TouchDraw 2 User Reviews

Top reviews

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).
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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.

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!

Best Diagramming App Available

I’ve been using Touchdraw since 2011-ish (first version). I think it’s the best app out there to make diagrams and I’ve tried many (from Inspiration, Visio, and others). I’m a teacher and I use it mainly to make graphic organizers for class and for personal use (I’m a very visual learner and I like mapping out what I learn).

I like the app because it’s powerful- it has a lot of features like different text formatting options, visual element options (arrow heads, shadows, etc), and editing options (like grouping objects, connections). I also like that you can create libraries so you have your most used formatted objects easily accessible. There is a slight learning curve because it’s powerful. But, once you have a work flow down, making diagrams is really easy.

Anyways, I writing this review because I want to support the developers. There has been too many times that a good app that I regularly use no longer get updated and becomes unavailable. I hope that doesn’t happen with this app. The developers came out with a new version after about 10 years and I appreciate that they haven’t gone to a subscription model. I will gladly pay for new versions, even across different devices types (desktop).
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Deleted

Was looking for original TouchDraw from reddic rec. downloaded v2 with high hopes, unfortunately you cant even create an empty document without signing up for the free trial. Deleted TouchDraw 2 in under 5 mins. It looks like a lovely app, but the forced trial is beyond my boundaries for apps.

Response from developer

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that you're upset about the free trial; however this is the only way Apple allows developers to provide a trial for software. To be clear, if it wasn't obvious, TouchDraw *does not* use a subscription model. The free trial is a "no cost" one time purchase which allows you to use the app for 7 days. It simply expires and there are no automatic follow-up charges. If you decide you like the app, you can either unlock it permanently with an in-app purchase, or buy the "enterprise" version which is a traditional upfront purchase model (with exactly the same feature set).

By Jove he did it !!

09-Apr-2022 : Thanks for the update … This must be some of the best product-support that I have ever experienced.
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23-Jan-2022 : Belated thanks … I have been patiently waiting for the Grid Colour selection feature to appear, and it has been snuck-in already. I can’t thank you enough … This is a game-changer for me !! .
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Review of 11-Oct-2021 update: The additional functionality is very useful … This App just keeps getting better. . .
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Review of 25-Sep-2021 update: The shearing of dimension lines now works very nicely, too ! . Review of Grid Level option: Many thanks for implementing this … it transforms the usability of TD 2 when ‘tracing’ existing images. If it’s not too much to ask … Could you please also allow selection of Grid colour ?
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Great App

I use it mostly for room layout/planning. Easy to use and has most features needed for my application. Great developer response to questions and problems. I wish there was a more comprehensive library for room planning or that you could purchase libraries for different types of drawings. Works well with the Mac version.
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Visio Import?

Like the program so far, but would like to know if importing .vsdx files is on the roadmap. I work with Visio drawing often, but the new format support is critical for me.

Thanks for making this product! Really fills a niche for iPad

Response from developer

Importing VSDX files is supported if you have internet connectivity when you open the file. If that doesn't work and you continue to have issues importing a VSDX file, please reach out via the feedback menu in the app so that I can investigate.

Great App!

I’m an amateur app developer and after 10 years, I am finally building flow charts and layouts for my app. I’m also an engineer who uses very expensive Autodesk CAD software. Well this app gives Autodesk a run for their money with this wonderfully intuitive app that is easy to use. It’s also subscription-free. Buying this was a no-brainer after doing a trial run. Thank you to the developers!
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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.
Show more

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.

Amazing Product

This is a fantastic app that does the simple things well. The integration of the pencil has changed the game for me. Touchdraw 2 has changed my workflow completely and use this app entirely on my iPad. Well done team Elevenworks

Great app; exceptional developer support

I have used the original TouchDraw for about five years. It has been so useful that last year my company bought iPads and TouchDraw for all of our locations. We recently needed an additional copy and found that the original TouchDraw has been replaced by TouchDraw 2. The person responsible for this in our main office saw a review stating that drawings created in TouchDraw 1 could not be moved to TouchDraw 2, along with a couple of other complaints.

The developer’s response to that review confirmed what I suspected. I downloaded TouchDraw 2 and easily moved our drawings and libraries to the to the new app. I had a few questions and minor issues so I emailed the developer through the “Send Feedback” selection in the app settings. He responded promptly and in a series of emails over several days he addressed all of my questions and issues, and even released a new version of the app that included a new feature that is very useful for us.

This is a 5-star app. The developer’s support deserves a 10!
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Updated Review

It is inexpensive. No test drive (?)

Its been an OK app, fairly simple in features that had gone a bit mundane as others catch up. N real update in a long time before this, but its also one I’ve rarely used.

The app itself has had more of a controlled draw feel to it than many & that ain’t bad if you’re coming from an engineering or vaguely drafting environment.

If you’re looking for something like this, its a nice to to support a developer who isn’t on the subscription train.

I got this update, only to discover it involves a one-time, “lifetime” fee (* much preferred to a subscription model *).

The dilemma: I’m not sure this app is useful enough to me as I have several others. I like the idea of the app more than use it, & I bought the iPad version because it was not by subscription.

* I should have noticed “TouchDraw 2,” for my part in this. *
It showed up as a “update” & replaced my earlier version.
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Response from developer

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to submit a review. It's much appreciated. First, TouchDraw 2 does include a free 7 day trial before. Second, As an FYI, this wasn't released as an "update" to TouchDraw 1, it was released a whole new app. It will not replace TouchDraw 1 if you have it installed. If you had previously purchased TouchDraw 1 and no longer have it installed, it's still available for download if you look in your list of purchased apps, and you can have it installed side by side with this version. Feel free to reach out to support@elevenworks.com if you have any other feedback. I'd love to hear it.

The very best 2D vector drawing app.

TouchDraw 1 has been my go to app for a long time for 2D engineering plans, building layouts and general diagramming, both on iPad and Mac.

TouchDraw 2 is even better and I can't recommend it highly enough. I had a small issue with transferring a drawing from version 1 to 2 but the developer couldn't have been more helpful in identifying and resolving the problem quickly.

If you have a need for a 2D vector drawing app, you will not find a better one.
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Return to an old favourite

I’m an occasional user of the three “big” iOS drawing apps. Each has their strengths but for simple diagramming I find them all a bit hard work. Touchdraw has them all beaten hands-down for simple Visio type drawing. If you like conventional menus and inspectors, sizing by typing values, sticky connectors, full control over layers, colours, fonts etc then Touchdraw is just the job. It’s old-fashioned but in a good way - similar to Goodreader.

15 quid for the upgrade to TD2 is a bit steep but if it helps keep the developer in business it’s a worthwhile investment IMO. Strongly recommended
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Good product

I love and use touch draw 1 for several years. It is an excellent app which helps me a lot for my daily job. It is glad to find version 2 coming out.

GREAT!! Major Upgrade from Touchdraw 1

If, like me, you have an idea of how to use AutoCAD but don’t use it enough to be proficient at it, and you want to produce detailed drawings, then this is the vector drawing app for you.
Touchdraw 2 brings huge improvements over Touchdraw 1
At first i thought it was just a “spit and polish” but it really does make full use of the the new iPadOS.
This was confirmed when i used the first version along side the second version.
I am in the switchboard design business and i use it for quick layout and circuit sketches to give to clients as a concept design, then i give the Exported PDF drawing to my draughts-person to reproduce in AutoCAD.

Some of the improvements are:
Overall user interface, I always thought the old version was hard to navigate. Now selection of line weights, colours, text, you name it is easier and much more intuitive.
Multitasking, you can have a diagram or sketch in split view that you may be copying from
There is now an isometric grid option, Procreate has this but Touchdraw 2 is much easier to use. Though it would be good (as in Procreate) to be able to rotate the screen as you sketch. Not a major issue though.
And there is more

If the above improvements aren’t a benefit to you and you have Touchdraw 1 then stick with the first version, but i guess eventually the first version may stop working as the OS continues to update.

I signed up for the 1 week free trial and ended paying for the full version after 3 days.

Above all the developer is very quick in responding to issues or bugs. After using the isometric grid i found a bug which he identified and fixed within a week.
He is also looking at more improvements as well
This can only be a good thing if more people use it to make the app even better with improved or more features.

Now i just need to keep playing with it to work out the many features

Well done.
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Disappointed

I have been using the first version of this program for a few years now, and really enjoy it. I was really exited when I read that a new version was coming out with more features. I bought this version, thinking that 14.99 was high but was going to be worth it. I just wasted my money! All the drawings I have made in the #1 version, won’t transfer over to the #2 version. And there is no (make a backup copy) that I can find. I want my money back! So, if there is anyone else that thinks they can transfer the work you have saved in TouchDraw 1 to 2, is out of luck, you can’t do it. I am not going to waste my time with saving each individual drawing to a file so maybe version 2 will recognize it. What a waste of money!!!!!! I finally did get it to work. You have to double tap the shapes in the libraries to get them on the editing screen! The new curved drawing tool still does not keep a curved shape, you still have to draw it bigger i mean a lot bigger to get it to stay curved. You have to go through a lot more screens just to get what you had access at your fingertips in TouchDraw the original version. That does not make any sense to me. Making a person go through the files app now to get to projects saved is an extra step that really absolutely makes no sense, unless they want it to look and feel more like procreate and some of the rest of them. Making someone go trough more screens, another app just to say it is bigger and better is ridiculous. If i could rate this a ZERO i would. I STILL WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!!!
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Response from developer

I'm sorry to hear you are disappointed; however the documentation includes instructions on how to move drawings and libraries (in one bulk operation) from TouchDraw 1 to TouchDraw 2. It uses the the backup functionality that is built-in to TouchDraw 1. Here is a link to the page in the docs: https://elevenworks.gitbook.io/touchdraw2-for-ios/document-picker/file-management/moving-touchdraw-1-drawings-to-touchdraw-2 Regarding your complaint about having to go through Apple's document browser interface, by using that it allows out of the box integration with third party cloud storage providers and iCloud, and means it's also consistent with Apple's built-in apps (Pages, Numbers and Keynote). The curve tool works exactly the same as it did in TouchDraw 1. If you have feedback on how to make it better for your use case, feel free to submit feedback within the app, and perhaps I can accommodate you. Lastly, the stencil library works through drag and drop now because I received feedback from users that felt the TouchDraw 1 behavior (that I'm guessing you like and/or were used to) was not well received.