Not bad but better for diagrams than floor plans
This will probably fit your needs for the usual Visio type stuff like flowcharts and network diagrams, but it’s not the greatest thing for floor plans. There are some areas where the UI seems to be lacking and some minor bugs that can get annoying. However, I bought it anyway because it seems to be the best and perhaps only non-subscription app that will draw automatically labeled dimension lines in a reasonable manner.
I normally use Affinity Designer for everything, but Affinity is lacking the ability to draw dimension lines and insert measurements. So I’ve ended up having to look elsewhere for floor plans, and I didn’t like any of the “super automatic” floor plan apps.
If you want to do general artwork, get Affinity Designer or something else because the bezier curve handle editing UI in TouchDraw is pretty badly designed. You have to use the press-and-hold context menu for this. In general the app relies too heavily on context and pull-down menus to be convenient, and the “modifier key” idiom is too slow. It also has touch zones for handles and such that are way too large for use with a stylus.
People who only use this to create flowcharts and conceptual diagrams will likely have a much better experience with this app, but floorplans are awkward to create and artwork would likely be more awkward along with missing a number of features (like fill patterns and stroke brushes).
I normally use Affinity Designer for everything, but Affinity is lacking the ability to draw dimension lines and insert measurements. So I’ve ended up having to look elsewhere for floor plans, and I didn’t like any of the “super automatic” floor plan apps.
If you want to do general artwork, get Affinity Designer or something else because the bezier curve handle editing UI in TouchDraw is pretty badly designed. You have to use the press-and-hold context menu for this. In general the app relies too heavily on context and pull-down menus to be convenient, and the “modifier key” idiom is too slow. It also has touch zones for handles and such that are way too large for use with a stylus.
People who only use this to create flowcharts and conceptual diagrams will likely have a much better experience with this app, but floorplans are awkward to create and artwork would likely be more awkward along with missing a number of features (like fill patterns and stroke brushes).
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Response from developer
Thank you for providing a thoughtful review. TouchDraw doesn't event attempt to target the same audience as Affinity Designer, so the bezier tool and path editing is purposely simplified to be approachable to beginners as opposed to professionals used to Illustrator and Affinity Designer. I'm always open to suggestions if you have concrete ideas on enhancements, I'd be happy to hear them.
Subscription only
Nowhere does it say that it's subscription only if you want to edit/create content. It actually looked 100% free before I installed.
There is a free trial but only for 7 days.
There is a free trial but only for 7 days.
Upgraded from 1 to 2 - easy and great support
Just want to say the Touch draw support team was excellent and so fast in answering my questions. Happy to update to the latest version …
Updated Version
Edit: The developer has reached out and resolved the issue, which I greatly appreciate. Making mistakes is natural, but it’s how we fix the, that matters. I’m grateful the error could be fixed, and appreciate being let known. After buying TouchDraw right when it came out, a decade ago, I have used it a lot and for a long time. The reason I’m leaving this 1 star review, is on this new ‘updated version’ now for the third time in two weeks the app does not save my work—even when clicking in File->Save. When I close the app and open it, my last hour or two of work is missing. Not acceptable for any app in 2021.
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Response from developer
Hi, I've been working with another user to figure out why this is happening to some users (and not for others), and I believe I have the issued addressed. The fix will be included in version 2.1.27. If you're curious, reach out to support@elevenworks.com and I can explain what the issue was.
Great Resource
Have been using this app and its previous versions for years, it’s excellent, intuitive and flexible. Many congratulations to the team that develop and maintain this great little resource!
