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SmartDraw VS Creately

Compare SmartDraw VS Creately and see what are their differences

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SmartDraw logo SmartDraw

Instead of starting with a blank screen, SmartDraw gives you the exact template you need.

Creately logo Creately

The new interface for work to ideate, plan, and execute
  • SmartDraw Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • Creately Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-08

The data-connected Visual Workspace to brainstorm, plan, execute and capture knowledge. Connect the dots across your company, keep everything and everyone in sync.

SmartDraw

Website
smartdraw.com
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Edit details

Creately

Website
creately.com
Pricing URL
Official Creately Pricing
$ Details
freemium $5.0 / Monthly (Unlimited canvases and items)
Platforms
Microsoft Teams
Edit details

SmartDraw features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    SmartDraw offers a user-friendly interface with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for users of all levels.
  • Extensive Template Library
    Provides a wide variety of templates and examples for different types of diagrams, including flowcharts, organizational charts, and floor plans.
  • Collaboration Features
    Supports collaborative features allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously and share designs easily.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Integrates well with popular software like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and various project management tools.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and as a web app, providing flexibility in how and where you work.
  • Professional Quality Output
    Produces high-quality diagrams suitable for professional presentations and documentation.

Possible disadvantages of SmartDraw

  • Cost
    SmartDraw is relatively expensive compared to some alternatives, offering subscription-based pricing which may not be suitable for all budgets.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has limited capabilities and may not provide all the features required for extensive or complex projects.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic features are easy to use, there can be a learning curve to fully harness more advanced functionalities.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, particularly with large or complex diagrams which can slow down the application.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    For those using the web version, a stable internet connection is required to access and work on projects, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

Creately features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Creately offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for users to create diagrams with minimal training.
  • Collaboration Features
    Allows multiple users to collaborate in real-time, making it ideal for team projects and remote work scenarios.
  • Template Library
    Comes with a vast library of templates for various diagram types, such as flowcharts, UML diagrams, and organizational charts, which can save users time.
  • Integrations
    Integrates seamlessly with other popular tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing its functionality.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Available as a web application, which means it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection without the need for downloads.

Possible disadvantages of Creately

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has limited features and functionalities, which may not be sufficient for more complex or extensive projects.
  • Cost
    The premium plans can be expensive, particularly for larger teams or organizations needing advanced features.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as lagging, especially when working with large diagrams or in real-time collaboration.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easy to grasp, mastering more advanced features can require a steeper learning curve.
  • Export Limitations
    The free version has limitations on exporting diagrams in certain formats and resolutions, which can be restrictive for professional use.

Analysis of SmartDraw

Overall verdict

  • SmartDraw is a robust option for individuals and businesses in need of a comprehensive diagramming solution. Its user-friendly interface, rich feature set, and cross-platform accessibility make it a strong contender in the diagramming software market. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, the value it provides in terms of efficiency and productivity may justify the cost for many users.

Why this product is good

  • SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that stands out for its ease of use, extensive range of templates, and integration capabilities. It is designed to accommodate users with varying levels of expertise, from beginners to experienced designers. The platform supports collaboration and can be accessed via desktop or online, making it suitable for both individual and team projects. Its integration with popular tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other productivity apps enhances its utility in professional environments.

Recommended for

  • Project managers
  • Business analysts
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Educators
  • Product designers
  • Teams needing collaborative diagramming solutions

Analysis of Creately

Overall verdict

  • Creately is a good choice for individuals and teams seeking an intuitive, collaborative diagramming solution. It offers a range of features that accommodate different use cases and industries, making it a flexible tool for both professional and educational purposes.

Why this product is good

  • Creately is a versatile diagramming tool known for its easy-to-use interface and collaboration features. It allows users to create various types of diagrams, such as flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, and more, making it a valuable tool for visualizing ideas and processes. The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it suitable for teams working together remotely. Additionally, its integration with other tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Confluence enhances productivity.

Recommended for

  • Project managers who need to create and share project plans and workflow diagrams.
  • Educators and students looking for a tool to assist with teaching materials and learning projects.
  • Teams working remotely who need to collaborate on visual documents in real time.
  • Business analysts and consultants who require a tool for visualizing complex business processes and data.
  • Individuals interested in personal organization and planning through visual maps and charts.

SmartDraw videos

+ Add

How to Make Floor Plans with SmartDraw's Floor Plan Creator and Designer

More videos:

  • Review - New CAD & Floor Plan Features in SmartDraw
  • Review - Announcing SmartDraw 2019

Creately videos

+ Add

Creately Review by Lois Myung and Weston Ding

More videos:

  • Review - Creately - Diagramming Software for Super Fast Diagrams
  • Review - Introducing Creately 4.0- The New Interface For Work.
  • Tutorial - Creately for Microsoft Teams
  • Tutorial - Create Swimlane Diagram Online

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SmartDraw and Creately)

SmartDraw

Creately

Diagrams
52 52%
Diagrams
48% 48
Flowcharts
52 52%
Flowcharts
48% 48
Wireframing
54 54%
Wireframing
46% 46
Productivity
0 0%
Productivity
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using SmartDraw and Creately. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SmartDraw and Creately

SmartDraw Reviews

10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
SmartDraw is an easy-to-navigate software application. Unlike other Visio alternatives, SmartDraw is easy to learn and use in less time.
Source: todaystechworld.com
Best 8 Free Visual Paradigm Alternatives in 2022
SmartDraw is a great way to make flowcharts since it has various elements for various types of charts. There are also different templates that can be customized and downloaded for free. The tool is also Microsoft Visio compatible because it can open and even save files made from the said application. It can also integrate with various applications such as Google Workspace,...
Source: gitmind.com
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
SmartDraw is a diagramming software that includes flow charts and house design tools, among other things. It's appropriate for amateurs, DIY enthusiasts, and industry pros, and it includes customization templates for cabinetry, fixtures, countertops, and decor to help you get the appearance you want.
Source: www.reddit.com
Compare The 10 Best Mind Mapping Software of 2021
SmartDraw provides users with more than 4500 templates for over 70 different types of diagrams, including flowcharts, infographics, landscape designs, decision trees, timelines, mind maps, engineering and CAD diagrams, and much more. It offers collaborative drawing online so users can work on the same diagrams at the same time, with an intelligent formatting engine that...
Source: thedigitalprojectmanager.com
9 Best UML Software For Mac & PC
However, we strongly recommend taking a look at SmartDraw which is the best alternative to Microsoft Visio on Mac and is the only tool which can accurately import the latest Visio VSDX file format.
Source: machow2.com

Creately Reviews

10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
The next software tool in our list of Visio alternatives is Creately. It is a visual diagramming and design tool capable of collaboration between team members and it is designed by Cinergix.
Source: todaystechworld.com
Best 8 Free Visual Paradigm Alternatives in 2022
A great graphic design tool, Creately also doubles as a good replacement for Visual Paradigm. Another online tool, Creately works perfectly for those who are looking for a good quality graphic designer. The high-quality graphics that you can make using this tool is far greater compared to the ones made from Visual Paradigm. There are also templates here for those who want to...
Source: gitmind.com
Best Mind Mapping Software For Classrooms and Learning
Creately’s real-time collaboration feature allows students and teachers to add and edit the mind map in real time. Teachers can see the changes without being in the same room as the student. It works on the Creately Online and Desktop and is designed for in-house use and external use. Students can manage, collaborate, and view their diagrams on their iOS and Android devices...
Source: www.fractuslearning.com
The 10 Best UML Diagram Tools 2020
Just as the name of the platform suggests, Creately lets you create without any inhibition. If you have been looking for a platform that aids simplified diagramming of the UML along with the collaboration option, this is the one.
Source: mychartguide.com
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
Creately is a beautiful and easy diagramming and collaboration tool that enables teams to create flowcharts, UML, UI Mock-ups and much more. It comes with a full-featured Desktop App through which users can work fully offline and collaborate online. Users can work with 2 or 20 other people from across the world sharing projects and enjoying secure publishing. Creately has...
Source: www.predictiveanalyticstoday.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Creately seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 14 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SmartDraw mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SmartDraw yet. Tracking of SmartDraw recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Creately mentions (14)

  • Visualize Before You Build: Why Developers Should Use Creately for Planning
    🛠️Creately is a visual collaboration and diagramming tool that I’ve recently started using. Unlike traditional diagramming tools, it's built with structure in mind—think of it as a mix between a whiteboard and a smart database. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Best User Flow Diagram Tools for Seamless UX Design in 2025
    Creately's drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process of visualizing user flows. One can start with its pre-built templates and then progress to use its context-aware shape swapping, auto-arranging connectors, and freehand sketching. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Building and Testing the Gemini API with CI/CD Pipeline
    Check out Creately's customizable CI/CD pipeline templates here. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • 7 Best AI Diagram Generators for Effortless Visuals
    5. Creately Creately is an intelligent diagramming experience powered by AI, appropriate for both individual and enterprise use. AI-powered suggestions for shapes, connections, and layouts make diagramming much faster on this platform. Be it flowcharts, Gantt charts, or mind maps, Creately is the right tool to create these and many more visualizations that one needs with project planning and workflow mapping. The... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Diagramming and Database Design📊🔍💡
    Creately: A versatile online diagramming and design tool that supports various diagram types. Access thousands of templates and collaborate with team members effortlessly. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SmartDraw and Creately, you can also consider the following products

LucidChart - LucidChart is the missing link in online productivity suites. LucidChart allows users to create, collaborate on, and publish attractive flowcharts and other diagrams from a web browser.

draw.io - Online diagramming application

Visio - Simplify and communicate complex information using data-linked diagrams.

yEd - yEd is a free desktop application to quickly create, import, edit, and automatically arrange diagrams. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix/Linux.

Gliffy - Gliffy is a powerful HTML5 online diagram maker. Create a flow chart, network diagram, UML diagram, organizational chart or wireframe with ease.

OmniGraffle - OmniGraffle is for creating precise graphics like website wireframes, an electrical system designs, or mapping out software class.

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