Compare the SmartDraw diagramming tool with Lucidchart, the intelligent diagramming application. See how Lucidchart beats SmartDraw on real-time collaboration and more.
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Lucid is the leader in visual collaboration
Lucid saves time and effort with automation
Lucid supports every stage of your workflow
With 70 million users worldwide, Lucid is the most used visual collaboration platform. SmartDraw is less advanced and offers limited collaboration features.
Lucidchart makes it easy to bring in data to create diagrams automatically. Go beyond the capabilities of SmartDraw by transforming complex data into actionable insights.
In addition to Lucidchart for intelligent diagramming, we also offer Lucidspark for virtual whiteboarding. SmartDraw is limited to diagramming features.
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Why teams choose Lucidchart
Collaboration in real time or anytime
Lucidchart boosts collaboration by allowing teams to update and comment on diagrams simultaneously. SmartDraw allows users to work together on diagrams, but it lacks Lucidchart’s advanced collaboration features, such as the ability to see a document’s version history, invite collaborators with a Join ID, and share via Presentation Mode.
Customizable for a broad range of use cases
With Lucidchart, you can create custom shape libraries with custom shape data to standardize documentation for your team or organization. You can also choose from more than 1,000 templates to help you visualize anything faster. While SmartDraw offers a range of shapes and templates, the ability to customize these elements is limited.
More integrations to support more use cases
Like SmartDraw, Lucidchart integrates with leading apps, such as AWS, Confluence, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. But Lucidchart integrates with nearly five times as many apps as SmartDraw—including BambooHR, Figma, LeanIX, Salesforce, and Slack—to support more use cases throughout your organization.
Data and automation for deeper diagramming
Lucidchart data and automation features give you the power to make data actionable by clarifying complexity. Apply formulas for calculations, or use data linking to generate diagrams automatically. SmartDraw allows you to import data but it lacks powerful Lucidchart features, such as conditional formatting, data-linked dashboards, dynamic shapes, formulas, and more.
“The biggest benefit of Lucidchart is being able to share and work on diagrams in real time as a group.”
"That’s what makes Lucidchart great. It’s real time, and it’s in the cloud. Three teams can be updating it at once.”
“Lucidchart promotes the efficiency and effectiveness of our teams, but better yet, it just makes creating diagrams and flows more accessible, more intuitive, and more consistent throughout the company.”
Comparing Lucidchart vs SmartDraw
| Features |  Lucidchart | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced diagramming features | ||
| Process diagram | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Hyperlinking | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Templates | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Layers | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Tasks | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Shape actions | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Sticky notes | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Org chart shapes with data and photos | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Org chart group view | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Compare versions | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Compare docs | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Revision history with versioning | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Data overlay | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Data refresh | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Mobile (iOS/Android) mockup shape libraries | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Data and automation features | ||
| Shape libraries | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Basic swimlanes | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Formulas | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Custom shape data fields | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Conditional formatting | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Data linking | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Data-linked dashboards and reports | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Dynamic shapes | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Smart containers | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Integrations for advanced diagramming use cases | ||
| BambooHR | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| ERD import and export from SQL | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Salesforce shape library or template | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| ServiceNow integration | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| LeanIX integration | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Sharing and collaboration | ||
| Download | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Commenting | Feature is included | Feature is included |
| Email and link sharing | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Join ID | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Add passcode / expiration date to share links | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Publish without password | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
Feature is included | Feature is included | |
| Offline mode | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
| Presentation mode | Feature is included | Feature is not included |
More resources to help you compare Lucidchart vs. SmartDraw
Lucidchart checks all the boxes for visualizations that support brainstorming and building.
Buyer’s guide: How to evaluate visual collaboration platforms
Learn how visual collaboration capabilities can help accelerate key initiatives, and get a checklist for choosing the best platform.
What is intelligent diagramming?
See how advanced Lucidchart features such as data linking enable teams to see, align, and take action on their best ideas.
Learn more
Lucidchart template gallery
Browse or search ready-to-use templates for hundreds of use cases. Visualize, share, and document any idea faster.
Explore templates
How Lucidchart compares to other competitors
See for yourself why Lucidchart is the best choice across the board.
AirtableBalsamiqBizagiCacoo ConceptDrawCreately
diagrams.netdraw.ioEdrawEdrawMaxGliffyMindManager
MiroMuralNulab CacooOmniGraffleSmartDrawVisio
VismeVisual ParadigmXMind
Lucidchart FAQ
Does Lucidchart work on mobile devices?
How does drag and drop in Lucidchart compare to SmartDraw?
Which apps does Lucidchart integrate with?
How do SmartDraw and Lucidchart compare on cost?
