SmartDraw Review: Pros, Cons, Features and Pricing
SmartDraw is a versatile flowchart software that enables users to create a wide range of diagrams with ease. It's particularly beneficial for businesses and teams in fields like engineering, management, and education, where clear visual communication is crucial. SmartDraw offers intuitive tools and extensive templates for efficient diagram creation.
SmartDraw effectively addresses challenges faced by project management, engineering, and educational teams by simplifying complex diagramming processes. In this article, I'll cover SmartDraw's features, pros and cons, use cases, pricing, and more, so you can decide if it aligns with your diagramming and communication needs.
SmartDraw Evaluation Summary
- From $9.95/user/month (billed annually)
- Free demo available
Why You Can Trust Us
We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
SmartDraw Overview
In my opinion, SmartDraw is a solid choice for teams needing an intuitive flowchart software. It impresses with a wide array of templates and an easy drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users of all levels. Compared to competitors, its pricing is reasonable, offering good value without compromising on essential features. However, its onboarding process could be smoother, and while customer support is generally helpful, response times could improve. For small to mid-sized teams looking for a reliable and affordable flowchart solution, SmartDraw is worth considering. It’s especially beneficial for those who appreciate robust templates and straightforward functionality that streamlines diagram creation.
pros
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You can quickly create diagrams with its user-friendly interface.
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The extensive library of templates and symbols saves you time.
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SmartDraw's automatic formatting ensures your diagrams look professional.
cons
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You might find the learning curve steep if you're new to diagramming software.
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The software can sometimes be slow, especially with complex diagrams.
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You may encounter occasional bugs that disrupt your workflow.
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Our Review Methodology
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Ease of Use
You can jump right into creating flowcharts using SmartDraw’s templates and intuitive interface. Rearranging shapes and adding steps, including swimlanes, is straightforward, helping you map out processes with minimal effort.
Export Options
Export your diagrams as PDFs or common image formats like PNG and SVG. This ensures you can easily share and present your work in various formats.
Flowchart Creation
Create diverse types of flowcharts, from basic to complex decision trees, using SmartDraw’s user-friendly tools. Visualize steps and decisions to spot inefficiencies in your processes.
Compatibility
Easily integrate your flowcharts into Microsoft Office and Google Workspace documents. This compatibility keeps your diagrams accessible and embedded within your existing workflows.
Extensive Templates Library
SmartDraw offers thousands of pre-built templates and symbols you can start from for a wide range of diagrams. These include flowcharts, organizational charts, floorplans, software diagrams, and many others .
Multiple Diagram Types Support
SmartDraw isn’t just for flowcharts — you can use it to create org charts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, floor plans, and more using intuitive diagram-making tools.
Ease of Use
SmartDraw is user-friendly, making it easy for you and beginners on your team to create flowcharts with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. You can quickly access a wide range of templates, which simplifies the design process. The software's ability to integrate with other tools enhances your workflow. However, some users mention a slight learning curve when exploring more advanced features, but overall, its layout is straightforward, allowing you to focus on your work without unnecessary distractions.
Integrations
SmartDraw integrates with Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office apps (including PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Jira, AWS, and Confluence, allowing teams to embed and share diagrams within their existing collaboration tools.
SmartDraw also connects with popular cloud storage services such as Microsoft OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box for easy file saving and access.
SmartDraw Specs
- 2-Factor Authentication
- 360 Degree Feedback
- API
- Application Tracking
- Attendance Tracking
- Batch Permissions & Access
- Compliance Tracking
- Dashboard
- Data Export
- Data Import
- Data Visualization
- Employee Database
- Employee Engagement
- Employee Incentive Management
- Employee Onboarding
- Employee Training
- Expense Tracking
- External Integrations
- Feedback Management
- Multi-User
- Notifications
- Payroll
- Performance Appraisal
- Scheduling
- Time Management
- Timesheets
- Travel Management
- Vacation & Absence Calendar
