Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SmartDraw VS LucidChart

Compare SmartDraw VS LucidChart and see what are their differences

SmartDraw logo SmartDraw

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

LucidChart logo 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.
  • SmartDraw Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • LucidChart Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-10

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.

LucidChart features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    LucidChart features a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create diagrams and flowcharts quickly.
  • Collaboration Features
    The platform offers robust collaboration tools, including real-time editing and commenting, which make it easy for teams to work together efficiently.
  • Integration Capabilities
    LucidChart integrates seamlessly with a variety of other tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Office, enhancing its utility within existing workflows.
  • Template Library
    The extensive library of templates and shapes helps users get started quickly and ensures that their diagrams maintain a professional appearance.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    LucidChart is compatible with multiple operating systems and can be accessed via web browsers, enabling users to work from any device.
  • Advanced Features
    Advanced functionalities, such as data linking and automatic formatting, provide powerful tools for creating complex and precise diagrams.

Possible disadvantages of LucidChart

  • Cost
    The subscription plans can be expensive, particularly for small businesses or individual users requiring access to premium features.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, mastering all the advanced features and capabilities may take some time and effort.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report lag or performance issues, especially when working on very large or complex diagrams.
  • Limited Offline Access
    LucidChart is primarily a cloud-based tool, which means that users need a stable internet connection to access their work.
  • Feature Overload for Basic Users
    Some users might find the extensive range of features overwhelming, particularly if they only need to use the tool for basic diagramming tasks.

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 LucidChart

Overall verdict

  • LucidChart is generally considered a good tool for diagramming needs, combining ease of use with powerful features. It suits both individual users and teams, offering versatile functionality that caters to various professional and educational applications.

Why this product is good

  • LucidChart is popular because it offers robust diagramming tools with an easy-to-use interface. It provides a wide range of templates and shapes, enabling users to create flowcharts, wireframes, UML diagrams, and more. The platform supports real-time collaboration, which is beneficial for teams working remotely or from different locations. Additionally, it integrates with other productivity tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Slack, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Recommended for

  • Professionals in need of quick and versatile diagramming capabilities.
  • Teams looking for real-time collaborative features to work on diagrams together.
  • Educators and students who require a visual aid for presentations and projects.
  • Businesses that wish to integrate diagramming tools with existing software like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.

SmartDraw videos

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

LucidChart videos

Lucidchart tutorial for beginners

More videos:

  • Review - Lucidchart in 90 seconds
  • Review - Lucidchart Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SmartDraw and LucidChart)
Diagrams
21 21%
79% 79
Flowcharts
20 20%
80% 80
Wireframing
23 23%
77% 77
Flow Charts And Diagrams
21 21%
79% 79

User comments

Share your experience with using SmartDraw and LucidChart. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

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

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.
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...
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

LucidChart Reviews

Top 5 Zeplin Alternative
Lucidchart is another professional application that helps designers create and share flowchart diagrams. This allows the project management teams to brainstorm on the designs and give valuable additions. This tool is suitable for anyone in any given industry playing any role due to its prowess and ease of use in creating professional flowcharts. These charts are good for...
10+1 Best Workflow Management Software 2024 For Maximum Efficiency
While both Manifestly and Lucidchart are user-friendly, Lucidchart falls short in comprehensive task management tools. It works better to visualize the workflow in a chart, while Manifestly is more result-oriented making sure you don’t miss anything with its checklists and comprehensive automation.
Source: www.manifest.ly
9 Best Brainstorming Tools for Startups & Entrepreneurs in 2023
The intelligent diagramming tool Lucidchart brings people together to develop the future and make smarter decisions. Teams and individuals may quickly and easily sketch out where they are, what they need, and what comes next. Quickly picture the organisational structure, processes, and systems used by your team. Intelligent diagramming enables you to more quickly, clearly,...
Source: dhandhokaro.com
10 Best Visio Alternatives for Cost Effective Diagramming [2022]
Lucidchart is a product of Lucid Software Inc. and is designed to run on browsers that support HTML5. Nowadays Lucidchart is being used by reputed MNCs and IT industries for making data flow diagrams, mockups, flow charts, etc. There are many inbuilt shapes, floor plans, mockups, and other Android setups.
Best 8 Free Visual Paradigm Alternatives in 2022
Next, we have Lucidchart. A popular online application, the app boasts great features and is probably one of the easiest to use. Lucidchart is capable of producing simple and complex charts and diagrams. On the other hand, you can only enjoy the app for free for a limited time. After that, you will have to subscribe to its premium subscription to continue enjoying its full...
Source: gitmind.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LucidChart seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 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.

LucidChart mentions (5)

  • Architecture Diagraming Tools
    I'm thinking something like a lucidchart.com set up, but also wondering since one project is complete if there is anything that can just analyze an existing codebase and automatically do the work for me. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Anyone use the "/diagram" function in Roam?
    Oh! excalidraw.com is great for quick paper style diagrams. I have used it a fair bit. The roam integration is good. But I always revert back to draw.io because it's open sourced, simple to use and just works :D If you are looking for more, a paid option would be lucidchart.com. Source: over 3 years ago
  • ProCurve Network Admin
    You could try lucidchart.com or draw.io. I have used both. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Interactive Relationship Chart
    Otherwise, you may be thinking about a "mind-map" of sorts... Simply to show relationships? Diagrams.net, lucidchart.com. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Looking for feedback on a design system tool
    What is difference between Yours tool and others like arcentry.com lucidchart.com cloudcraft.co hava.io ? Would be nice to support diagrams as code ( generated from kubernetes states, terraform, pulumi, etc..) Personally I dont think that another diagram tool can beat ^ platforms. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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.

Creately - The new interface for work to ideate, plan, and execute