# Causal Loop Diagram — Systems-thinking CLD editor

> Systems-thinking CLD editor (iPhone/iPad app by seiji honda.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/causal-loop-diagram/id6769942289 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [seiji honda](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896430544)
- Category: Productivity, Education
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 4 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-05-18
- Data updated: 2026-08-15
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/causal-loop-diagram/id6769942289/reviews.md

## What is Causal Loop Diagram?

"Causal Loop Diagram" is a fast, focused editor for sketching causal loop diagrams (CLDs) on iPhone — a foundational tool of systems thinking.

Place variables, draw arrows, set polarities (+/−), and the app automatically detects feedback loops and classifies the whole diagram against well-known systems-thinking archetypes.

— Features —

■ Simple drawing
• Tap empty area to add a node, then tap source → target to link
• Long-press an arrow to add a delay marker (||)
• Drag nodes freely; pinch to zoom; one-finger drag on empty area to pan

■ Automatic loop detection
• The moment a cycle closes, an R (reinforcing) or B (balancing) badge appears
• Each loop is numbered (R1, R2, B1, B2…) so overlapping loops stay distinguishable
• Tap a badge to highlight that loop's interior; other loops dim

■ Nine archetypes auto-classified
• Reinforcing loop / Balancing loop
• Limits to Growth
• Fixes that Fail
• Shifting the Burden
• Escalation
• Success to the Successful
• Tragedy of the Commons
• Growth and Underinvestment

■ Seven curated samples
Familiar themes — study, family, sibling rivalry — to learn each archetype by example:
• Study Habit (R)
• Calibrating to Target Score (B)
• Limits to Growth: Fatigue
• Shifting the Burden: Escapism
• Fixes that Fail: All-nighter
• Escalation: Sibling Rivalry
• Tragedy of the Commons: Parent's Attention

■ Privacy
• No network access at all
• No account, no sign-in
• No analytics or tracking SDKs
• Diagrams stored only in UserDefaults; uninstalling removes everything

■ Other
• Japanese / English UI, one-tap switch
• Save multiple diagrams locally with custom names
• iOS 16+ (iPhone 8 and later)

— Who is this for —

• Students of systems thinking and system dynamics
• Managers and designers who think in structures
• Anyone who wants to step back and see the loops in their own habits, relationships, or work
• Educators preparing diagram examples on the fly

Pairs naturally with Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline" and other systems-thinking textbooks — turn the loops in your head into something you can draw and touch in seconds.


## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.2.1 — 2026-06-27

Fixed a bug where rotating to landscape could misplace the diagram and hide the top/bottom buttons

### 1.2 — 2026-06-26

• New visual theme
• Switch between the two looks from the icon at the top right — your choice is remembered

### 1.1 — 2026-06-14

• Export and share your diagram as an image
• Added an Undo button
• Added a confirmation before "Clear all"
• Fixed archetype detection for the "Escalation: Sibling Rivalry" sample

### 1.0 — 2026-05-18

No release notes.

## More apps by seiji honda

- [Lock2Cam](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock2cam/id6767222283)
- [TapStream Hunt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapstream-hunt/id6767384840)
- [Tilt Hit](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tilt-hit/id6767581735)
- [Hertz Sense](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hertz-sense/id6767974523)
- [Wash&Shine](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wash-and-shine/id6769987213)

All apps by seiji honda: https://appshunter.io/developer/1896430544

## Related topics

[causal loop diagram](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/causal-loop-diagram)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-15.*