iPad Diagram drawing app like OmniGraffle (but cheaper)?

[macstatic]

Having recently bought an iPad Mini and an Apple Pencil I'm looking for something that will allow me to draw diagrams of all sorts, like OmniGraffle. It costs US$ 60 which I think is a bit steep for casual, non-professional use, so I'm wondering if there's something similar available for less?

For quick sketches (drawing ideas or simple illustrations) I believe the built-in "Notes" app will do, and I've also just downloaded and tried out "Autodesk SketchBook" which appears good, but am open for suggestions and comments.
But most of all I need something with ready to use shapes, boxes, lines to join them together etc. for more technical type illustrations.

 

[jlc1978]

PowerPoint will do that at a basic level.

I have not tried Keynote that much but it should do it as well.

I have Omnigraffle on the Mac but the iOS version is just to expensive for me since I use it rarely. Omnigraffle's big advantage is the shape library and ability to work in layers.

 

[macstatic]

Hadn't thought of that and always thought they were very expensive, but if I pop over to the Appstore they appear to be free !!?!?! Are those trial versions or are they really free?
I need to check if the same applies to Keynote (on my Mac I believe it was part of the OS, so maybe that applies to IOS as well).

I used to have Omnigraffle on my Mac as well (it came bundled with a Powerbook G4) but alas no longer, and it's just to expensive to buy now.
I found it very nice to use back in the day, which is why I'm looking for something similar now.

PS: I did download the "free" Omnigraffle for IOS from the Appstore. Obviously misleading as it's not free at all, but a 14 day trial version. Well, I'm glad I tried it out because I found it just too complex for my use on the iPad. On a "real computer" with a keyboard, mouse and bigger screen it's different, but on the iPad it needs to be real simple and easy to use.

 

[jlc1978]

Hadn't thought of that and always thought they were very expensive, but if I pop over to the Appstore they appear to be free !!?!?! Are those trial versions or are they really free?
I need to check if the same applies to Keynote (on my Mac I believe it was part of the OS, so maybe that applies to IOS as well)

Keynote is free on iOS.

 

[MBPmac]

Grafio

 

[macstatic]

Grafio appears to be a nice app, and not too expensive. Is there a trial/demo version (or mode) available? Is it quick and uncomplicated to use?
Do you know if files can be saved locally on the iPad, or does it only rely on cloud storage? There's only mention of the latter.

jlc1978: Thanks. I've downloaded Keynote tried it out. Yes, I see you can make boxes, but as far as I can see it doesn't have the ability to join them together with lines or arrows to make flow diagrams (correct me if I'm wrong). I think I need a dedicated diagram type app for this.

 

[iDento]

iThoughts, it’s a diagraming and brainstorming app.

 

[jlc1978]

Grafio appears to be a nice app, and not too expensive. Is there a trial/demo version (or mode) available? Is it quick and uncomplicated to use?
Do you know if files can be saved locally on the iPad, or does it only rely on cloud storage? There's only mention of the latter.

jlc1978: Thanks. I've downloaded Keynote tried it out. Yes, I see you can make boxes, but as far as I can see it doesn't have the ability to join them together with lines or arrows to make flow diagrams (correct me if I'm wrong). I think I need a dedicated diagram type app for this.

It's pretty straightforward:

You can join two objects with a curved, straight, or right-angle connection line. If you move one or more connected objects, they remain joined by the line. This is especially useful if you’re creating a flowchart.

Before you do this task, add two or more objects to the slide that you want to connect.

1. Select two objects, tap
   
   , then tap
   
   .
2. From the Basic category, tap the curved line to add it to the slide.
3. Do any of the following:
   • Change the curved line to a straight or right-angle connecting line: Tap the line to select it, tap
     
     , tap the Style tab, tap Connection, then tap an option.
   • Adjust the space between line endpoints and their connected shapes: Tap the line to select it, tap
     
     , tap the Style tab, tap Connection, then drag the Outset sliders.
   • Change the position of the angles or the curve: Drag the green dot (you may need to make the line longer to see it).

You can change the look of the connection line by changing its thickness, color, line style, and endpoints, and by adding effects like a shadow and reflection.

Add lines and arrows in Keynote on iPad

In Keynote on iPad, add and edit straight or curved lines, add endpoints such as arrows, circles, or squares, and connect two objects with a line.

support.apple.com

 

[macstatic]

Very cool! Thanks for the instructions.