Issues with Large Files
    Some users have reported performance issues and slowdowns when working with particularly large or complex diagrams.
  • Limited Collaboration Features
    OmniGraffle lacks robust collaboration tools, making it difficult for teams to work together on the same project in real-time.

Analysis of UMLet

Overall verdict

  • Overall, UMLet is considered a good option for users who prioritize ease of use and quick diagramming capabilities over extensive features. It may not have the advanced functionalities found in more comprehensive UML tools, but it serves well for basic to moderately complex diagramming tasks.

Why this product is good

  • UMLet is a popular open-source UML tool favored for its simplicity and speed. It allows users to draw UML diagrams quickly without the need for overly complex interfaces. Being a lightweight tool, it is particularly useful for those who need to create diagrams efficiently without a steep learning curve. Additionally, its open-source nature makes it highly customizable and adaptable to various needs.

Recommended for

  • Software developers in need of a fast, efficient diagramming tool.
  • Educators and students who require a simple and accessible tool for teaching or learning UML concepts.
  • Teams that prefer open-source solutions and the ability to customize their tools.
  • Individuals working on projects that do not require highly detailed or advanced UML diagrams.

Analysis of OmniGraffle

Overall verdict

  • OmniGraffle is considered a highly effective tool for those in need of advanced diagramming and design features, particularly on macOS and iOS platforms. While it may come with a steeper learning curve and a higher price point compared to some competitors, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools that justify the investment for professional use.

Why this product is good

  • OmniGraffle is praised for its intuitive interface, robust feature set, and powerful diagramming capabilities. It offers a variety of tools for creating diagrams, charts, wireframes, and other visuals, making it a favorite among designers and project managers. The software supports precise graphics, customizable templates, and a flexible canvas, which enhance productivity and creativity.

Recommended for

  • graphic designers
  • project managers
  • UX/UI designers
  • engineers
  • anyone needing detailed and high-quality diagramming tools

UMLet videos

Tutorial for Open-Source UML Tool UMLet: Basic Use and Custom Elements

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to draw CPM Network Diagram using UMLet

OmniGraffle videos

OmniGraffle & OmniPlan Review (macOS)

More videos:

  • Review - What is OmniGraffle?
  • Tutorial - Flowchart Tutorial — OmniGraffle 7 for Mac

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to UMLet and OmniGraffle)
Diagrams
31 31%
69% 69
Flowcharts
29 29%
71% 71
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare UMLet and OmniGraffle

UMLet Reviews

9 Best UML Software For Mac & PC
Note that UMLet requires the Eclipse plugin to work although there is also an online version UMLetino which is a free online UML tool.
Source: machow2.com
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
UMLet is a free, open-source Java-based UML tool designed for teaching the Unified Modeling Language and for quickly creating UML diagrams. UMLet has a simple interface that uses text formatting codes to modify the basic shapes with decorations and annotations, so there is no forest of icons or parameter list dialogs in the user’s way. It is one type of UML tool that...

OmniGraffle Reviews

9 Best UML Software For Mac & PC
OmniGraffle has a huge number of UML templates and mockups and even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you probably will in the many community driven resources for OmniGraffle templates.
Source: machow2.com
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
OmniGraffle 7 for Mac creates precise, beautiful graphics: website wireframes, electrical systems, family trees and maps of software classes. Everyone from professional artists and designers to casual data mappers and beginning diagrammers can find something new in OmniGraffle 7. Users can quickly share tiny elements or mock-ups in a message to a friend, or export finished...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, UMLet seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

UMLet mentions (1)

  • Is there any free handy tool to create UML diagrams ?
    I like Umlet. It is a GUI drawing tool, but is not overbearing. Since I like to abuse the details of UML graphical notation, Umlet lets me type anything in a class "box" I like. Source: about 2 years ago

OmniGraffle mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OmniGraffle yet. Tracking of OmniGraffle recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing UMLet and OmniGraffle, you can also consider the following products

draw.io - Online diagramming application

LucidChart - LucidChart is the missing link in online productivity suites. LucidChart allows users to create, collaborate on, and publish attractive flowcharts and other diagrams from a web browser.

UMLGraph - UMLGraph is a professional automated drawing tool that allows the designers the declarative specification and drawing of UML class and sequence diagram.

StarUML - StarUML

yEd - yEd is a free desktop application to quickly create, import, edit, and automatically arrange diagrams. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix/Linux.

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.