In an era where most web applications come with hefty dependencies and complex installation requirements, a new tool called Cascii is gaining attention for its refreshingly simple approach. This web-based ASCII and Unicode diagram builder requires nothing more than a browser to run, making it accessible to anyone who needs to create technical diagrams quickly.
A Single HTML File That Packs a Punch
Cascii stands out from other diagramming tools by being entirely self-contained in a single HTML file with no dependencies. Users can download the file and open it locally without any installation process, server requirements, or additional libraries. As one enthusiastic user noted, this simplicity is a major advantage:
This is fantastic. I've always used JavE before but this being a single HTML file is a big+ and packs quite a punch.
The tool's creator emphasizes this minimalist approach in the documentation, highlighting that users can start building diagrams by simply opening the HTML file in a browser or using a one-line command: curl https://cascii.app -o cascii.html && open cascii.html.
Feature-Rich Despite Its Simplicity
Despite its lightweight nature, Cascii offers an impressive array of features that rival more complex applications. Users can create basic drawings, select and manipulate elements, work with joints, group objects, and even create dynamic tables. The tool supports both ASCII and Unicode characters, making it versatile for different types of diagrams.
The application includes multiple layer types such as Free, Switch Lines, Steps Lines, Free Lines, Square, Circle, Diamond, Text, and Table. It also provides essential editing capabilities like history tracking for undo/redo operations, line styling, and auto-save functionality using browser local storage.
Key Features of Cascii
- Basic drawing capabilities
- Selection tools (area selection, multi-selection, resize, move)
- Joints functionality
- Grouping of elements
- Layer ordering
- Element duplication
- Dynamic tables
- Free draw and erase tools
- Auto save using browser local storage
- Text import/paste
- Multiple layer types
- History tracking (undo/redo)
- Line styling options
- Support for both ASCII and Unicode
Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl-g: Groupctrl-c: Copy layerctrl-z: Undoctrl-shift-z: Redoctrl-a: Select allbackspace/delete: Delete layershift-click: Multi-select or single-select member of grouparrow keys: Move layerctrl-v: Paste text or paste as layer
Online Version Offers Additional Benefits
While the standalone HTML file is fully functional, the online version at cascii.app provides additional features that address some limitations of the offline version. Most notably, the online platform generates short links for diagrams, allowing users to easily share and edit their work later.
This addresses a pain point mentioned by several users about preserving the editability of diagrams. When users export diagrams and later try to reimport them as plain text, they lose the structural information that makes the diagrams editable as objects rather than just text. The short links provided by the online version solve this problem by preserving the complete state of the diagram.
Community Reception and Comparisons
The tool has been well-received by the developer community, with many expressing appreciation for its simplicity and effectiveness. Some users have drawn comparisons to other diagram tools like Monodraw (a macOS application) and Excalidraw, noting that each has its own strengths for different use cases.
One user highlighted how Cascii fills a gap in the Linux ecosystem, where polished diagram tools have been less common. Others mentioned switching from other ASCII diagram tools because Cascii works so much better.
Cascii represents a return to software simplicity that many developers find refreshing. In a landscape where applications often require complex setups and numerous dependencies, this zero-dependency approach demonstrates that powerful tools can still be delivered in lightweight packages. For anyone who regularly needs to create ASCII diagrams for documentation, comments, or presentations, Cascii offers an accessible solution that works right out of the box.
Reference: Cascii v1.0.0 (beta)