Diagramly – Free Online Diagramming

20 thoughts on “Diagramly – Free Online Diagramming”

1. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was?
   Ok, I’m really, really confused.  Your link took me straight to what looked like the demo version of a software program closely resembling MS Word or Paint or similar.  No home page or really anything else to indicate to me that a web site exists here.  I tried to create a diagram, much as I would do in MS Word, but had no luck.  I clicked on several of the different shapes and several of the different lines, but when I tried to draw, the same thing always happened–the area I dragged the cursor over would highlight, then disappear as soon as I released the mouse.  In contrast, when I draw in MS Word or Paint, the shape or line pattern I select appears on the screen as I drag my mouse, then remains when I release it.
    
   Did the import work correctly?
   I have absolutely no clue.  When I tried to upload, the page refreshed and nothing further happened.  If it did or didn’t import, I wouldn’t know.
    
   Please share any additional thoughts/comments.
   I’m very confused here.  While I think free software is always great, I’m not so sure about an application without any kind of web site built around it.  Where would I go to learn how to use it?  I saw that you had a link to your help forum at the bottom of the screen, but I really don’t want to search through a bunch of unorganized user questions to learn how this functions.  Also, if you don’t have a web site where I can create an account and so on, how can I protect the privacy of my work?  How can I save it if I want to come back and work more later?  I don’t know…I would feel much more comfortable about this if it was part of a larger web site.  And, frankly, I’m not even able to use it as it is now.  It doesn’t appear to be working.
    
   In an attempt to find out more, I clicked on the mxGraph Component link in the bottom left corner of the screen.  This took me to a site called jgraph.com.  I’m assuming this is your parent company.  Not sure if you’re looking for feedback on this site.  I’m guessing not.  I did notice a link to a user manual under JavaScript at the bottom of the home page, but it didn’t seem to directly address the Diagramly application.  Honestly, the whole site looked like it was aimed at programmers and developers rather than just ordinary employees who create diagrams in their daily work. Lots of technical jargon.
    
   Not sure what else to say.  This is the first time I’ve seen a request to review a web site that…wasn’t a web site.  So there’s nothing here to really review.

2. Interesting, thanks for the feedback. Diagramly is a web application intended to look like Visio online. I’m not sure why a web site is need, doesn’t that slow down the user in starting using the application?
   Did you drag the shapes from the left onto the main canvas? I think you are assuming Visio behaviour, so we probably need a splash screen to explain the dragging.
   What did you try to import?
   Yes, I think a splash screen would help, but I’m confused myself how you failed to notice the save buttons. You simply save your work to your local computer and reload it from there.
   JGraph.com is also us, that site is aimed at developers, so your impression there is fine.
   I guess the next question for us is what to put in the splash screen. A diagramming tool shouldn’t require a manual to work it, maybe 2-3 screens should explain everything.

3. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]
   Very interesting program, it was pretty much second natured to me. It uses the basic layout of word that makes it seem familiar. And with your tip of dragging the objects in, it was very user friendly. I noticed by myself that the blue arrows draws connecting arrows, it was easy to find out. Just a play around. And to delete just press the “del” button on the keyboard, again second natured to me.
   One thing I would like to say, I could not figure out easily how to put labels. That is how to put text in the boxes. I found out you had to click the “edit” option after right-clicking, it took me a fair bit to figure it out to be honest. You might consider a adding a “text box” to your objects, I thought there would be one. The “text box” would enable texts to be written on top of the objects as well, not only inside of them. Or maybe, the first square was designed to be a text box? It shouldn’t be solid then.
   I also did not like the fact that when you move the “connecting arrows”, there is a huge box surrounding them. It take a lot of space and makes it hard to position them. I would find it easier to just delete and drag the blue arrows again. For that, you will need to change the moving of the arrows. Make it the same way as in MS WORD, where you see an after-image of the arrow if you drag it, it makes it much more easier to position.
   Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?
   Unfortunately I have to visio diagram as I don’t use that tool.

   Please share any additional thoughts/comments.
   
   I would like to say it again, I love the MS word theme, it makes me feel at home. No complicated tools, all simple and easy to use. The save, open, font, cut, delete, undo/redo, highlighter, underline… everything are in place. I love it ! I might actually use that for my uni work where I will need to design some computer systems.
   But one question: How will you advertise this tool? On your main website? Such as, here is a diagramming web browser software, click here. Or something? I’m just curious
    

4. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]

   I am attempting to draw but first attempts are unsuccessful.  Just making boxes that disappear.  Very confusing where the actual drawing tools are – not the same as paintbrush.  Keep in mind I tried using your app before fulling reading question 1 saying to drag the shape onto the canvas.  If I was not given this instruction by you, I would be lost and would have left your site (which most visitors may do). Yes, after reading to drag the objects from the left, I understand now.

   Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?

   I do not have any visio diagrams currently.  I wish this step was possible with a test sample you provided.

   Please share any additional thoughts/comments.

   Yes.  First I would like to comment on your response to greatfeedback4u.  You say:   Diagramly is a web application intended to look like Visio online. I’m not sure why a web site is need, doesn’t that slow down the user in starting using the application?

   You may be right that a website is a “go between” or a “middleman” between the user and application but you are missing out on the benefits of a website.

   The purpose of a website is to be your front door, or a business metaphor would be your “showroom.”  A proper website is searched by search engines and keywords, searches and meta tags will bring unique visitors to your site.  Does your application currently use SEO techniques?  The downside to not having a homepage is that you rely on your application to sell itself without having anything to promote it (other than your own word of mouth).  The purpose to having a homepage is so the process of bringing people in is automated and it allows you (the owner) to be free’d up so you can focus on the most important aspect – running your business.

   Actionable suggestions:
   1.  Since you don’t have a homepage, do you have a Squidoo lens or some external referring sources that explains what your application does?
   2.  It is very hard to give you a good usability review on a website that doesn’t exist, however, I don’t see how your site gives me anything more than what I can do in paintbrush.  I cant import Visio in paintbrush, but I can do screenshots and get what I need.
   3. I would suggest for you to make your UI of your diagam program to be more colorful and eye-catching.  I say this because currently your program has to sell itself without a site.  This is a challenge.  Your software/program is comparable to what is offered in paintbrush and I bet I could find a lot of free software packages that offer what you are offering.
   4. In the absence of a website you will need a lot of external links on sites that give exposure.  As is, you may want to come up with a strategy or plan outlining what kind of sites you need to register with just to get the same benefits that you do not get from having a homepage.

   In conclusion I just want to say that I think you would be better off with a professional looking homepage that sells your product and brands you as an expert.  But getting to try out your product, I think you need a major redesign to get a premium product that provides something that wows us and makes us think it is 1000 times better than Paintbrush.

5. $5 awarded to greatfeedback4u.

6. $5 awarded to H_game.

    

7. We advertise mostly by word of mouth, people like the fact it’s a mini Visio in JavaScript and twitter/stumbleupon it a lot. Traffic is up x10 on the week, so we don’t have to do anything…

8. Thank you for your reply. I’m glad you found my feedback useful.
    
   Once you informed me that I needed to drag the lines and shapes, then yes, I went back to your site and was able to make a simple diagram.  However, I do think it’s significant that the other commenters here had trouble figuring this out, too.
    
   I didn’t have a .vdx file, but I saw that Diagramly accepts .xml files, and I have plenty of those, so I tried to upload one with no success.  Perhaps it doesn’t work unless it’s .vdx, but then why would it say that it accepts .xml?
    
   I did notice the save buttons, but I didn’t know where they would save to.  My confusion resulted from the fact that the application runs on your server, but I couldn’t save there because I don’t have an account at your web site.  It didn’t occur to me that it would save to my own computer, after which I would need to reimport it later.
    
   As to why you’d want to have a web site, I think jessicafry and zeke2100 explained that well.  Right now, you say you’re marketing via social networking word of mouth, but you could get exponentially more traffic by also marketing to users who are searching for free Visio software on Google.  Not all of these users are going to be well versed in the program (some will be first-timers), which is why you’d want to have a Diagramly web site for them to land on when they arrive, one that contains help for new users and some info about the program. If you put a big “Get started” button front and center on your home page, I don’t think it will slow users down appreciably.  It’s very quick and easy to click on a button that takes you right to the action like that.  This would make it easy for long-term users to get started while still providing help for new users–the best of both worlds.

9. 
   Visit . Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]

   I found the site pretty easy to use.  It’s pretty straightforward.  I never had to really stop, just delay a moment to look around at the tools.

   https://www.diagram.ly
   Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?

   I do not have any visio diagrams currently.  I wish this step was possible with a test sample you provided.
   Please share any additional thoughts/comments.
   It is a well designed site!

10. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]

    At first I got confused, until I realized that I had to exit out of the example which popped up on the screen before I could use the product.  I wasn’t aware that it was an example, I thought it was the actual product and it was going to show me what to do step by step. 
    I think you should state “Example” at the top of it.  It actually states “Tips and Tricks to get started”.  Then I thought that it was misleading because it was only showing one step.  I ended up finding the “Next” link at the bottom of it which lead to more steps.  The “Next” link is hard to see at first due to it being in a light color.  Not only is the word in a light color, but so is the background which makes it harder to see.  I suggest that you make the words “Next” and “Prev” in a darker font.

    While using this product, I notice it is just like “Microsoft Word”.  Microsoft Word is a program in which I use daily.  For me the product was easy to understand I do.  It took me a few minutes to figure out some of the functions and how to do it but once I figured it out, it became easy.  I also think with my experience using Mirosoft Word and watching the steps in the beginning help me out a lot too. 

    I can see someone getting confused or lost using the product.  I suggest that you have a “help” link on the side of the screen for people who are having problems.  I suggest that you show more steps on your “example”. 

    Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?

    Yes the import work correctly.  It was simple and I had no problems doing it.

    Please share any additional thoughts/comments.

    As I stated above, I think you should state “Example” on the picture that pops up when you first click on the site.

    The words “Next” and “Prev” should be done in a darker font or color. 

    Putting more steps on the “Example” would be very helpful.

    You should include a “help” link for people who run into problems using your product.

11. $5 awarded to jessicafry.

12. $5 awarded to Sierra12346.

13. The first thing I did when using your website was read the tutorial.  I think it is a great idea for the tutorial to pop-up when a new user begins use but i needs to be much more in depth.  It showed me the true basics of the program.  The information in the tutorial was not enough for me to figure out how to make the diagram asked for.
    Secondly, upon first glance the top tool bar looks very similar to that of Microsoft word or even paint.  Use this to your advantage, and place similar tools in similar places, to replicate the tool bars of those programs.  This should make the learning curve experience by a new user be very flat; therefore creating an easy to use website.
    When I first began use it was easy for me to use the “drag and drop” feature, but when i wanted to draw simple item such as a straight line I was left looking for a button.
    Though i may have had some trouble and had to search for things, the program is no doubt of great value.  Tools such as clip, and those picture provided in the “computers” tab gives this application great use for computer based businesses.  I believe that another large market this could be used for is online teaching or even online meetings.  With a Microsoft like feel to the controls I is very easy to use and learn, even with less than a minutes experience.
    With some minor menu adjustments, as well as an update tutorial (maybe add videos???), this web application could become of great use to both the typical web users, as well as a substantial business operation.

14. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]
    The first thing I did when using your website was read the tutorial.  I think it is a great idea for the tutorial to pop-up when a new user begins use but i needs to be much more in depth.  It showed me the true basics of the program.  The information in the tutorial was not enough for me to figure out how to make the diagram asked for.
    Secondly, upon first glance the top tool bar looks very similar to that of Microsoft word or even paint.  Use this to your advantage, and place similar tools in similar places, to replicate the tool bars of those programs.  This should make the learning curve experience by a new user be very flat; therefore creating an easy to use website.
    When I first began use it was easy for me to use the “drag and drop” feature, but when i wanted to draw simple item such as a straight line I was left looking for a button.
    Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?
    The import function was easy to find for me.  It did take a moment to load but after that did successfully open.  It also worked properly, prompting me no complaints in this aspect of the application.
    Please share any additional thoughts/comments.
    Though i may have had some trouble and had to search for things, the program is no doubt of great value.  Tools such as clip, and those picture provided in the “computers” tab gives this application great use for computer based businesses.  I believe that another large market this could be used for is online teaching or even online meetings.  With a Microsoft like feel to the controls I is very easy to use and learn, even with less than a minutes experience.
    With some minor menu adjustments, as well as an update tutorial (maybe add videos???), this web application could become of great use to both the typical web users, as well as a substantial business operation.

15. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]
    First thing I came across when I visited the site was the “Tips and tricks to get started”. I had a quick flick through these tips and they are very easy to follow and understand.
    I then attempted to draw a network diagram of seven computers connected to a server and a printer with four of those computers connected to the server via a ring.
    I was able to complete this network diagram with ease and I found the tools easy to use and adjust. I didn’t get stuck looking for a particular function. I found the selection of shapes, clip art etc to be adequate.
    The tool bars are very similar to Microsoft word so I found it easy to navigate and attain the tools I needed.
     
    Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?
    The import worked correctly and smoothly.
     
    Please share any additional thoughts/comments.
    1. I thought the “Tips & Tricks to get started” could be called a “tutorial” as this is more what it seemed like.
    2. When I started working on my diagram I wanted to quickly look at the “Tips & Tricks to get started” section again but couldn’t find it. If it is somewhere it needs to be more visible. If it isn’t accessible then I think it needs to be.
    3. I think you need a help section. I had no problem using the tools to create a simple diagram but at some point or another users will always face problems that they need help with.
    4. I tried to find out more about the company that run this or the owner but couldn’t find a link  or any information. Maybe you need a contact us section so users can contact someone if they have questions.
    5. Overall I liked the program and tools available. I enjoyed how easy it was to use everything.
    

16. The first thing I did when using your website was read the tutorial.  I think it is a great idea for the tutorial to pop-up when a new user begins use but i needs to be much more in depth.  It showed me the true basics of the program.  The information in the tutorial was not enough for me to figure out how to make the diagram asked for.
    Secondly, upon first glance the top tool bar looks very similar to that of Microsoft word or even paint.  Use this to your advantage, and place similar tools in similar places, to replicate the tool bars of those programs.  This should make the learning curve experience by a new user be very flat; therefore creating an easy to use website.
    When I first began use it was easy for me to use the “drag and drop” feature, but when i wanted to draw simple item such as a straight line I was left looking for a button.
    Though i may have had some trouble and had to search for things, the program is no doubt of great value.  Tools such as clip, and those picture provided in the “computers” tab gives this application great use for computer based businesses.  I believe that another large market this could be used for is online teaching or even online meetings.  With a Microsoft like feel to the controls I is very easy to use and learn, even with less than a minutes experience.
    With some minor menu adjustments, as well as an update tutorial (maybe add videos???), this web application could become of great use to both the typical web users, as well as a substantial business operation.

17. Visit https://www.diagram.ly. Attempt to draw a simple network diagram of a few computers linked together. Where did you stop in the process wondering where a particular function was? [Tip: You drag shape from the library on the left to the main canvas.]

    To be honest I was a little confused from square one. That being said, the tips and tricks were very helpful. I just think that for your everyday user you will have to be more helpful in showing them how. I was able to move quickly through drawing a diagram of a 4 computer network. I did play with it a bit to understand, and remember I read the tips and tricks carefully before I began.
    Take an existing Visio diagram that have in .vdx format and import it into https://www.diagram.ly using the open file function. Did the import work correctly?

    The import worked very smoothly and quickly. This is very suprising. Most sites that you upload anything onto takes much longer.
    Please share any additional thoughts/comments.

    The biggest suggestion I have is explaining things in laymans terms. I found your tips and tricks to be very helpful, but I am sorta use to the type of thing I was setting up. I did find some things confusing. I just think that some people may be a little confused in the process. I also believe that the start of the tricks and trips should be a tutorial.

18. $5 awarded to dakotalee.

19. I was looking for a tool to use with 2nd graders to help them with the learning of web diagrams and found your link.  Looks great so far!  I am going to play with it a little before next week, then I am going to let the 2nd graders loose on it to create a web diagram describing their selected famous person they are studying.

20. This seems like a really nice, well-designed program. The major drawback is the lack of any information on how to use it beyond the basic tutorial. I can find some things by experimentation, but deterrmining whether a particular function is supported and where it’s located is very difficult.

    The particular thing I was looking for just now was how to attach a label to a link. That’s a very common function and I’d guess it’s in there somewhere, but I haven’t yet found it.

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