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SmartDraw Review

SmartDraw
Our score: 9.5 User satisfaction: 100%

What is SmartDraw?

SmartDraw is a flowchart maker and diagramming solution used by organizations and companies to document processes, manage projects, and plan strategies. Powerful and easy-to-use, it is regarded as an alternative to Visio, a diagramming and vector graphics application from Microsoft. With SmartDraw, users can make any type of diagram, whether its chart-based, graph-based, or schematic.

The diagramming software, furthermore, is built with thousands of templates and symbols for creating diagrams, flowcharts, organizational charts, electrical circuits, software design plans, infographics, forms, and other visual presentations.

SmartDraw also has the capability to be integrated with other tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Last but not least, SmartDraw allows users to collaborate on their drawings and visuals by permitting them to easily share files with each other.

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Overview of SmartDraw Benefits

Alternative To Microsoft Visio

SmartDraw is a diagramming software which is more affordable and much easier to use than  Microsoft Visio. As an alternative to Visio, the software allows users to create diagrams and visuals from any Windows or Mac computer, and any mobile device. They will also be able run it online through a web browser. For security purposes, SmartDraw permits users to install the software behind a firewall on a Windows desktop.

Create Different Types Of Diagrams

Making diagrams and charts is a great way to represent information. Diagrams and charts are used to document facts, draw plans, and capture ideas. In addition, they aid organizations and companies in improving communication, learning, and productivity. With SmartDraw, any type of diagram can be created. In general, the diagramming software allows making three types of diagrams: chart-based, graph-based, and schematic diagram.

Chart-Based Diagrams

A chart-based diagram is a type of diagram which shows how entities are related or connected to each other. For instance, chart-based diagrams can show the directional flow of steps or information like what is seen in flowcharts and network diagrams. They can also illustrate hierarchies such as those shown in organizational charts, cause-and-effect diagrams, and genograms.

Graph-Based Diagrams

Meanwhile, a graph-based diagram displays statistical data through a graph, and it is very useful in highlighting trends or changes over time. Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts are some common examples of graph-based diagrams.

Schematic Diagrams

Another type of diagram that can be created using SmartDraw is a schematic diagram. This diagram shows elements in a system. An example of this is a floor plan, which displays the precise measurements and placement of elements. Schematic diagrams often use standard sets of symbols.

Rich And Deep Content

SmartDraw is built with more than 4,500 templates which can be used for over 70 different types of diagrams, charts, and other visuals. It offers over 3,500 symbols that can be applied to different disciplines which include engineering, software design, and healthcare. The software is also equipped with the standard shapes used for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and other diagrams.

Powerful Automation

Creating diagrams through SmartDraw is made much easier as the software automates the drawing process. As users add, delete, or move shapes; the diagram is automatically adjusted and the formatting is maintained. With such powerful automation, they will be able to build and enhance their drawings easily.

When it comes to creating architectural and engineering diagrams, SmartDraw provides an AutoCAD-like annotation layer that resizes automatically to match the diagram.

Effortless Collaboration Through Integrations

With SmartDraw, sharing drawings and collaborating is effortless. This is because the software delivers powerful integration capabilities. With just a single click, diagrams and drawings can be sent directly to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Outlook. Through the aid of SmartDraw Cloud or integrating the software with their file sharing apps, teams can work on the same drawings. Likewise, it has plug-ins which enable users to add drawings to Google Docs and Sheets. 

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Overview of SmartDraw Features

  • Alternative To Microsoft Visio
  • Works Anywhere
  • Install Behind A Firewall
  • Different Diagram Types
  • Templates, Symbols, And Shapes
  • Automation
  • Effortless Collaboration
  • Integrations
  • Visio Import And Export Capability
  • Word-Class Support
  • Mature And Secure
  • Available In Multiple Languages

SmartDraw Position In Our Categories

Because companies have particular business-related wants, it is only wise that they abstain from picking a one-size-fits-all, ideal business application. Needless to say, it would be almost impossible to discover such an app even among recognizable software systems. The efficient thing to undertake is to take note of the numerous chief functions which merit examination including critical features, budget, technical skill levels of the users, organizational size, etc. Then, you should double down on your research comprehensively. Have a look at some SmartDraw review articles and look into each of the software solutions in your shortlist more closely. Such well-rounded product research ensure you circumvent unsuitable software solutions and pay for the system that delivers all the function your company requires to achieve growth.

Position of SmartDraw in our main categories:

TOP 5

SmartDraw is one of the top 5 Architecture Software products

TOP 5

SmartDraw is one of the 5 CAD Software products

Since each enterprise has specific business requirements, it is advisable for them to desist from searching for a one-size-fits-all perfect software system. Needless to say, it would be pointless to try to find such a system even among widely used software platforms. The intelligent thing to do would be to jot down the various vital elements that need consideration such as required features, finances, skill levels of workers, company size etc. Then, you should do your homework thoroughly. Read some SmartDraw CAD Software reviews and look into each of the other systems in your shortlist in detail. Such in-depth research can make certain you weed out ill-fitting systems and choose the system that offers all the elements you require for business success.

How Much Does SmartDraw Cost?

SmartDraw Pricing Plans:

Free Trial

Single User

$297

5+ Users

$595/yr.

10 Users

$995/yr.

Site License

$2,995/yr.

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What are SmartDraw pricing details?

SmartDraw Pricing Plans:

Free Trial

Single User

$297

5+ Users

$595/yr.

10 Users

$995/yr.

Site License

$2,995/yr.

SmartDraw offers two SMB and enterprise pricing plans for all users to choose from. You can make a one-time license purchase as a single user to avail the software or  purchase an annual subscription plan which is dedicated to multiple users. Here are the details of each plan:

Single User

  • $297
  • One-Time Purchase
  • No Monthly or Annual Fees
  • Includes both the SmartDraw Windows Desktop and Online Editions
  • 4,500+ Templates and 34,000+ Symbols
  • Visio Import and Export
  • AutoCAD Import
  • Powerful Automatic Formatting
  • Save and Open Diagrams from Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive
  • Integration with Microsoft Office and PowerPoint
  • Project Management with MS Project Integration
  • SharePoint Integration
  • Data-Driven Charts: Org Charts, Bar charts, and Graphs

Multiple Users

  • 5+ Users – $595/yr. (Billed Annually)
  • 10 Users – $995/yr. (Billed Annually)
  • Site License – $2,995/yr. (Billed Annually)
  • Includes both the SmartDraw Windows Desktop and Online Editions
  • 4,500+ Templates and 34,000+ Symbols
  • Visio Import and Export
  • AutoCAD Import
  • Powerful Automatic Formatting
  • Save and Open Diagrams from Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive
  • Integration with Microsoft Office and PowerPoint
  • Project Management with MS Project Integration
  • SharePoint Integration
  • Data-Driven Charts: Org Charts, Bar charts, and Graphs

User Satisfaction

Positive Social Media Mentions 48
Negative Social Media Mentions 0

We realize that when you choose to get a CAD Software it’s vital not only to find out how experts rank it in their reviews, but also to check whether the actual users and businesses that use it are genuinely content with the service. Because of that need we’ve designer our behavior-based Customer Satisfaction Algorithm™ that aggregates customer reviews, comments and SmartDraw reviews across a vast range of social media sites. The data is then featured in a simple to digest form indicating how many customers had positive and negative experience with SmartDraw. With that information at hand you should be equipped to make an informed purchasing choice that you won’t regret.

Video

Technical details

Devices Supported

  • Windows
  • Android
  • iPhone/iPad
  • Mac
  • Web-based

Deployment

  • Cloud Hosted

Language Support

  • English
  • Dutch
  • Polish
  • Turkish
  • Swedish

Pricing Model

  • One-time payment
  • Annual Subscription

Customer Types

  • Small Business
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

What Support Does This Vendor Offer?

  • email
  • phone
  • live support
  • training
  • tickets

What integrations are available for SmartDraw?

SmartDraw integrates with the following applications:

  • Microsoft Office
  • OneDrive
  • SharePoint
  • Google Docs
  • Google Sheets
  • WordPress
  • Dropbox
  • Confluence
  • Jira
  • Trello
  • Box

SmartDraw User Reviews

SmartDraw average rating:

Average score
4.2/5 (15 user reviews)
4/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

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The most favorable review

Eldon

PROS: For me, the best thing about this software is its ease of use. No steep learning curve. I never had a hard time finding my way around this platform. Its ease of use makes it ideal for novices who want to create floor plans or any basic illustrations. And I think it's also a good option if you are looking to draw your own plan or have someone do the work for you. It has a decent library of items and capabilities to help demonstrate the scale or size of the floor. There are also helpful assistance highlights.

CONS: Sometimes, the courses of events are difficult to work with. For instance, the air pockets seem to have their own psyche, making it hard if not impossible to control and move them effectively.

Reviewed 6 years ago

Read full review >

The least favorable review

Edyth

PROS: So many templates to choose from!!! You sure can find something to present your data or your message.

CONS: It's quite slow. Sometimes, it takes forever to load the program or to open files.

Reviewed 4 years ago

Read full review >

More reviews from 15 actual users:

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It lets me create amazing visuals for my presentations and other tasks

Read full review >
Edyth
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 21.10.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Legal Services

PROS: So many templates to choose from!!! You sure can find something to present your data or your message.

CONS: It's quite slow. Sometimes, it takes forever to load the program or to open files.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

It is a CAD software with no steep learning curve.

Read full review >
Marisol
5/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 25.09.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Design

PROS: CAD solutions are known for having a steep learning curve. But the case with SmartDraw is pretty different. We are able to install it in no time and figure out how it works right away. Aside from ease of use, it also provides lots of templates, inbuilt contents, and cloud storage. In addition, you can have it either through downloading it on your Windows or use it as a cloud-based service.

CONS: First, the number of columns that can be utilized in the Gantt Chart is limited. Second, the timelines are a bit hard to work with. Sometimes, it seems like the bubbles have their own mind. It's hard to move or control them. Lastly, the options for file folders aren't new versions.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor
Show More User Reviews (15)

I have used this tool for creating landscape layout design and it’s pretty good

Read full review >
Shayne
5/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

5/5

Value for Money

5/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 19.08.2021 Company Size: Industry: Architecture & Planning

PROS: Basically, it helps me visualize my ideas. My work involves creating a layout design for landscape projects and this tool has been my medium in creating my “masterpieces”. It’s fast and robust.

CONS: The price is quite expensive. But with all the tools and things you can create using it, I think it’s actually worth it.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

My thoughts about SmartDraw

Read full review >
Madisyn
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 11.08.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Retail

PROS: Overall, it’s easy to use. It is also very intuitive. And when it comes to installation and implementation, everything worked seamlessly.

CONS: Difficulty sharing files after the workflow has been completed.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

A great platform with a visually appealing user interface

Read full review >
D'angelo
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 11.07.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: N/A

PROS: What I love the most about this tool are its gorgeous interface and beautiful graphics.

CONS: The user interface can be difficult to use at times. For example, the speech bubble may not work as it is supposed to.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

Pros and Cons of SmartDraw

Read full review >
Herta
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 24.06.2021 Company Size: 1-10 Employees Industry: Banking

PROS: Installation is pretty easy and you can learn how to use the software with ease. No need for expert assistance nor for training. The new version looks really cool and is pretty fast. Also, there are many modules available so it can be used by several industry players including but not limited to landscaping professionals, physical planners, and structural engineers. Last but not least, the vendor lets you try the product free of charge, giving you a chance to figure out whether or not this product fits your need before making a purchase.

CONS: It's not ideal for collaboration. It is just too difficult to work with many people on a single project. Also, the drawing template has a wide view so it won't be good on small screens.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

A happy user!

Read full review >
Janice
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 15.06.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Retail

PROS: It works fairly well. We are already able to come up with enthralling visual contents such as work flowcharts, organization charts, business processes, and many more. We’ve also used this tool for creating employee certificates.

CONS: There’s no export option for PowerPoint. It would be great if they do offer such a feature. Also, it would be nice if more organization choose to use the tool. But apart from that, everything is working well.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

A great platform for creating diagrams and flowcharts

Read full review >
Kendra
4/5

Overall impression

3/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 03.06.2021 Company Size: 11-50 Employees Industry: N/A

PROS: It can be used to create different types of charts. It is an invaluable tool in creating graphs as well as doing complicated Gantt outlines. The association between graphs is simpler so basically it makes your work a lot easier. Also, SmartDraw has a wide range of layouts as well as alternatives to help you create your project.

CONS: It does not offer an option to save your work automatically unless you are in the cloud. Additionally, the app constantly crashes which is quite annoying especially when you still have some unsaved work. And when something isn't working or you encountered a problem, it's quite difficult to get some help. You may receive an email a day after you raise a concern or not at all. And sometimes, their respond does not help at all. Lastly, this tool is unstable.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

This tool is ideal for basic submittals

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Cristina
4/5

Overall impression

3/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 29.05.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: N/A

PROS: It's pretty easy to use and provides me just enough functionalities and choices to get my work done. The best thing, processes seems simpler here than with other CAD software.

CONS: I often struggle to get the lines snap together the right way when drawing walls utilizing SmartDraw auto-snap feature. And the only solution is to turn the feature off.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

Excellent diagramming tool

Read full review >
Nella
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 04.05.2021 Company Size: 11-50 Employees Industry: N/A

PROS: For me, the pros would be the wide array of templates and options to choose from when creating diagrams. It makes our job easier, helps us finish tasks faster, and streamlines our processes.

CONS: It consumes a lot of computer resources! So if you are using an old computer, this app could slow down your device.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

SmartDraw is a great tool to use for creating flowcharts

Read full review >
Buford
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 19.09.2019 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Libraries

PROS: There are thousands of templates to choose from! There’s something for personal use and professional use. You sure can find something that will fit your taste. Aside from that, I can also consider the ease of logging in as one of the perks of this tool.

CONS: I find the flowcharts a bit complex. Also, their drag-and-drop feature needs a little improvement.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

Smartdraw is by far one of the best diagramming tools in the market today

Read full review >
Luisa
5/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

5/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 18.09.2019 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: N/A

PROS: I've already tried using other software in a similar category like Microsoft word and SmartDraw is by far the easiest to use. It also offers a plethora of helpful functionalities like the export and import capabilities and a number of templates to choose from. It runs on any computer and is pretty cheap. Meaning to say, it's accessible even to those with budget restrictions.

CONS: It's not for free. Having to pay for this software may be a con for those who will be using this tool for personal purposes. But for companies who'll be using it for business purposes, it's actually worth the price.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

I have fallen in love with this tool!!!

Read full review >
Eldon
5/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 16.09.2019 Company Size: 11-50 Employees Industry: Information Technology & Services

PROS: For me, the best thing about this software is its ease of use. No steep learning curve. I never had a hard time finding my way around this platform. Its ease of use makes it ideal for novices who want to create floor plans or any basic illustrations. And I think it's also a good option if you are looking to draw your own plan or have someone do the work for you. It has a decent library of items and capabilities to help demonstrate the scale or size of the floor. There are also helpful assistance highlights.

CONS: Sometimes, the courses of events are difficult to work with. For instance, the air pockets seem to have their own psyche, making it hard if not impossible to control and move them effectively.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

Good for creating basic floor plan as well as elevation quickly

Read full review >
Roel
5/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

5/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 15.09.2019 Company Size: Industry: Design

PROS: It looks nice, works fast, and easy to use. It's been helping me with my work at the consulting company. It's pretty effective in keeping clients attention.

CONS: I often struggle printing to scale. Also, this tool cannot be used for 3-D.

What do you think about this review?

Great Poor

SmartDraw Review

Read full review >
Corbin
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 06.09.2019 Company Size: 1-10 Employees Industry: Retail

PROS: It's a great tool to use for drawing floor plans. You can add all incidentals that will complete a space.

CONS: I am using old software for my Windows and for my MAC (at work). But maybe using the online version would be better.

What do you think about this review?

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SmartDraw user reviews

It lets me create amazing visuals for my presentations and other tasks

Read full review >
Edyth
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 21.10.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Legal Services

It is a CAD software with no steep learning curve.

Read full review >
Marisol
5/5

Overall impression

5/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

4/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 25.09.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Design

I have used this tool for creating landscape layout design and it’s pretty good

Read full review >
Shayne
5/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

5/5

Value for Money

5/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 19.08.2021 Company Size: Industry: Architecture & Planning

My thoughts about SmartDraw

Read full review >
Madisyn
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

3/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 11.08.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: Retail

A great platform with a visually appealing user interface

Read full review >
D'angelo
4/5

Overall impression

4/5

Customer Support

4/5

Value for Money

3/5

Ease of Use

Published on: 11.07.2021 Company Size: More than 100 Employees Industry: N/A
Jenny Chang

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.

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