SmartDraw vs Creately

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

Creately Software Tool

Product Basics

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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Creately is a versatile software solution designed for diagramming and collaboration, offering a robust platform for visualizing complex ideas and workflows. It is particularly well-suited for professionals in industries such as education, software development, project management, and business analysis, where visual representation and team collaboration are crucial. The software's intuitive interface allows users to create a wide range of diagrams, including flowcharts, mind maps, and organizational charts, facilitating clear communication and efficient project planning.

One of Creately's standout features is its real-time collaboration capability, enabling multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously, which enhances teamwork and productivity. Additionally, its extensive library of templates and shapes simplifies the creation process, saving time and effort. Users also appreciate the seamless integration with other tools and platforms, which streamlines workflow management.

Pricing for Creately varies based on the number of users and the specific needs of the organization, with options for monthly or annual subscriptions. For precise pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Compared to similar products, Creately is praised for its user-friendly design and comprehensive feature set, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an effective diagramming and collaboration tool.

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$8.25 Monthly
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$5 Monthly, Freemium
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Insights

  • 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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  • Enhanced Collaboration: Creately allows multiple users to work on the same diagram in real-time, fostering teamwork and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrate with tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Jira to keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted, reducing the need to switch between platforms.
  • Visual Clarity: Create clear, professional diagrams that make complex information easy to understand, aiding in better decision-making and communication.
  • Time Efficiency: Utilize pre-made templates and shapes to quickly build diagrams, saving valuable time that can be spent on other critical tasks.
  • Improved Accuracy: Use precise alignment and snapping features to ensure your diagrams are accurate and visually appealing, minimizing errors.
  • Accessibility: Access your diagrams from anywhere with cloud storage, ensuring you can work on your projects whether you're in the office or on the go.
  • Customization: Tailor diagrams to your specific needs with customizable shapes, colors, and fonts, making your visuals unique and relevant to your audience.
  • Data Integration: Import data from various sources to create data-driven diagrams, providing a more comprehensive view of your information.
  • Enhanced Presentation: Use Creately's presentation mode to showcase your diagrams effectively during meetings, making your points clear and impactful.
  • Version Control: Keep track of changes with version history, allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed and maintain a clear record of progress.
  • Security: Benefit from robust security features that protect your data and ensure only authorized users have access to your diagrams.
  • Scalability: Adapt Creately to fit the needs of small teams or large organizations, ensuring it grows with your business.
  • Cost-Effective: Reduce the need for multiple software solutions by using Creately for diagramming, collaboration, and project management, optimizing your budget.
  • Ease of Use: Enjoy an intuitive interface that requires minimal training, allowing new users to get up to speed quickly and start contributing immediately.
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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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  • Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same diagram simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and remote work.
  • Extensive Template Library: Access to a wide range of pre-designed templates for various diagram types, including flowcharts, mind maps, and organizational charts.
  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality allows for easy placement and adjustment of diagram elements.
  • Customizable Shapes and Connectors: Users can modify shapes and connectors to fit specific needs, enhancing the flexibility of diagram creation.
  • Integration with Popular Tools: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Confluence, streamlining workflow and data sharing.
  • Version Control: Track changes and revert to previous versions of diagrams, ensuring that no work is ever lost.
  • Advanced Styling Options: Customize colors, fonts, and line styles to match branding guidelines or personal preferences.
  • Data Import and Export: Import data from CSV files and export diagrams in various formats, including PDF, PNG, and SVG.
  • Embedded Comments and Annotations: Add comments and annotations directly on the diagram for clear communication and feedback.
  • Offline Mode: Work on diagrams without an internet connection, with changes syncing once reconnected.
  • Mobile and Desktop Apps: Available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, for on-the-go diagramming.
  • Presentation Mode: Present diagrams directly from Creately, eliminating the need for additional presentation software.
  • Customizable Templates: Create and save custom templates for repeated use, ensuring consistency across projects.
  • Collapsible Sections: Collapse and expand sections of diagrams to focus on specific areas without losing the overall context.
  • Interactive Diagrams: Add interactive elements like hyperlinks and tooltips to make diagrams more engaging and informative.
  • Multi-Language Support: Available in multiple languages, catering to a global user base.
  • Security and Permissions: Set permissions and access levels to control who can view or edit diagrams, ensuring data security.
  • API Access: Use the Creately API to integrate diagramming capabilities into custom applications and workflows.
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Product Ranking

#6

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Diagram Software

#7

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Diagram Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Awards

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

Analysts' Pick Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

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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Intuitive Interface: Creately is known for its user-friendly design, allowing users to quickly grasp the platform and start diagramming efficiently, even without prior experience.
Extensive Templates: The platform offers a vast library of pre-designed templates, covering a wide range of diagram types, which saves time and effort for users.
Real-time Collaboration: Creately allows multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously, fostering seamless teamwork and enhancing productivity, especially for remote teams.
Seamless Integrations: The software integrates smoothly with popular productivity tools like Slack and Google Workspace, streamlining workflow and enhancing team communication.
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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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Limited Templates: While Creately offers a selection of templates, some users find it less extensive compared to competitors, potentially limiting design choices.
Account Management: Canceling accounts requires contacting the company via email, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer self-service options.
Free Plan Restrictions: The free plan has limitations such as public diagram visibility and limited export options, which might not be suitable for privacy-conscious users or those requiring specific file formats.
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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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Can Creately really help teams create great things together? User reviews from the past year suggest that it can, with many praising its intuitive interface and robust collaboration features. Users find the platform's drag-and-drop functionality and extensive template library to be major strengths, enabling them to quickly create professional-looking diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps. The real-time collaboration tools, including video conferencing and in-app commenting, are also highly regarded, fostering seamless teamwork and streamlining workflows. Compared to competitors like Lucidchart and Miro, Creately is often lauded for its more affordable pricing and user-friendly interface, making it a particularly attractive option for smaller businesses and teams. However, some users have noted that certain integrations, such as with project management tools, may require additional subscriptions, which could be a drawback for some. Overall, Creately is best suited for teams and individuals seeking a powerful yet easy-to-use diagramming and collaboration tool. Its intuitive design, extensive features, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for a wide range of use cases, from brainstorming and project planning to creating presentations and reports. While some integrations may come at an extra cost, Creately's core functionality and collaborative capabilities make it a valuable asset for enhancing productivity and fostering teamwork.

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