Top 6 Alternatives to SmartDraw for Creating Diagrams and Flowcharts

Creating diagrams and flowcharts are essential for businesses, developers, engineers, designers, and project managers. It helps them visualize complex ideas, workflows, and systems accurately, communicate to their team effectively, and make informed decisions. For this purpose, many software solutions are available in the market, and SmartDraw is one of the most popular tools that serve this task.

However, SmartDraw might not be suitable for everyone’s needs or budget. Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the top 6 alternatives to SmartDraw for creating diagrams and flowcharts. We will also provide an in-depth comparison between the features of each software and share our thoughts on them.

Video Tutorial:

What is SmartDraw?

SmartDraw is a diagramming software that allows users to create professional-looking diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, network diagrams, floor plans, and many more. It offers thousands of templates and symbols that speed up the creation process, and it supports integration with popular tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

SmartDraw comes with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use for new users, and it is available for Windows and Mac. However, SmartDraw comes with a price tag, and its cost increases with more features and licenses.

Top Alternatives to SmartDraw

1. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagramming software that offers an extensive range of features to create diagrams and flowcharts, including UML diagrams, ER diagrams, Wireframes, Infographics, and more. Lucidchart provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create professional-looking diagrams without any technical knowledge.

Lucidchart integrates with various popular tools, including Jira, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and more, making it easy to share your work with your team. The software is available on all devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros:

• Extensive range of templates and symbols.
• User-friendly interface.
• Cloud-based software.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.
• Price increases with more features.
• Steep learning curve for complex diagrams.

2. Creately

Creately is a web-based diagramming tool that specializes in creating diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps. The software offers an extensive range of templates and shapes that help users create professional-looking diagrams efficiently. Like Lucidchart, Creately provides a drag-and-drop interface that requires no technical knowledge.

Creately supports real-time collaboration with your team, making it ideal for remote work. The software is available on any device with Internet access, and it offers a free version with limited features.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Real-time collaboration.
• Free version with limited features.

Cons:

• The free version only allows up to 3 diagrams.
• Price increases with more features.
• Limited support for complex diagrams.

3. Draw.io

Draw.io is a free, open-source diagramming tool that is available on all devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and even as a Chrome extension. The software offers a wide range of features to create diagrams, flowcharts, UML diagrams, and more.

Draw.io provides a simple interface that requires no training, and it allows you to import your files from various cloud storage providers, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Being open-source, Draw.io has an active community of developers, making it highly customizable.

Pros:

• Free and open-source software.
• Import/export from various cloud storage providers.
• Customizable with plugins.

Cons:

• No real-time collaboration.
• User-interface can be overwhelming.
• Some features require internet access and are not available offline.

4. Gliffy

Gliffy is a cloud-based diagramming software that offers a wide range of features to create diagrams, flowcharts, Venn diagrams, and more. The software provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to use, and it integrates with various tools, including Google Drive, Confluence, Slack, and more.

Gliffy offers a free version with limited features, making it a great option for small teams or individuals. The software is available on all devices and operating systems.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Integration with various tools.
• Free version with limited features.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.
• Price increases with more features.
• Steep learning curve for complex diagrams.

5. Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is a diagramming software that integrates with Microsoft Office 365 and allows users to create a wide range of diagrams, including flowcharts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, and more. Visio offers extensive features, including customizable templates, shape libraries, and data linking.

Visio is available on Windows and Mac, and it supports real-time collaboration with your team. However, Visio comes at a premium price, and it is suitable for large enterprises with a high budget.

Pros:

• Extensive features and templates.
• Integration with Microsoft Office 365.
• Real-time collaboration.

Cons:

• Premium price tag.
• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Not suitable for individuals or small teams.

6. Cacoo

Cacoo is a cloud-based diagramming software that allows users to create professional-looking diagrams, including flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, and more. Cacoo offers a wide range of templates and shapes, and it integrates with various tools, including Google Drive, Adobe Creative Suite, and more.

Cacoo provides real-time collaboration with your team, and it offers a free version with limited features. The software is available on all devices and operating systems.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Integration with various tools.
• Real-time collaboration.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.
• Price increases with more features.
• Some features require premium memberships.

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Our Thoughts on SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a feature-rich, powerful diagramming software that is suitable for large enterprises with a high budget. It offers a wide range of templates and symbols, and it integrates with popular tools, making it easy to share your work with your team.

However, SmartDraw can be overwhelming for new users, and it requires a certain level of technical knowledge to take advantage of its features. It also comes with a premium price tag that might not be suitable for individuals or small teams.

FAQs about SmartDraw

Q. What are the key features of SmartDraw?

A. SmartDraw offers a wide range of features, including templates, symbols, and diagrams such as flowcharts, mind maps, floor plans, network diagrams and more. SmartDraw also integrates with popular tools such as Microsoft Office and has real-time collaboration features.

Q. Can SmartDraw be used on Macs?

A. Yes, SmartDraw supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Q. How much does SmartDraw cost?

A. SmartDraw offers a free trial, and its paid pricing starts at $5.95 per month.

Q. What types of templates are included with SmartDraw?

A. SmartDraw provides over 4,500 templates across 70+ categories, including business diagrams, engineering diagrams, and software design diagrams.

Q. Does SmartDraw offer real-time collaboration features?

A. Yes, SmartDraw does offer real-time collaboration features.

In Conclusion

Overall, choosing the right diagramming software for your needs depends on various factors such as your budget, features required, ease of use, and collaboration needs. Hence, it is important to explore different options available and determine which software meets your requirements.

From our comparison, Lucidchart, Creately, Draw.io, Gliffy, Microsoft Visio, and Cacoo are powerful alternatives to SmartDraw. They offer various features, pricing options, and ease of use and collaboration that cater to different requirements.