SmartDraw is a visual processor used to create diagrams flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, project charts, etc. in an easier manner. This versatile software has the features to create almost any type of drawing you needed for your business or personal purposes. It integrates with popular applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to provide an integrated working environment. It can also export diagrams and other creations to common image formats and PDF format as per the user’s needs.
If you are an internet user, you might came across many SmartDraw reviews. So we also decided to present a SmartDraw Review for you to help you in determining the best visual processor software out there. To be honest, SmartDraw is a little different from other softwares of its kind and has some additional features inside. So it will be difficult in comparing the features. Anyhow, let’s have a deep look into the software and its functionalities. Before starting, here is a list of some of the SmartDraw customers.
SmartDraw is such a popular software as you can conclude from the list of their customers. Almost of the business giants are their customers that clearly proclaims its existence. It supports both Windows and Mac platforms to deliver its features to any kind of computer users. But unfortunately, there is no Smartdraw app available in the play store or in the iTunes store. So, they recently introduced the SmartDraw cloud which is completely integrated with the new SmartDraw 2016 for Windows and can be accessed from any platforms. Here is a brief video that explains the software better.
Output formats of the SmartDraw include SDR, SDT, SDL, SCZ varying from files to templates. These files could be later used for editing the existing drawings and charts or to transfer your creations to other workstations. Now, let’s have a look into its features.
Features of the SmartDraw
SmartDraw power packs a long list of features and functions inside. But it is not possible to list all of them here in this review. So, here we are listing some of the most iconic features of the SmartDraw to help you in taking a decision about it.
Smart Formatting
Even if you are a beginner to the chart and diagram design, the software will guide you through the procedure with the simple and effective user-friendly interface. Even beginners can easily create stunning projects by just using some keystrokes. The shortcuts make it way much easier to produce good-looking diagrams and drawings within a matter of seconds. The shapes and elements can automatically align perfectly one another so that you don’t have to sweat much for aligning them properly.
Smart Templates
SmartDraw is equipped with hundreds of free templates of various options including Charts and Diagrams. 70 different types of diagrams, charts, and other visuals further expanded to tens of individual templates in each category. This feature especially helps the beginners to create projects without having to set it up from scratch. So, if you are a beginner to the software, you should give a try to the templates.
Smart Integration
The SmartDraw seamlessly integrate with the softwares like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. where you can directly send your drawings. In addition, you could directly save your creations on the cloud using the integration with the services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. In the Enterprise edition, it also fully integrates with Microsoft SharePoint, and you can publish your projects directly with a click of a button.
SmartDraw Cloud
As mentioned before in this article, SmartDraw introduced the SmartDraw Cloud recently. It allows the users to use the service seamlessly without having to worry about the compatibility. Either you are using a Windows PC or a Mac system, the Cloud can seamlessly provide all the features you needed on the software. Using the cloud, you can starts a project from the Windows PC and continue it on your Mac or iPad on the go.
Visio Compatibility
Unlike other softwares which refuse to accept the formats from the competitors, SmartDraw showed its uniqueness by supporting the import from Microsoft Visio. So that, users will no longer need to create the Visio projects from scratch. Instead, they just have to continue the projects from where they left off. This boosts the popularity of the software to a great extent and makes it one of the best alternatives for the Microsoft Visio.
What can you Draw using SmartDraw?
- Swimlane flowcharts
- Data flow diagrams
- Influence diagrams
- Workflow diagrams
- Process flow diagrams
- Org charts
- Mind Maps
- Floor Plans
- Kitchen Cabinets
- Bathroom Vanities
- Garage Cabinets
- Calendar
- Timeline
- Flyers and Certificates
- Maps
- Forms
- And many more
SmartDraw Pros
- Supports Visio projects.
- Very easy to use.
- Good export capability.
- Good performance.
- Numerous features.
- Can virtually draw anything.
SmartDraw Cons
- Some files feel like heavy in size. So they have to concentrate on the compression of the exported files.
What users saying about the software?
Here are some of the user opinions about the SmartDraw software taken from their official website.
Verdict
SmartDraw is a good software that can help you in various drawing purposes in an easier manner. Even if it provides the features of a professional designing and editing software, there are no complications in using it and outputting the desired result. So, it often referred to as the best Microsoft Visio Alternative with almost all functions as the Visio with something more. It can also import the existing Visio files so that you don’t need to re-create the existing Visio projects.
There is a SmartDraw free version available on the website to give a try. Or you can also buy it if you can spend $197, $297 and $497 as per the plan. One thing we can say is that, you will never regret sending on this software.