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SmartDraw has become a go-to solution for many users who want to simplify the creation, editing, and sharing of org charts. Frustrated …
Starting at $5.95 per user/per month
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What is SmartDraw?
SmartDraw is a diagramming and flow chart building tool from SmartDraw Software in San Diego, California.
Recent Reviews
Reviewer Pros & Cons
Pricing
Multiple-Users (for 5+ users)
$5.95
On Premise
per user/per month
Single-User
$9.95
On Premise
per month
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Product Demos
SmartDraw Demo
YouTube
Team 6 SmartDraw Demo
YouTube
Product Details
- About
- Tech Details
What is SmartDraw?
SmartDraw Video
While our first impressions of SmartDraw were quite positive, here we dive deeper into how they market their visual design tool, what their pricing plans look like, what users enjoy about SmartDraw, and what issues users have with SmartDraw. The biggest takeaway, is that Smart...
 Show More SmartDraw Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
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Reviews and Ratings
(38)
Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
- Business Problems Solved
- Pros
- Cons
- Recommendations
SmartDraw has become a go-to solution for many users who want to simplify the creation, editing, and sharing of org charts. Frustrated with the cumbersome nature of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, HR teams have turned to SmartDraw to streamline their org charting process. With both desktop and cloud-based versions available, SmartDraw offers an intuitive and user-friendly experience that surpasses other options like Lucidchart. In addition to org charts, users have found SmartDraw useful for discussing application flows, creating high-level designs, creating flowcharts, seating charts, and charts of responsibility. It has proven to be a modern alternative to Microsoft Office tools, offering a time-saving solution for tasks such as designing building floorplans, fire evacuation diagrams, and emergency operations plans. Users also appreciate the software for its capabilities in flow charting, milestone charting, process decomposition/documentation, and creating maps and timelines. With excellent customer service and a wide range of use cases across various departments within organizations, SmartDraw continues to provide an efficient and effective solution for visualizing information.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
(1-5 of 5)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
June 20, 2023
Free trial IS NOT free
Score 1 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I tried to use the free trial on this software. As soon as I finished the drawing I couldn't export, share or print without purchasing. Furthermore I tried to sign in, figuring I could at least save it online to show my builder the plans and got notified that my trial had now expired and I had to pay if I wanted to access my plans again. So basically if I want to see my plans ever again that I spent the last 2 hours drawing, I have to pay smartdraw, and they only have an option to purchase annually. In my opinion, it's super underhanded and sneaky the way they try to get people to pay for their software, as a result, if ever I need any design software, I will most definitely NOT be using or recommending smartdraw. Thanks for wasting 2 hours of my life smartdraw.
- Nothing
- Nothing
- Nothing
- Everywhere
- Everywhere
- Everywhere
- nothing
- nothing
- nothing
- Wasted my time
- Made me incredibly frustrated
- Felt cheated
December 30, 2022
Making thoughts visible and expressible in 2D!
Ever since we moved to virtual mode of communicating with colleagues and having meetings and discussions online, SmartDraw has made the entire process of explaining ideas, expressing and describing thoughts as easy as possibly it can be.
We use it for discussing application flows. We use it for High level designs. We are still discovering new use out of this awesome tool.
We use it for discussing application flows. We use it for High level designs. We are still discovering new use out of this awesome tool.
- Flowcharts
- Structural design
- Sharing and Collaboration
- The application is a little heavy on my system and takes some time to load
- UI can be improved for touch screen interface.
- Nothing i can think of! Its awesome
- Sharing and Collaboration
- Flow Diagram
- Structural Design
- Increased productivity
- Attractive and appealing flow diagrams for client
- Its totally worth what the org spent on it.
December 20, 2022
SmartDraw is a fun easy to use drawing tool.
Smart Draw is an amazing drawing tool. I use it for floor plans and room layouts. It has some unique objects that are not in Visio. We have also used it for network diagrams. It’s very easy to use, and the customer service is excellent.
- Draws layouts and diagrams.
- Easy to use.
- Extensive pre built library of objects.
- The licensing and installation could be a little more straightforward.
- Support
- Easy to use.
- Unique libraries of objects.
- Allows us to lay out seating and floor plans.
- We use it to map and diagram our network.
We really like the features of smart draw and the unique library of objects.
November 27, 2021
SmartDraw is Next Level!
Charts! Charts! And more CHARTS! SmartDraw ROCKS when it comes to making org charts, flow charts, seating charts, and charts of responsibility to name a few. SmartDraw is a HUGE timesaver when creating expansive charts and a truly modern alternative to the traditional tools offered by Microsoft Office tools that are often times too limited.
- Charts of all kinds
- Wire Framing
- Easily customizable templates
- A month-to-month plan would be ideal for users that don't have a need to create many projects
- The sidebar navigation can be a little confusing with all of the tools listed.
- Offering customizable plans with only the feature you need would simplify navigation
- Wide range of ready to use templates
- The ability to add imagery to charts
- Minimal learning curve
- Expanded our ability to create a variety of charts quickly
- Reduced turn around time for customers
- Increased client satisfaction with end results.
SmartDraw is NEXT LEVEL! Microsoft is yesterday's news when it comes to creating charts. SmartDraw allows you to create and deliver dynamic charts and diagrams that truly convey the data you are inputting turning it into a stunning visual explanation.
I use it to design building and office floorplans and fire evacuation diagrams. I create emergency operations plans for businesses and religious organizations that need help with their security and emergency planning, and SmartDraw enables me to quickly and easily create diagrams and evacuation plans.
- Create diagrams.
- Convert diagrams to other formats like PDF and JPEGS.
- Stores your designs in the cloud.
- The autosave function does not always save your changes.
- When creating diagrams and linking shapes together, they do not always stay linked.
- Not enough customizations and example shapes and objects.
- Ability to make building floor plans.
- Ability to make building evacuation plans.
- Ability to make process flowcharts.
- It allows me to offer another level of support for my business.
- Gives me the opportunity to help smaller businesses and houses of worship develop safety plans.
- price is within budget.
Better priced and easier to work with.