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Why Lucidchart is smarter than SmartDraw
Intuitive, not “intelligent,” formatting
While SmartDraw’s “intelligent formatting” feature is meant to make diagramming easier, it can restrict your ability to customize your diagrams with its rigid shape and line behavior. Lucidchart’s drag-and-drop features allow for more intuitive, less restrictive diagramming.
Collaboration on your terms, not theirs
Lucidchart offers more fluid real-time collaboration in the same document and automatic sharing through email and published URLs. SmartDraw struggles to accommodate multiple users in the same document and lacks automatic sharing capabilities.
More features, half the price
Lucidchart accounts start at a lower cost than SmartDraw. We offer free accounts to those looking to create simple diagrams, while SmartDraw offers only a free 7-day trial.
Mobile support beyond the desktop
With a Lucidchart app for both iOS and Android operating systems, we’ve made it easy to access your documents, give approval, or make quick changes on the go. SmartDraw’s functionality is limited to the desktop.
Integrations for every user, every situation
With more than a dozen integrations, and more being added every day, we help you connect to today’s most frequently used applications. SmartDraw offers half the integrations—with limited functionality.
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Choose from hundreds of templates
Our easy-to-navigate template gallery houses a wide variety of templates for all diagram types. Our dedicated template specialists add new templates weekly, giving you access to the latest and greatest in diagramming. Each template is completely customizable, allowing you to reposition and reformat every shape, line, and text box.

Link to your live data
Our data-linking feature allows you to link live data sets directly to your diagrams. Easily add data from Excel, Google Sheets, Zapier, Salesforce, and more—our data linking feature updates your diagram automatically with changes made to your data set.

Import from Visio, Gliffy, OmniGraffle, and draw.io
Lucidchart makes it simple to import your work from other programs, including Visio, Gliffy, OmniGraffle, and draw.io. Simply migrate your work to your Lucidchart canvas, and then edit and share your diagrams using Lucidchart’s powerful design and collaborative tools.

Present, publish, and share your documents
Share or publish your diagrams in PDF, JPEG, or PNG form using email or published links—or use our in-editor presentation mode, Google Slides integration, or PowerPoint integration to showcase your work.
Frequently asked questions about Lucidchart
Over 15 million users in 180 countries
Lucidchart is web-based, with a close to zero learning curve for new users—especially users who have used alternate design software like SmartDraw and Edraw Max before. I’m able to share diagrams with my team members wherever they are.
- Bukola S. | July 01, 2018