Cacoo vs OmniGraffle
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Cacoo, made by Nulab, is an online diagramming tool for creating flowcharts, wireframes, network diagrams, and org charts with real-time collaboration built in. Multiple people can edit the same diagram simultaneously, with in-app video chat and commenting so teams can talk through a diagram without leaving the canvas. It integrates with tools teams already use, including Slack, Google Drive, Confluence, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Creative Cloud, and offers enterprise options like SAML authentication and private server hosting. Cacoo reports over 4 million users worldwide, spanning project managers, software architects, and small business teams who need shared visual diagrams rather than static files.
OmniGraffle is The Omni Group's diagramming and vector illustration app for macOS, iPad, and iPhone, used to explain complex ideas visually through flowcharts, org charts, and wireframes. It includes intelligent grouping, snapping, and alignment tools, cross-device syncing of stencils and projects, and JavaScript-based automation for power users who want to script repetitive diagram tasks. Beyond diagramming, OmniGraffle doubles as a rapid-prototyping and vector design tool, letting teams sketch wireframes and produce polished vector graphics in the same app. It's sold as either a perpetual license (Standard or Pro tiers) or a Pro subscription, with a 14-day free trial available for new users.
- Free plan supports unlimited users, useful for small collaborative teams
- Real-time editing and in-app video chat streamline remote diagram discussions
- Wide range of third-party integrations (Slack, Confluence, Teams)
- Backed by Nulab, an established company also behind Backlog and Typetalk
- Deep, native Mac/iPad experience with polished UI
- One-time purchase option avoids forced subscription
- Powerful automation via JavaScript for advanced users
- Strong stencil and template library
- Free plan is capped at just 6 sheets total
- Revision history and premium templates require a paid plan
- Enterprise security features require contacting sales for pricing
- Mac and iOS only, no native Windows or Web app
- Pro tier is expensive for casual users
- Learning curve for automation features
- No real-time multi-user collaboration like web-based tools
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataOmniGraffle offers a one‑time‑purchase, native Mac/iPad experience with deep diagramming tools, while Cacoo provides a freemium, cloud‑based platform focused on real‑time team collaboration.
Key differences
- •Platform: OmniGraffle runs only on macOS/iPadOS; Cacoo is a web SaaS accessible from any OS.
- •Collaboration: Cacoo supports real‑time multi‑user editing and in‑app video chat; OmniGraffle lacks live collaboration.
- •Pricing model: OmniGraffle requires a one‑time purchase (Pro tier extra); Cacoo offers a free tier with limited sheets and paid plans for more features.
- •Automation vs. integrations: OmniGraffle provides JavaScript automation; Cacoo offers many third‑party integrations (Slack, Confluence, Teams, etc.).
- •Export/import: OmniGraffle includes Visio import/export in Pro tier; Cacoo exports multiple formats but no native Visio import.
Pricing & value
Cacoo has a free tier for unlimited users (though limited to 6 sheets); OmniGraffle requires a paid one‑time purchase.
Ease of use / learning curve
OmniGraffle offers a polished native UI; Cacoo’s web UI is simple but real‑time features add complexity.
Features & depth
OmniGraffle provides advanced vector illustration, snapping, and JavaScript automation not mentioned for Cacoo.
Integrations & ecosystem
Cacoo lists integrations with Slack, Google Drive, Confluence, Teams, AWS, Adobe; OmniGraffle only mentions Visio file support.
Collaboration
Cacoo enables real‑time multi‑user editing and video chat; OmniGraffle has no real‑time collaboration.
Scalability
Cacoo’s cloud SaaS scales to any number of users; OmniGraffle is limited to a single device per license.
Security & privacy
Cacoo offers enterprise security options (SAML SSO, SCIM); OmniGraffle provides no specified security features.
Choose Cacoo if…
Distributed teams needing real‑time collaborative diagramming across any OS.
Choose OmniGraffle if…
Solo designers or small teams on macOS/iPadOS needing advanced diagramming and no collaboration.
Common questions
Can I use the tool on Windows?
OmniGraffle is macOS/iPadOS only; Cacoo is web‑based and works on Windows.
Is there a free option for unlimited users?
Cacoo offers a free plan for unlimited users but limits total sheets to six; OmniGraffle has no free tier.
Do either tools support Visio files?
OmniGraffle Pro can import/export Visio files; Cacoo does not list Visio support.