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Head-to-head · Diagramming tools

OmniGraffle vs Lucidchart

Lucidchart suits collaborative teams and offers a free tier; OmniGraffle is built for Apple-focused diagramming and prototyping.

OmniGraffle

6.2/10
VS

Lucidchart

6.8/10

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Short answer

Most buyers should pick Lucidchart.

Lucidchart is the stronger default for teams: it has a free plan, AI-assisted diagramming, data imports and links, and real-time collaboration. Its free tier is limited to 3 editable documents and 75 shapes per document; paid Individual starts at $9/month billed annually. OmniGraffle fits Apple-focused professionals who want diagramming and rapid prototyping, with Mac and iOS access on its $129.99/year subscription ($10.83/month equivalent). Its pricing page also lists $124.99/year, so check the checkout price.

01Side by side

OmniGraffleLucidchart
Starting price$10.83/month equivalent, billed annually$9/month, billed annually
Free planNo free plan; 14-day trialFree; 3 documents, 75 shapes each
Best forApple-focused diagramming and prototypingTeams mapping systems and processes
Core strengthDiagramming, rapid prototyping, visual designAI diagrams, collaboration, data-linked visuals
Learning curveNot publishedNot published
Integrations/dataNot specified on the vendor's siteImports and links Sheets, Excel, and CSV
Team/seat costsSingle-user subscription: $10.83/month equivalent$10/user/month; 3-user minimum
SupportNot publishedNot published

Choose OmniGraffle if

  • Choose OmniGraffle if you work mainly across Mac and iOS.
  • Choose OmniGraffle if you need rapid prototyping and visual design.
  • Choose OmniGraffle if you prefer a perpetual license.

Choose Lucidchart if

  • Choose Lucidchart if you want a free plan to start.
  • Choose Lucidchart if your team needs real-time diagram collaboration.
  • Choose Lucidchart if you build diagrams from imported or linked data.

02Pricing compared

Lucidchart is cheaper to try: its free plan allows 3 editable documents, up to 75 shapes per document, and 100 templates. Individual starts at $9 per month billed annually, with one user and unlimited editable documents and objects. Team is $10 per user per month billed annually, with a 3-user minimum. Monthly prices aren’t published.

OmniGraffle has no free plan and lists a 14-day trial. Its subscription is listed at $129.99 per year ($10.83 per month equivalent), though the store also lists $124.99 per year. Perpetual licenses cost $149.99 for Mac Standard, $249.99 for Mac Pro, $59.99 for iOS Standard, or $119.99 for iOS Pro. Check the checkout price and license scope before switching.

03Features and depth

Lucidchart is the clearer fit for shared, data-backed diagrams. Its listed features include AI-generated diagrams from text prompts, questions from the canvas, data imports for org charts and other diagrams, and links to Google Sheets, Excel, or CSV files. It also lists real-time collaboration, conditional formatting, and templates for processes, org charts, roadmaps, and technical diagrams.

OmniGraffle’s listed focus is diagramming, rapid prototyping, design, and visual organization and communication. The product description positions it for professionals who need to organize or communicate visually. That may suit design and prototyping work, but the published feature list doesn’t detail data linking, AI tools, templates, or team collaboration. We wouldn’t assume those capabilities are equivalent to Lucidchart’s based on the available descriptions. If the decision hinges on a specific workflow, check the product documentation before moving diagrams or changing team processes.

04Ease of use and learning curve

Our review scores rate Lucidchart 7 for ease of use and OmniGraffle 6; those scores don’t establish how quickly your team will learn either product. Lucidchart’s free plan gives you a way to try diagramming, but its 3-document and 75-shape limits may constrain a real project. Its listed collaboration and templates may help teams get started together.

OmniGraffle’s description emphasizes professional visual work and rapid prototyping, but the published details don’t explain its onboarding or learning curve. Platform requirements matter too: the subscription requires macOS 14 or iOS/iPadOS 16 or later, while Mac perpetual licenses require macOS 14 or later. Check those requirements against your team’s devices before switching.

Questions people ask

Is Lucidchart or OmniGraffle better for teams?

Lucidchart is the stronger default for teams based on the listed real-time collaboration, shared diagrams, and Team plan. That plan starts at $10 per user per month billed annually, with a 3-user minimum. OmniGraffle’s published details emphasize individual Apple-device access rather than team collaboration.

Does Lucidchart have a free plan?

Yes. Lucidchart’s free plan includes 3 editable documents, 75 shapes per document, and 100 templates. It may work for occasional diagramming, but the document and shape caps can constrain ongoing work. Individual starts at $9 per month billed annually; monthly pricing isn’t published.

Is OmniGraffle available for Windows?

The published pricing details list Mac access for OmniGraffle’s Mac licenses and Mac, iPhone, and iPad access for its subscription. They don’t list a Windows version. If Windows support is a requirement, confirm it with Omni Group before purchasing or switching.

Can I switch from OmniGraffle to Lucidchart without paying?

Lucidchart has a free plan, but it is limited to 3 editable documents and 75 shapes per document. The published details don’t specify an OmniGraffle-to-Lucidchart import path, so check whether your existing files and workflows can transfer before relying on the free tier.