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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
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 173 votes
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Current version:
2.4 starsout of 39 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"do NOT use this!"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
NONE. Not only didn't it work, but even after I installed it I am STILL getting their popups and ads NON-STOP
Cons
YOU WILL GET NON STOP ADWARE!!! DO NOT INSTALL!!!!!!!
Summary
I have NEVER downloaded anything that I could not install. However, this program, after installation, still notifies me of their updates. The WORST thing is that both my browsers are now giving me NON STOP ads and unsolicited information. It's making me VERY FRUSTRATED. D O N O T I N S T A L L ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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"Waste of time and traffic"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Nice reviews on official website.
Cons
I just have no words to express. It looked like this program is Visio-killer, but I would rather work in Paint rather in SmartDraw.
Summary
I was looking for a simple and easy to use AutoCad-like program and read good reviews of SmartDraw on their site. Installed it and was impressed. 99% of software I first run do not make me look into manual and read how to do things. But Smartdraw made me do it. Fantastically, but I almost never look into manual for AutoCad and ArchiCad but had to spend time trying to do basic things in SmartDraw. I would give 0.5 star if that was possible.
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"Welcome to bloatware and a surprise seven day trial."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
I was unable to install it before it zombified my system and used it to send Nigerian prince emails.
Cons
Malware and spyware
Summary
Optional Bloatware package! Yay! Nope. Uncheck.
Restarts Chrome... what? Ooh look! It installed an ad suite. Uninstall.
Uh... yeah. Okay, well maybe the program's worthwhile? Surprise- 7 day trial. Screw it. Uninstall time.
Before I could even get to the control panel it popped up it's other surprise- a software suite to backup your entire system online. Yeah. Sounds legitimate. Luckily it manifests as a program so it was easy to remove, but I'm waiting for the next thing to pop up too.
What the hell CNET? You used to not suck, and used to fight against this kind of thing. What the hell happened? -
"I thought it was terrific, but . . ."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Initially looked like it was exactly what I needed and was ready to pay for it.
Cons
Then, it wouldn't print a sample, watermarked chart (3 sample prints allowed). Then, it became unstable and went nuts. Then, my internet stopped working. I'm running a new HP laptop with Windows 7. I thought my laptop was shot. I had to clean the registry because of this piece of garbage.
Summary
BEWARE! Don't download.
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"It blows. Bigtime."
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Looks like a good program.
Cons
Difficult to activate free version.
Summary
It's not "free" at all.
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"Product is simple to use but too expensive"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Handy program to have specially for its mind map ability.
Cons
I really liked this program unfortunately when weighing the pros vs cons the price of the products even with their $100 off is still too high
Summary
Because you can do all of what this program does with Powerpoint the price they are asking is too high even with their $100 off promotion.
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"Incredible Program"
Version: SmartDraw 2010 2010.12
Pros
Stunning, helpful templates with awesome library icons that work no matter your industry or business. Incredibly user-friendly. Clear concise navigation that makes using the program fun and intuitive. This program has no peer. It's the best on the market of its kiind and the newest version, unbelievably, improves on what was already an AMAZING program. Highly recommend this program!The naysayers are "completely" wrong. This is the best out there!
Cons
Not really a con, because the program continues to evolve, but we're hopeful future editions will include more concert and special event templates, coupled with libary graphics.
Summary
Not sure where these naysayers are coming from. Our firm represents popular entertainers and producers which requires us to produce everything from Film Funding Proposals, Strategic Career Plans, Stage plots, organizational charts, etc. Prior to using SmartDraw, it was onerous to create and insert professional, yet visually stunning graphics. This program has it all. Templates, the ability to create your own templates, and a graphics library to create these templates that is awesome. What we like best is that whether we're creating a hard-nosed financial proposal which requires clear to-the-point graphics and charts, or creating a television, film or record company business plan, we can do so easily, effortlessly and with aplomb. We've used Visio and several other programs over the years and SmartDraw, hands-down, is without peer.
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"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.
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