SmartDraw Reviews & Product Details

I like that SmartDraw is priced, honestly. AutoCAD is hundreds/thousands of dollars, and SmartDraw is a fraction of that price while fulfilling my need. It is easy to learn, and it's pretty straightforward to use. I also find the dimension aspect really easy to use and functional, and having the preloaded doors and windows is really nice. The initial setup was super easy; I just had to put my details in, and it started working right away. The free version available for seven days was super helpful in letting me know this is something I need for my team. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sometimes the walls don't snap at the exact point that I would like. It seems to want to attach at certain previously dedicated spots around the exterior walls. So sometimes that is frustrating for me. But it could also just be a user error. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I appreciate SmartDraw for its simplicity, making it a lot less complicated than other software for drawing plans. It allows us to invite all the users in my company to collaborate on the same platform, which is super convenient for seeing updates and downloading files in one spot. The catalog of already designed items is really valuable to us, and it provides significant value to our homeowners by showing them what their project will look like before we even start. Additionally, the initial setup was very easy, which was a bonus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There are certain parts of the program that do not work if something else isn't enabled, and sometimes that seems buggy. It's not obvious what is blocking the feature from being enabled. If SmartDraw would reveal the part that is blocking the feature from working, it would be easier to know where to go and fix it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ease of Use: The interface feels intuitive, even for new users. The drag-and-drop builder automatically aligns and spaces objects, which eliminates the messy look that often happens in manual diagram tools. Template Depth & Variety: SmartDraw includes a huge library of templates—everything from IT network diagrams to Six Sigma workflows, decision trees, and project timelines. This makes it excellent for departments like IT, Engineering, and Operations. Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace Integration: It integrates smoothly with Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint, making it easy to embed diagrams directly into project documentation or presentations without converting formats. Collaboration & Cloud Access: The browser-based version allows real-time collaboration, so teams can co-edit diagrams or share securely via links—similar to Lucidchart but with a slightly more technical layout control. Data-Linked Diagrams: You can connect diagrams to data sources (like Excel or CSVs) to automatically populate org charts or process maps, saving time in large organizations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Interface Speed: Large, complex diagrams can cause slight lag, especially in the web version. Desktop performance is stronger. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic diagrams are easy, automation tools (like data linking or shape libraries) require some upfront learning. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I use SmartDraw for CAD drawings and I needed an easy-to-use platform. I really like how easy it was to set up and understand. I find it very similar to programs like Word, which made it feel familiar and easier to navigate. I could tell immediately that I would have no issues using it. The initial setup was very easy, especially compared to other programs. I've already recommended it to others. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Maybe a little more of a tutorial when you first start. I did have to look up briefly how to use it but that was no issue and I was happy to do it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The ease of use is truly impressive. Having worked with software in the construction and electrical industry for more than 27 years, I can say this product was clearly created with the user’s needs in mind. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

When entering text into vertical rectangles, it should be simpler to flip the text. The current method feels a bit cumbersome and could be improved for ease of use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ease of learning curve - not a traditional CAD software Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Some things I wanted it to do, like associate specific objects with other objects, it seemed not to do well. It would give distances automatically between certain objects, but not always the ones I wanted it to define the distance between. Also, it seemed like the geometry was not always 100% accurate. I had to tweak some parts of drawings to get the dimensions to add up correctly. I think it was displaying a rounded dimension or something so when numerous rounded dimensions were added together it didn't equal the expected whole. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find SmartDraw incredibly useful for creating process flow charts, org charts, and value stream mapping. The software significantly simplifies the visualization of processes, allowing me to easily identify areas for improvement. The provided templates are a real time saver, making it much quicker to get started on projects. I appreciate the images and icons available, and the ability to upload your own. Additionally, the ability to export diagrams to other file formats is a great feature that enhances flexibility and ease of sharing. The process visualization capabilities are excellent, providing clear and comprehensive insights into different workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find that sometimes moving objects around in SmartDraw can be quite challenging. For instance, when deleting a box in a process chart, rather than having the two connected objects join, the connections often fall apart, which makes the connectors inconvenient to handle when moving items manually. Additionally, with org chart templates, there is no ability to format a template in a specific way so that when I upload a file to create the chart, it retains the current format. This limitation requires me to recreate the formatting every time I upload a new chart, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, the integration options seem limited to OneDrive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I appreciate SmartDraw's affordability and ease of use, which makes navigating and manipulating floor plans for custom homes straightforward and cost-effective. The software allows for quick adjustments without needing to send every minor change through a designer or architect, significantly streamlining my workflow. The inclusion of pre-loaded items is incredibly beneficial, as it eliminates the need for me to upload item packages, thus saving time and effort. I particularly love the ability to duplicate, flip, and rotate grouped items with ease, adding flexibility and speed to my design process. Additionally, I found the initial setup of SmartDraw to be very easy, which is a huge plus. These features collectively enhance my productivity and efficiency in designing floor plans. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I wish there was a way to flip the whole page if the homeowner wants to change the direction of the home. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I really appreciate SmartDraw's intuitive interface, which significantly reduces the time I need to invest in learning how to use the software efficiently. This feature is invaluable as it allows me to quickly become proficient and focus more on creating detailed site and project drawings rather than grappling with the tool itself. The range of functionality embedded within SmartDraw is impressive, offering a wide array of capabilities that prove essential in my role as a general contractor. This versatility means that I can tackle various tasks without needing to rely on multiple software solutions, streamlining my workflow. Additionally, I find the export feature particularly beneficial, as it easily allows me to convert and share my drawings in PDF format with city inspectors and subcontractors. The initial setup of SmartDraw was incredibly straightforward, earning a perfect rating for ease, which further adds to its user-friendly nature and convenience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The zoom in-out feature seems unstable, often forcing me to a particular zoom level or scrolling undesirably, which makes it difficult to work effectively. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like SmartDraw because it gives us a way to manage a wide variety of layouts with a lot of customization options. This makes it so the entire team can use a library tailored specifically for our use, ensuring that we're all using the same symbols and thus streamlining decision-making. It's also useful for our staff in accessing our files in one central location. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Nothing I can think of! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.