CNET Editors' review
Word processors work wonderfully, right up until the time you need to draw a diagram to illustrate your work. SmartDraw provides a handy shortcut for anyone in this situation, offering a plethora of diagram templates and art elements that eliminate the need to start from scratch.
A huge variety of possible uses has been included, from software engineering or business modeling to anatomical illustration. Generic templates include flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, family trees, ER diagrams, and far more. A clip-art collection helps fill out the basic templates, and a drag-and-drop tool lets users easily add frequently used symbol combinations. The program also functions as a standalone drawing tool, supporting free-hand drawing, image layers, text, and tables. Work can be saved in a number of formats including JPEG, PDF, HTML and AutoCAD Interchange.
As a fast illustration or business tool for someone who's not doing full-blown design work, we think this program functions extraordinarily well.
Publisher's Description
From SmartDraw Software:
SmartDraw 2010 makes it easier than ever to create business graphics, diagrams and charts of all kinds, to improve communication, productivity, organization, management and planning.
SmartDraw 2010 was designed to help businesses be more productive by distributing the planning process, documenting company knowledge and improving their presentations. It lets users turn flowcharts, PowerPoints, floors plans, and business presentations into compelling visuals (users can discard expensive Microsoft software add-ons). Users can animate a .PPT using thousands of smart templates, theme slides, a story board and effects.
This version features a simple and easy integration with Microsoft Visio and SharePoint collaboration. SmartDraw 2010 allows businesses to leverage the power of visual communications with efficiency and ease
More Popular Presentation Software downloads
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
11,438 downloads
- Microsoft Office Publisher 2010
3,268 downloads
- SmartDraw 2010
1,391 downloads
- Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2010
1,245 downloads
- Batch PPTX to PPT Converter
1,019 downloads
-
All versions:
3.7 starsout of 166 votes
-
Current version:
2.5 starsout of 32 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Filled with Adware - DO NOT DOWNLOAD -"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Didn't have a chance to try it.
Cons
I had to decommission my computer for the entire day to scan and remove the adware.
I kept getting alerts from a fake program called "Security Shield" that I had many infections, but this was in fact the adware. It kept trying to get on the internet, but I'd pulled the network cable already.
MalwareBytes found:
PUP.CNET.Adware.bundle
in the file
C:/downloads/cnet_smartdraw_setup_CNET_exe.exeSummary
I lost all trust in CNET.
I'm not the only one. Google "Cnet Adware bundle" if you don't trust me. CNET IS DOING THIS TO YOU. DO NOT TRUST THEM.
SCREW CNET FOR INCLUDING ADWARE IN THEIR OWN DOWNLOADER.
Updated on Feb 3, 2012
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-12543_102-552264/adware-pup-cnet-from-download-com/ -
"Decent Alternative to Jump Start Your Process"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Reading several reviews, I cannot help but chuckle. This software is not supposed to be Visio. Of course, Visio has tons of options, but the learning curve (much like most of Microsoft's products) can be steep. For example, I'm sure if I were a mathematician, the countless features within Excel would delight me for hours on end. But, I'm not, so I just want an intuitive program that's easy to use in a pinch (need some visuals for a presentation tomorrow) without searching a manual or scouring the Internet for user-group comments and guidance.
Often, programmers design so many bells and whistles into programs, yet forget that most end users aren't programmers themselves. The core value of SmartDraw has to be it's fairly simple to use--even for people who aren't as adept with software. Within a short time of playing around with options, a complete novice can build decent visuals--no special conditions to be aware of, no rules to learn.Cons
I'd have to say the biggest con is price. For what it does and provides, I'd price this between $99 and $149.
There are limitations to the program. It's not designed to do the heavy lifting of Visio. Hyperlinking between visuals and annotating--SmartDraw lacks these features.
If you require something that provides more extensive options and flexibility, and you have the time to learn a stronger program, then either purchase a program like Visio or research open-source alternatives.Summary
SmartDraw is to Visio what SnagIt is to PhotoShop--a less expensive, quick, easy-to-use resource that can satisy the needs of most ordinary users.
It's a decent product. While it's not the greatest, it's certainly not the worst, as some user reviews have painted it. Reviewers who attempt to grade SmartDraw against Visio aren't always painting the most accurate picture. At the Visio Standard level ($249), SmartDraw is a decent product, depending on the needs of the user. Visio's big-box features are included in the more expensive versions: Visio Professional ($559.99) and Visio Premium ($999.99).
My recommendation is download the trial versions of SmartDraw and Visio and get a feel for both. Only you know what your needs are, as well as your comfort level working with software. -
"Not a replacement for Visio!"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
It is pretty easy to learn. The LDAP feature was cool.
Cons
You cannot import Visio files unless you own a copy of Visio and have it installed on your machine. This makes it useless in an environment where some people use Visio and you want to share files, or as a replacement for Visio.
Summary
As with any software, once you use it enough, it becomes easy to use. I think this software is just OK, not great at all. It might be easier than Visio to learn, initially, but in the long term, Visio is still much better.
-
"Microsoft paint did the job better"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Some useful symbols to insert and chart options.
Cons
There is far better software, microsoft paint worked better for my purposes, glitches meant formatting was painstaking and not really functional (could not get rid of hashed lines in all shapes). Mindmapping option is not great compared to other software.
Seems like much of the money spent was in advertising the software. - waste of money -
"It's nothing exceptional."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Slightly easier than Powerpoint
Does support some text formattingCons
Watermarks output
Not as customisable as Powerpoint
Only a seven day trialSummary
Essentially, there is no major benefit to using this program over making a flowchart in Powerpoint. Although you can manage some text formatting with this program, Powerpoint only requires a little more effort, you can do more with it, you can use it for more than seven days, and it doesn't open web pages every ten minutes.
If you don't want to buy Microsoft's Powerpoint, then OpenOffice.Org will do the same thing for free.
Personally, I wouldn't say this is worth the download. -
"Way too much fun, I love its simplicity"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
I want It Definitely W/O a doubt. This Old Retired/Disabled tradesman can use it a lot. Bamm,Bing, Done. Take a knapp. Easy money How can you not? If your smart about communicating what you want. Check it out yourself "Mucho Bueno" Sinor
Cons
I have not come across anything that is negative. I would like a little more control of the settings but for the speed of productivity, Its a fair trade off.
Summary
Santa ! Scratch ! "The Red Ryder B-B Gun" Scratch it I say. Instead hook up this Old man with this software instead
-
"Poor software. They spent their money on marketing."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Templates make things easy for idiots, but as soon as you want to do anything slightly different but poor design of the software hits you.
Cons
It looks and feels like a demo/beta package from an amateur software engineer. It crashes. It is not intuitive.
Summary
Rubbish. Might be worth showing to software engineering students as an example of how not to do something. For anybody else stay away.
-
"Free trial version has watermark on printed project."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
I like some of the features.
Cons
You spend hours on a project on a free trial and then, when you go to print, it has a watermark on it. Why didn't they say this when I first downloaded the free trial?
Summary
Don't get the free trial!
-
"Very Upset SmartDraw"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
I DID like the program.
Cons
I bought the program in 2008.
I just bought a new computer and I can not re download program - Links will not allow !!!!!
Called customer service - They said you must buy the Upgrade for 99.00
I paid 197.00 for the program and now I have nothing. -
"Not Worth the Money"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
many Templates, everything but the kitchen sink, more a con than a pro.
Cons
Install limitations; can't load PDF file and cut & paste from there to create a new doc. No colour picker; no re-sizing of images left to right, too many to list. Templates do not allow for real page making; WAY over priced.
Summary
Expensive software for what you get. Compare to SerifPagePlus5 (found by accident while browsing) at less than half the price with no install limitations. that has colour picker, image re-sizing and more, AND can load PDF and allow cut and paste of its images. Very adaptable, very few limitations. SmartDraw is a huge disappointment for DeskTop Publishing.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
