Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a versatile intelligent diagramming application that empowers you to visualize complex ideas, systems, and processes through collaborative flowcharts, technical maps, and real-time data-linked visuals.
SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming software that allows you to create professional-quality flowcharts, floor plans, and organizational charts using automated formatting and a vast library of specialized templates.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Lucidchart | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Website | lucidchart.com | smartdraw.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $9.95/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 7 days free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2010 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | South Jordan, USA | The Woodlands, USA |
Overview
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a visual workspace where you can turn complex ideas into clear, actionable diagrams. Whether you are mapping out a new software architecture, designing a business process, or brainstorming with your team, you can use the drag-and-drop interface to build professional flowcharts and technical models. It helps you bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders by providing a shared visual language that everyone can understand and contribute to instantly.
You can work together in real-time with your colleagues, seeing their cursors move as you co-create diagrams from any device. The platform integrates with your existing tech stack, allowing you to embed diagrams directly into apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Confluence. It scales from individual freelancers to global enterprises, offering a free version for basic needs and tiered paid plans starting at $9.00 per month for advanced features.
SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a powerful diagramming tool designed to help you create professional visuals without the manual effort of traditional drawing software. Whether you need to map out complex business processes, design architectural floor plans, or build technical engineering diagrams, the platform automates the alignment and arrangement of your elements. You can simply click a command and watch your diagram reformat itself instantly as you add or move shapes.
The software serves a wide range of users, from solo contractors needing quick blueprints to enterprise teams documenting IT infrastructure. It solves the problem of messy, inconsistent diagrams by providing over 45,000 professional templates and 70,000 symbols. You can work entirely in your web browser or use the Windows desktop application, making it easy to collaborate with your team regardless of their operating system.
Overview
Lucidchart Features
- Real-Time Collaboration Work simultaneously with your team on the same document with live cursors, in-editor chat, and collaborative commenting.
- Intelligent Shape Libraries Access thousands of shapes for flowcharts, network diagrams, wireframes, and UML models to build professional visuals quickly.
- Data Linking Connect your diagrams to live data in Google Sheets or Excel to see your business metrics update automatically.
- Automated Diagramming Generate complex visuals like org charts or ERDs automatically by importing your existing data files or database schemas.
- Conditional Formatting Apply visual rules to your shapes so they change color or style based on specific data triggers or statuses.
- Extensive Integrations Embed your diagrams into the tools you use daily, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Atlassian products.
SmartDraw Features
- Intelligent Formatting. Add or remove shapes and watch your diagram automatically readjust its layout to maintain perfect alignment and spacing.
- Extensive Template Library. Choose from over 70 different diagram types including flowcharts, floor plans, and network diagrams to start your project instantly.
- CAD-Drafting Engine. Design professional-grade floor plans and engineering drawings with ease using powerful tools that rival expensive CAD software.
- Data-Driven Diagrams. Generate charts and visuals automatically by importing data from your existing spreadsheets or external databases.
- Visio Import and Export. Collaborate with others easily by importing your old Visio files and exporting your new designs back to Visio format.
- Development Platform. Use the built-in SDK to create custom extensions and automate diagram generation for your specific business needs.
Pricing Comparison
Lucidchart Pricing
- 3 editable documents
- 60 shapes per document
- 100 professional templates
- Basic collaboration features
- Integrations with Slack and MS Teams
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited editable documents
- Unlimited shapes and items
- 1 GB of storage
- Premium shape libraries
- Presentation mode
SmartDraw Pricing
- Over 70,000 symbols
- 4,500+ smart templates
- Visio import and export
- Premium support included
- Cloud storage integration
- Everything in Individual, plus:
- Minimum 3 users required
- Shared team folders
- Administrative controls
- Document retention rules
Pros & Cons
Lucidchart
Pros
- Extremely intuitive drag-and-drop interface for all users
- Excellent real-time collaboration tools for remote teams
- Massive library of pre-built templates and shapes
- Works seamlessly across different operating systems and browsers
Cons
- Free version is quite limited for complex projects
- Mobile app experience is less fluid than desktop
- Can become laggy with very large, data-heavy diagrams
SmartDraw
Pros
- Automated formatting saves hours of manual alignment
- Massive library of industry-specific symbols and templates
- Excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office and Visio
- Easier to learn than complex CAD software
Cons
- Web version can lag with very large diagrams
- No forever-free tier for casual users
- Subscription is required to keep desktop access