Lucidchart vs SmartDraw

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Our analysts compared Lucidchart vs SmartDraw based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Diagram Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Lucidchart is a cloud-based collaborative planning program that breaks down information and processes into flowcharts. It offers various templates such as flow charts, floor plans and Venn diagrams for customization and implementation. These charts can manage workflow and provide insights for spotting inefficiencies within procedures. It provides a space to organize team members and track the progress of workplace ideas in one hub.
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SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming software designed to facilitate the creation of a wide range of visual representations, including flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, and floor plans. It is particularly well-suited for professionals in industries such as engineering, architecture, project management, and education, where clear and precise diagrams are essential for communication and planning.

One of the standout benefits of SmartDraw is its extensive library of templates and symbols, which simplifies the process of creating complex diagrams. The software also integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and various project management platforms, enhancing its utility in collaborative environments. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and robust feature set, which includes automated formatting, data import capabilities, and advanced sharing options.

Compared to similar products, SmartDraw is often praised for its ease of use and comprehensive functionality. Pricing details can vary, so it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a personalized quote based on specific needs.

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$7.95 Monthly, Freemium
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$8.25 Monthly
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Product Insights

  • Optimize Processes: Make systems in projects and processes more efficient through by breaking down individual steps. 
  • Refine Organization: Create clear diagrams to communicate and sync workflows of team members. Collaborate in real time with cloud-based data sharing among team members. 
  • Well-Rounded Planning: Use diagrams for every part of a department’s structure and progress. Streamline technical systems, event planning, customer analysis and employee management. 
  • Intuitive Setup: Decrease rollout lagtime and learn basic program functions quickly without extensive program training. Utilize the program’s simple layout to organize materials. 
  • Increased Strategy: Improve business planning with convenient templates and charts designed for specific industries such as education and operations. 
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  • Improved Collaboration: SmartDraw allows multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously, enhancing team productivity and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Time Efficiency: With its extensive library of templates and symbols, SmartDraw significantly reduces the time required to create professional diagrams from scratch.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Atlassian's Confluence and Jira, streamlining workflow processes.
  • Enhanced Visualization: Transforms complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, aiding in better decision-making and clearer communication of ideas.
  • Accessibility: Cloud-based functionality ensures that diagrams can be accessed and edited from any device with an internet connection, providing flexibility for remote teams.
  • Consistency and Standardization: Ensures uniformity in diagrams across the organization by providing standardized templates and themes, maintaining brand consistency.
  • Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for multiple diagramming tools by offering a comprehensive solution, thereby lowering overall software costs.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it accessible for users of all skill levels, minimizing the learning curve and training costs.
  • Scalability: Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, allowing for growth without the need for new software.
  • Security: Provides robust security features, including user permissions and data encryption, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
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  • Process Maps: Simplify complex projects and tech systems by breaking them down into diagrams with actionable steps. 
  • Data Importation: Introduce intelligent diagramming to plans by importing CSV files or spreadsheets into individual chart blocks. Use data linking and auto-visualization with imported data to make dynamic charts based on unique input. 
  • Organizational Filters: Filter cloud diagrams by region, resources and instances to isolate and identify data trends. Find patterns and share insights with team members. 
  • Integrations: Use the program with Mac, Linux and Windows. Integrate diagrams with popular workplace programs like Dropbox, Slack, Google Suite and Microsoft Office. 
  • Diverse Content: Choose from a vast library of assets, such as shapes and tables, to add depth and specificity to charts and maps. Attach text, image and multimedia files to individual blocks and projects to add detail and context to projects. 
  • Custom Planning Experience: Create custom flowcharts utilizing a wide range of tools and signifiers. Tailor charts to fit any goal with color coding, functions, different shapes and adjustable structures.
  • Manage Roles: Assign and adjust responsibilities individually, by project or department. Use integrated chat boxes and collaborative cursors to work with other team members in real time. 
  • Project Definition: Create solid communication, planning and follow through using a diverse set of visualization tools incorporated into the diagram. Use simplifying diagrams to map out extensive company goals and visualize employment structures within the workplace. 
  • Thoughtful Software: Avoid timely software updates with automatically integrated software that updates weekly. 
  • Certified Security: Keep information and projects secure with verified security measures such as a SOC 2 audit as well as numerous certified privacy shields. 
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  • Extensive Template Library: Offers thousands of templates for various diagram types, including flowcharts, org charts, and floor plans.
  • Automated Diagramming: Automatically adjusts and aligns shapes to ensure a clean and professional look without manual tweaking.
  • Integration with Popular Tools: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other productivity tools for easy sharing and collaboration.
  • Intelligent Formatting: Automatically applies formatting rules to maintain consistency and readability across all diagrams.
  • Customizable Symbols and Shapes: Provides a vast library of symbols and shapes that can be customized to fit specific needs.
  • Collaboration Features: Allows multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously, with real-time updates and version control.
  • Data Import Capabilities: Supports importing data from various sources, including Excel and CSV files, to create data-driven diagrams.
  • Cloud Storage and Access: Offers cloud storage options, enabling access to diagrams from any device with an internet connection.
  • Advanced Drawing Tools: Includes advanced tools for creating complex diagrams, such as CAD-like drawing capabilities and precision controls.
  • Presentation-Ready Output: Generates high-quality, presentation-ready diagrams that can be easily exported to PDF, PowerPoint, and other formats.
  • Mobile and Desktop Apps: Provides both mobile and desktop applications, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users on the go.
  • Security and Compliance: Adheres to industry-standard security protocols and compliance requirements, ensuring data protection and privacy.
  • Customizable Templates: Allows users to create and save custom templates for recurring diagram types, streamlining the diagramming process.
  • Intuitive User Interface: Features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the diagramming process, even for beginners.
  • Extensive Support and Resources: Offers comprehensive support, including tutorials, webinars, and a detailed knowledge base to assist users.
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Product Ranking

#2

among all
Diagram Software

#6

among all
Diagram Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Platform Capabilities
Diagram Creation and Editing
Integrations
Collaboration
Collaboration
Diagram Creation and Editing
Integrations
Security
Platform Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 8099 reviews
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91%
of users recommend this product

Lucidchart has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 8099 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.9 (15)
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4.6 (4709)
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4.5 (1961)
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4.4 (1414)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Lucidchart and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities. Lucidchart stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Platform Capabilities Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SmartDraw and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Diagram Software available today.

Analysts' Pick Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Interface: Many users find Lucidchart's drag-and-drop interface easy to learn and use, enabling quick creation of diagrams without a steep learning curve.
Versatility: Lucidchart offers a wide range of templates and shapes, making it suitable for various diagrams, including flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and more, catering to diverse project visualization needs.
Collaboration Features: Real-time collaboration allows team members to work on diagrams simultaneously, enhancing communication and productivity during project planning and execution.
Integrations: Lucidchart integrates with popular project management and productivity tools, such as Asana, Jira, and Slack, streamlining workflows and data sharing across platforms.
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Intuitive Interface: SmartDraw is designed with user-friendliness in mind, allowing for a smooth and easy diagramming experience, even for beginners.
Extensive Template Library: A vast collection of pre-built templates across various diagram types helps users kickstart their projects quickly and efficiently.
Seamless Integration: SmartDraw seamlessly integrates with popular office suites like Microsoft Office, making it convenient to incorporate diagrams into presentations and documents.
Polished Visuals: The software facilitates the creation of professional-looking diagrams suitable for presentations, reports, and other business documentation.
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Limited Project Management Features: Lucidchart's strengths lie in diagramming and visualization, not in comprehensive project management. Features like Gantt charts and resource management are either basic or missing, making it less suitable for complex projects.
Learning Curve: The interface, while visually appealing, can have a steep learning curve for new users due to its extensive features and customization options. This can lead to frustration and a longer onboarding process for teams.
Collaboration Challenges: Real-time collaboration can sometimes be laggy, especially with larger teams or complex diagrams. This can hinder productivity and make it difficult to work together seamlessly on projects.
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Price: SmartDraw's pricing can be prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses or individual users who may find more cost-effective alternatives.
Complexity: The software's extensive features, while beneficial for some, can feel overwhelming for users with basic diagramming needs, potentially hindering their workflow.
Performance: Some users report sluggishness and slow loading times, particularly with larger diagrams, which can impact productivity.
Customization Limitations: A desire for greater customization options and more robust integration features has been expressed by some users.
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Lucidchart has garnered positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and extensive features, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking to enhance communication and collaboration. Users appreciate the software's intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, which simplifies the creation of diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations. The wide range of templates and customization options available further contribute to its appeal. Lucidchart's collaborative features, such as real-time editing and commenting, facilitate seamless teamwork and streamline project management processes. However, some users have noted that Lucidchart can experience occasional slowdowns, particularly when handling large or complex projects. Additionally, while the software offers a comprehensive set of features, it may lack certain specialized functionalities found in niche diagramming tools. Despite these limitations, Lucidchart's affordability, ease of use, and versatility make it a compelling option for businesses of all sizes. Its ability to integrate with popular productivity tools, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, further enhances its value proposition. Lucidchart: Charting a course to clarity! Overall, Lucidchart is well-suited for teams and organizations looking to improve visual communication, streamline workflows, and foster collaboration. Its intuitive interface, extensive features, and affordability make it an attractive choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive diagramming solution.

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Can SmartDraw really help users draw smarter conclusions from their data? Recent user reviews suggest that it can, but with some caveats. Users consistently praise SmartDraw's extensive template library and automatic formatting features, highlighting how these tools significantly expedite the diagramming process. They appreciate the seamless integration with popular platforms like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, making it easy to incorporate diagrams into existing workflows. However, a recurring concern is the cost, which some users find prohibitive, particularly for smaller teams or individual users. Some users also point out that the sheer breadth of features, while impressive, can feel overwhelming for those seeking simpler diagramming solutions. SmartDraw's key differentiator lies in its ability to balance robust functionality with user-friendliness. While some users report occasional performance issues, the software generally receives positive feedback for its intuitive interface and ease of use. This makes it a strong contender for users who need to create professional-looking diagrams without a steep learning curve. However, the limited customization options have left some users wanting more flexibility to tailor the software to their specific needs. This suggests that SmartDraw might not be the ideal choice for users requiring highly specialized or intricate diagramming capabilities. Overall, SmartDraw emerges as a powerful diagramming tool best suited for teams and individuals who prioritize efficiency and ease of use. Its extensive template library, automatic formatting, and seamless integration with popular business tools make it a valuable asset for streamlining workflows and creating high-quality diagrams quickly. However, its cost and limited customization options might give pause to smaller teams and users seeking more specialized diagramming solutions. For those users, exploring alternatives like Lucidchart or Microsoft Visio might be worthwhile.

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Screenshots

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