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In my experience, the biggest issue with flowcharts is not to transform text into charts (PlantUML works well) but to get the layout I want when the chart/graph

by hk__2 4y ago

In my experience, the biggest issue with flowcharts is not to transform text into charts (PlantUML works well) but to get the layout I want when the chart/graph becomes more complex. For complex-but-small charts I usually just do them on Google Drawing because I have total control over the layout.

spockz 4y ago
Have you found a tool similar to plantuml that runs completely in the browser? I could deploy the web server but it would be nicer if I didn’t have to maintain a running server for generating the images.
- tonerow 4y ago
  That's sort of what https://flowchart.fun https://flowchart.fun is. Although, it doesn't have as many graph types as PlantUML. Mermaid also has https://mermaid.live/ https://mermaid.live/ running in the browser.
tonerow 4y ago
That's very true. On Flowchart Fun we have a bunch of layout algorithms you can choose from, but even then making a great-looking graph usually requires some manually tweaking like you said.
anoncept 4y ago
Total control is good for small charts and for especially important charts but for complex uses, the number of clicks and drags required to perfectly position connectors really rapidly degrades the editing experience, especially if you’re still working out the contents of what needs to be depicted. As a result, for either high-speed or larger scale usage, my experience is that text (in combination with constraint-respecting automatic layout options that suit one’s personal aesthetic) really starts to shine.
- lupire 4y ago
  Pro tools like Omnigraffle handle that sort of thing. Best of both worlds.
  - riffraff 4y ago
    And omnigraffle can take a dot definition as input and the let you fiddle with it manually, it is really a joy to work with.
  - hatmatrix 4y ago
    yEd is freeware (not free software) but I have not found a better program that matches accessibility (Java-based so runs cross-platform) and sophistication in automated graph layouts.

by hk__2 4y ago

spockz 4y ago

Have you found a tool similar to plantuml that runs completely in the browser? I could deploy the web server but it would be nicer if I didn’t have to maintain a running server for generating the images.

tonerow 4y ago
That's sort of what https://flowchart.fun https://flowchart.fun is. Although, it doesn't have as many graph types as PlantUML. Mermaid also has https://mermaid.live/ https://mermaid.live/ running in the browser.

tonerow 4y ago

That's very true. On Flowchart Fun we have a bunch of layout algorithms you can choose from, but even then making a great-looking graph usually requires some manually tweaking like you said.

anoncept 4y ago

Total control is good for small charts and for especially important charts but for complex uses, the number of clicks and drags required to perfectly position connectors really rapidly degrades the editing experience, especially if you’re still working out the contents of what needs to be depicted. As a result, for either high-speed or larger scale usage, my experience is that text (in combination with constraint-respecting automatic layout options that suit one’s personal aesthetic) really starts to shine.

lupire 4y ago
Pro tools like Omnigraffle handle that sort of thing. Best of both worlds.
- riffraff 4y ago
  And omnigraffle can take a dot definition as input and the let you fiddle with it manually, it is really a joy to work with.
- hatmatrix 4y ago
  yEd is freeware (not free software) but I have not found a better program that matches accessibility (Java-based so runs cross-platform) and sophistication in automated graph layouts.