Cacoo – Slick Web Alternative to Visio and OmniGraffle
Monday, February 1st, 2010
Charting software is one of those items that most folks rarely need. But, when they do need it, they really need it. Whether defining a new process, updating an office layout, or mapping out a network, charting software is incredibly handy. The rest of the time these apps seem to just languish sadly’ in the launch bar, forsaken and unused.
Because they have a limited user base, applications like Microsoft Visio and OmniGraffle can be a little pricy, making it tough to justify purchasing charting software .
One solution is to set up an account with Cacoo.com and create your charts and diagrams online. Cacoo is an amazing web application that replicates much of MS Visio’s functionality at a vastly reduced cost. Cacoo also provides one important feature Visio does not — real-time collaboration.
Cacoo provides an amazingly rich environment. All the usual suspects are displayed in easy –to-use tool pallets. Although Cacoo does not sport Visio’s seemingly unlimited number of Stencils, Cacoo packs enough punch for most users:
- Basic
- Balloon
- Arrow
- Office Equipment
- Sitemap
- Network
- Flowchart
- Office Layout
- People
- Smiley
- Freehand Wireframe
- Wireframe
- UML
The application also allows users to upload their own images and draw freehand lines.
Standard functions such as Text, Fill, Lines, Shadows, Size and Position, and Arrange are all easily accessible from the Inspector pallet.
As useful as these features are, Cacoo’s real magic comes from collaboration. Users can work together on documents in real time, making modifications and providing comments within the editing environment. This eliminates the need for those time-consuming email discussions. Cacoo even boasts a Chat window so users can text each other while working.
On the downside, Cacoo exports files in PNG format. I find this limiting and hope the Cacoo folks are planning on, at least, providing PDF as an alternative file format. Additionally, I would also like to save Cacoo files to Visio or Autocad formats. The current formatting arrangement should work just fine for most folks, however.
I hold out similar hope for the ability to import files. Currently, Cacoo possesses no import feature. All files must be created within the Cacoo environment. Although not a huge limitation, I would like to be able to import Visio or vector drawings.
There is a lot to like about this application, especially the price. For now, at least, the application is free to use. So, before investing a pile of cash in new Chart or Diagram software, do yourself a favor, and check out Cacoo.com.
mnassal
Edited by: Elizabeth Nassal
