Diagramly - Create Flowcharts Quickly

Flowcharts Made Easy with Diagramly

In today’s visually-driven world, flowcharts serve as an effective method for conveying information concisely. Individuals who frequently develop flowcharts for professional purposes might already be familiar with comprehensive software like Microsoft Visio.

However, for those who are new to flowchart creation, Diagramly presents a compelling alternative. Its primary advantage lies in its accessibility. Simply navigate to a URL, and the application is immediately available.

No Installation Required

There’s no need for downloads, account creation, or even Flash support to begin using Diagramly. The process of getting started is remarkably straightforward.

Conversely, a significant drawback of Diagramly is the complete absence of user documentation. Consider the following diagram, illustrating the typical workflow of a MakeUseOf reader:

The diagram’s clarity is readily apparent, isn’t it? From initial browser loading to diagram completion, the process took approximately 45 seconds.

Icon Customization Challenges

However, did you observe that each step utilizes identical icons? This isn’t to suggest that our readers are merely components of a larger system. Rather, it reflects my inability to discover how to modify the icons.

Despite extensive exploration of the interface, including right-clicking and various other attempts, I was unable to alter the icon appearance. I invite readers to share any insights they may have regarding this functionality in the comments section.

User Interface Overview

Let's examine the user interface:

The inclusion of Chrome’s address bar is intentional, demonstrating that Diagramly functions as a web application. The distinction between web and desktop applications is becoming increasingly blurred, and Diagramly exemplifies this trend.

The interface is also highly responsive. Multiple elements can be selected by dragging a marquee around them, or individually by Ctrl-clicking (when not adjacent). Zoom levels are adjustable, and a comprehensive library of high-resolution icons is readily available.

Icon Library

Here are a few randomly selected examples:

The presence of the Shield of David is perplexing. It appears to be intended as a star, but features six points. Regardless, the icons are remarkably detailed.

It’s likely that Diagramly’s developers have licensed existing icon sets, as I recognize these icons from other sources. The availability of such high-quality icons is invaluable when aiming to communicate a visual message rapidly. A simple arrow connecting the dollar sign icon to the Mac icon effectively conveys the intended meaning.

Saving Options

Upon completing your diagram, you can save it in various formats:

Saving as an SVG is particularly useful if you utilize a desktop vector editing program, such as the free and open-source Inkscape. As previously noted, documentation is not a strength of Diagramly, so the specific XML format remains unknown.

Inspection of the XML output reveals the absence of a DTD declaration. However, the file can be reopened within Diagramly itself (verified through testing).

Diagramly: A Quick Solution for Visualizing Ideas

When considering whether Diagramly is suitable for high-stakes presentations, such as a multi-million dollar keynote, the answer is likely apparent. However, the tool excels in situations demanding rapid visualization of concepts.

Diagramly provides a streamlined experience, eliminating common obstacles associated with diagramming software. This includes avoiding software downloads, account creation, and complex installation processes.

Key Advantages of Diagramly

Speed and Accessibility: Diagramly allows for immediate creation of diagrams directly within a web browser.
Ease of Use: The tool minimizes setup and configuration, enabling users to focus on their ideas.
Hassle-Free Experience: It bypasses the typical complexities found in many diagramming applications.

If you develop a particularly noteworthy or amusing diagram, feel free to share it with others in the comments section!