SmartDraw

Clean and professional org charts: Many users have been impressed with SmartDraw's ability to produce clean and professional-looking org charts. They appreciate that the charts can be easily shared or printed in a readable format, making it convenient for presentations or documentation purposes.

Easy import of data for org chart creation: Several reviewers have praised the ease of importing data into SmartDraw for creating org charts. This feature saves them time and effort, allowing them to quickly generate accurate and up-to-date charts.

Wide range of features and templates: SmartDraw offers a wide range of features for various purposes such as flowcharts, structural design, sharing and collaboration, wireframing, and customizable templates. Users find these features to be valuable as they cater to different needs and make diagramming tasks more efficient. Additionally, the provided templates serve as great starting points when users are unsure of how to begin their diagrams.

Cons:

1. Lack of customization options: Some users have expressed the need for more customizable functions in the program to achieve better integration, as well as the ability to customize plans and navigation.
2. Performance issues: Several users have mentioned that the application is heavy on their system and takes time to load, especially for touch screen interfaces. Additionally, some users find certain tasks like manipulating bubbles in timelines or aligning multiple objects to be difficult and time-consuming.
3. Issues with functionality: A number of reviewers have experienced issues with the autosave function not always saving changes, making it unreliable. Users have also found it difficult to link shapes together and desire more customizations and example shapes/objects.

Based on user feedback, here are the most common recommendations for SmartDraw:

1. Users suggest exploring the different options available and trying out the software, as it is free and easy to use. They recommend playing around with it for a couple of hours before using it for serious tasks. It is also important to ensure that the software meets all requirements before relying on it.

2. SmartDraw is highly recommended by users who work with PowerPoint. It is considered an excellent tool for creating presentations. Additionally, users suggest giving SmartDraw a try for easy drawings, diagrams, and representations. However, for certain types of drawings, some users suggest using Visio instead.

3. Users find SmartDraw useful for designing documents such as process flow maps and org charts. It is praised for being easy to use and having useful components for different environments. Taking advantage of any training offered by SmartDraw is also recommended.

In general, users advise trying the trial version of SmartDraw to evaluate if it meets their needs. They find it cost-effective and compatible with other programs like Microsoft Office. Templates are suggested as a way to maximize the value of the software. However, users caution that SmartDraw may not be worth the money and time for certain professional fields, like architect firms. It is important to carefully evaluate use cases before deciding on the software. While generally user-friendly, some users note that support may not be particularly helpful in addressing concerns or issues.