SmartDraw 2010 | Smartdraw Graphics | Smartdraw Software for Sale

Overview
How do people use it?
Product FAQ
Testimonials
Resources / Support

What does this software do?

SmartDraw translates whatever you need to communicate into compelling, professional quality visuals in minutes.

Eliminate the need for manual drawing.

SmartDraw automatically applies professional design themes for you, but also gives you complete control to customize your drawing in any way you want. Change the entire look of your drawing by applying a new design theme with just one click.

Or change the look of individual shapes instantly by selecting a new Quick Style. SmartDraw gives you complete flexibility with text to recolour, resize, select a new font, and even rotate. Choose from more than 40 preset looks.

70 Different Kinds of Visuals

No matter what type of visual you need to create, chances are SmartDraw has a quick start SmartTemplate to help you create your graphic in minutes.

Only SmartDraw draws for you. Start with a SmartTemplate then use simple commands to add shapes and SmartDraw places them in just the right position with the appropriate connections.

Plus, there are hundreds of examples that you can quickly edit to make your own.

SmartDraw comes complete with templates for:

Activity Network
Affinity Diagram
Authority Matrix
Balanced Scorecard
BCG Matrix
Brand Essence Wheel
Calendar
Cause & Effect
Certificate
Charts & Graphs
Crime Scene
Cycle Diagram
Decision Tree

Ecomap
Electrical Diagram
Elevation
Family Tree
Floor Plan
Flowchart
Flyer
Form Designer
Funnel Chart
Genogram
Geography
Goals Grid
Landscape
LDAP Diagram
Map
Marketing Mix
Matrix (Graph)

Matrix (Table)
Mechanical Diagram
Mind Map
Network Diagram
Org Chart
Pedigree Chart
Planogram
Project Chart
Project Team Chart
Puzzle Piece Diagram
Pyramid Chart
Rack Diagram
Roads & Freeways

Sales Proposition Chart
Science Diagram
Software Diagram
Step Chart
Storage Design
Storyboard
Swimlane Flowchart
SWOT Diagram
Target Diagram
Timeline
UML Diagram
Vehicle Diagram
Venn Diagram
Web Page Annotation
Web Site Map
Website Wire Frame
Workflow Diagram

What are the key features?

Easy Tools

Each SmartTemplate includes a library of shapes and symbols specifically for the type of drawing you're working on.

To add a new shape, simply select it and drag it onto your drawing.

Hundreds of libraries with thousands of images and symbols are included for every type of diagram. You can also easily add your own symbols.

Tools

Finish off your drawing by easily adding lines of any kind straight, curved, or polygon either with or without auto-connectors.

Once your lines are drawn, easily edit them by simply manipulating with the mouse.

	70 different kinds of visuals
	Automatic drawing does the work
	Widest variety of shapes and tools
	Align, group and rotate
	Customise drawing features easily
	Add photos and external images
	High quality business graphics

Images & Photos

Easily integrate photos and other images into your SmartDraw document by importing, or copying and pasting.

All standard file formats are recognised.

Built-in photo software functionality allows you to import images directly from your digital camera or other source, crop and scale, adjust colour and brightness, and drop them into org charts or any other SmartDraw document.

Charts & Graphs

SmartDraw is the leading solution for Flow Charts, 3D Charts, Org Charts, Project Charts and Timelines.

Intuitively create a wide variety of charts and graphs to add visual impact to your work. Communicate information more effectively to others by presenting them with visually compelling charts and graphs that will capture their attention.

	Create expert Flow Charts in minutes
	Smart connectors and line hops
	Convert to 3D charts to impress
	Org Charts with Photos and notes
	Timelines with annotation
	Decision maps & Cause/Effect Charts
	Wide variety of alternative styles

Office® Integration

Advanced Office Integration SmartDraw is fully integrated with Microsoft Office®. With literally one click, you can send your completed drawing directly to Word®, Excel®, or PowerPoint®. You can even copy and paste from SmartDraw to any your Office® document, and vice versa.

SmartDraw makes it easy to share your visuals. In addition to one-click exporting to Microsoft Office, you can also share your SmartDraw documents as an Adobe PDF or any of more than a dozen different graphic formats, inc TIFF, JPEG, BMP, and PNG.

	Office® single click integration
	Send direct to Word documents
	Create compelling PowerPoint®
	Transfer your work from Visio®
	Integrate with SharePoint®
	Publish to Project®
	Output work in common formats
	Output work to Adobe® PDF

Network Diagrams

Creating expert network diagrams is easy with SmartDraw.

Start by opening a network diagram SmartTemplate then use simple commands to add elements and SmartDraw places them in just the right position with the appropriate connections.

Editing is just as easy. To delete a node on your network, simply select and delete. SmartDraw reformats your diagram automatically.

Instant Network Diagram from LDAP

Build your network diagram automatically from an LDAP data import.

Just click the LDAP command and SmartDraw discovers the LDAP service on your network automatically and populates SmartPanel.

You can now also browse for an LDAP file or select a different service.

Designs & Floorplans

SmartDraw can help you design and plan your next building project, home renovation or new office plan.

More people choose SmartDraw because of its ease of use and accessibility. Nobody wants to spend hours trying to figure out how to operate the software...the job is hard enough!

	Floor plans & layouts
	House plans & renovations
	Landscape designs
	Decks & outdoor areas
	Kitchens
	Bathroom & Laundry
	Building scematics and layouts
	Office spaces
	Facilities

From Architects to home enthusiasts, everyone understands the value of easy to use - intuitive software interface.

With SmartDraw on your side you can create expert plans that will ensure that everyone in your project team understands exactly what you are trying to accomplish. If you are hiring outside labor this could save you thousands mistakes caused by miss-communication.

Starting is easy. Begin with the exact template you need, not just a blank screen.

Add your information and SmartDraw does the rest, aligning everything and applying professional design themes for great results every time.

Geographic Maps

Live map data in seconds, powered by Google! Capture live data from Google Maps to incorporate roads, regions, counties, post codes, countries and even satellite images from across the globe into your illustrations... all as separate, editable elements.

Plot all of your listings or accounts on your maps. Show sales by state or region, all with a simple data import from an Excel file, or other data source.

SmartDraw includes map templates for virtually every country in the world, as well as US state maps and regional maps.

* Note Google may restrict some territories or regions for map data based on local laws. Please check your trial first.

Reported Usage

SmartDraw 2010 is the most flexible solution of its kind.

Small/Medium Business:

Use flowcharts to identify blockages in your systems,
Improve the efficiency (and hence quality) of your business processes using intelligent flowcharts,
Understand the risks involved in a business venture by constructing Risk Charts,

Education and Training:

Streamline school administration with preformatted documents such as Child Profile Cards, Special Care instructions, Authorization forms,
Improve student diet using Nutrition logs,
Use specialised graphics to help develop specific in-house courses such as Anger Management,
Use special symbol sets to complete maths, chemistry, physic and biology, assignments and handouts,

General Management:

Use animated Organisational Charts,
Develop HR procedures,
Prepare for team meetings,
Audit aspects of the quality process,
Control Product requirements.

Sales & Marketing:

Understand sales processes,
Improve your marketing with preformatted surveys,
Plan sales and marketing events,
Focus on issues and design sales processes using funnel charts,
Track market trends in terms of competitor activity, market position and price,
Prepare elegant "Sales Proposition" presentations,

Presentations:

Enhance your reports with the perfect business graphic,
Produce PowerPoint Presentations automatically,
Story-board presentations and reports to achieve the optimum flow of information,
Summarise situations using a "Balanced Scorecard",
Rapidly construct meaningful Charts,

Business Improvement:

Improve your business using a range of preformatted charts such as: Competitive Strategy Matrix, Marketing trends Matrix, Task Prioritisation,
Plan and control quality improvement using linked mind maps, gantt charts and timelines,
Visually identify the attractiveness of your product or company in the overall market,
Constantly evaluate your products in a focused and systematic manner.

General FAQ

How can SmartDraw help me?

		SmartDraw translates whatever you need to communicate into compelling, professional quality visuals in minutes, eliminating the need for manual drawing. Start by selecting the exact template you need, add your message and SmartDraw does the rest.

Who is SmartDraw popular with and why?

		SmartDraw is popular because it provides the widest range of graphics, design and communications options while still maintaining ease of use. SmartDraw is especially popular with Architects, Builders, Trades People, Office Administrators and Small Business Owners.

I currently use Visio, is SmartDraw a better option?

		SmartDraw delivers all the capabilities found in Visio but without the unnecessarily steep learning curve. Imagine being able to use all of Visio's capabilities without needing to attend a 5 day training course...answer? SmartDraw (and at a lower cost).

I need advanced features, but cannot spend hours learning a new program. How hard is SmartDraw to pick up?

		SmartDraw is famous for it's accessibility and ease of use. The SmartTemplate design means most of the hard work is done for you, point and click is all is takes in most cases. You can also access video help from inside the application!

It seems like SmartDraw does many things, does this mean a compromise on quality?

		When you use SmartDraw you are dealing with a mature, developed product that has been around longer than most. The evolution of this product has been based on carefully listening to the end user, and the result today is highly intuitive application with a huge depth of function.

Sales FAQ

How do I purchase?

		The most convenient and secure way to purchase is online via the Mindsystems Store. Look for the 'Purchase' tab in the top right of this screen and select the option you require. You can purchase using Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners, PayPal or EFT/Wire. To order by phone please call +61 3 9999 1300. Purchase orders are not automatically accepted, a authorised company account is required. If your company holds an account with Mindsystems please fax your purchase order to +61 3 9999 1301.

How is my product delivered?

		Successful checkout and payment via the Mindsystems Store will result in activation keys and downloads being sent within 5 minutes. Possible reasons for delay include: Incomplete/incorrect delivery information (invalid email), payment problems or anti-fraud screening requires a manual review by our staff. MindManager also has a boxed copy delivery option, this is selected during final checkout (after you enter your delivery address).

What if the product does not arrive or I loose the details later on?

		Your license keys and downloads are held inside your Mindsystems Account. Mindsystems maintains your license keys and download links, so in the event your PC crashes or you loose the details you can recover these by logging into your Mindsystems Account.

Is it secure to buy online?

		Mindsystems uses maximum encryption Extended Validation SSL to secure transactions and your private data, offering the highest level of protection available. Extended Validation SSL achieves the highest level of consumer trust through the strictest authentication standards of any SSL certificate. Extended Validation verification guidelines require Mindsystems to provide strict identity verification to GeoTrust (a globally recognised security authenticator). [ Privacy Protection Policy ]

Is there a refund policy?

		Most of our license key driven software is available for free download. The idea behind this is to allow a reasonable time to asses the products suitability to your needs. At the end of the trial period, if you are convinced of its value you can purchase a full activation key. Providing the trial period allows a risk free period in which you can decide on the products value to you. If you purchase and require a refund you should ensure we receive your request within 30 days from the date of purchase* Note SmartDraw has a special extended refund period of 30 days, not the normal 10 day period. [ please read the refund policy ]

Are there any education discounts available?

Yes. Please refer to the Pricing information at the top right of this page. Academic Policy conditions apply* [ please read the policy ]

** THE STUDENT VERSION CARRIES A SMARTDRAW WATERMARK ON VARIOUS EXPORT FUNCTIONS.

Support FAQ

Is this product covered by Mindsystems Support?

		When purchased directly from Mindsystems this product is covered by Premium Support. If you choose to purchase via a reseller you must check their support conditions prior to making your decision as they will be responsible for supporting you technically.

How do I access Mindsystems Support?

		Please visit our HelpDesk [ click here ]

User Testimonials

Espial Uses SmartDraw to Close Deals Faster and Make Complex IPTV Applications Understandable

On the cutting edge of on-demand video applications for a global clientele, Espial's 100 member team is constantly expanding their product capabilities, deploying system enhancements for customers, and creating dynamic proposals to win big new accounts. SmartDraw is the perfect fit for the non-stop nature of this growing entertainment technology provider—fast, intuitive, and economical.

Figure 1. Espial uses SmartDraw charts to help internal teams understand TV service platform component compatibility.

Espial, a publicly traded company based in Ottawa, Canada, is a leader in intelligent VOD and middleware systems for IPTV (Internet Protocol television), which delivers live and on-demand TVprogramming. The 11-year-old company's technologies control the overall viewing experience by managing the applications, TV and video, along with subscriber interactions between the set-top box and the network. Espial applications include electronic program guides, video on demand, interactive content portals, web browsing, pay-per-view and more.

"Our services, both on the end-user side and on the back-end, are sold to telco, cable and hospitality operators in North America, Europe and Asia and ultimately support 2.5 million IPTV end-users every day," explains Kirk Edwardson, Director of Marketing at Espial.

The complexity of the information, applications, and networking involved is immense. SmartDraw Keeps up with Changes Internally

"Our products are very dynamic and there are always new enhancements to add to existing services," Kirk says. "We use SmartDraw on a daily basis to depict the architecture of our applications and how they interact with other components. It's fast and easy to move engineering icons around in SmartDraw, which is crucial for everyone on our teams to be able to see at-a-glance how everything is connected and how it will work together." (Figure 1) Helping Clients to Visualize Success

Espial's engineering diagrams are often exported to PowerPoint, using SmartDraw's one-click automatic export function. The diagrams, which are usually customized because client needs are so vast, are then used in sales presentations to walk the prospect through the technological processes that take place. This allows them to easily see how their technology and Espial's can seamlessly work together.

Figure 2. Espial uses SmartDraw for architectural maps at trade shows.

"We probably create a few dozen engineering maps and PowerPoint charts using SmartDraw each time we present a complex proposal, depending on how the conversations go with the prospect," Kirk explains. "SmartDraw charts are our frontline sales tools and are used many times each day in PowerPoint presentations, datasheets and in interactive customer planning sessions."

These intricate, often 12-16 point layered process diagrams are then altered to show how Espial's technology can expand and easily scale-up to meet the client's needs as their business grows.

"We've used SmartDraw architecture diagrams at trade shows and other events as well," says Kirk. "We brought a few poster-sized SmartDraw diagrams to a show in Amsterdam recently and it worked out very well. The architectural maps looked professionally done, and I was able to stand with the prospect and walk them through the various program components. SmartDraw really helps our clients see the type of success they can attain with our products and services." (Figure 2) A Valued Tool

"For our frontline marketing operations and for our deeper technical diagrams, SmartDraw is it," says Kirk. "When I first started using it, I found it easy and intuitive. There was almost no learning curve. That fact alone allows it to pay for itself quickly.

'So many of us at Espial use SmartDraw on a daily basis: the product manager teams, the CTO team, the architects, sales engineers and the research and development teams as well. For Espial, SmartDraw greatly enhances our opportunity costs—we could never achieve the high quality, professional and accurate diagrams as quickly as we need them—without SmartDraw. I am convinced we have closed deals faster and helped to achieve our market leadership because of products like SmartDraw."

Espial is looking to capitalize on its SmartDraw use by using the software's internal colour palettes to help Espial define its own "style" in its sales presentations. "We're using SmartDraw to help us get a consistent look to what we do as well. The more consistent we look the more professional we look to all of our audiences."

Web Development Company Selects SmartDraw Over Visio® for Business Graphics and Charts

Mike Erlindson is managing director of Soulfx, a development services company specializing in customized, Web-based applications and professionally designed Web sites. He is responsible for day-to-day managing and project development, as well as working with clients to help them define their requirements.

Mike was looking for an easy way to create site maps, wire frames, and process flow charts to share with clients. He'd used other programs such as MS Visio® and MS Word® for tables in the past, but knew they weren't up to the challenge.

"I've used Visio® before but it was very cumbersome," said Mike. "Using MS Word® for tables is awkward." He found SmartDraw's free trial on the Internet and decided to give it a try. Right away, he could see that it was much better than the alternatives.

"SmartDraw was much easier to use than Visio®," he said. "SmartDraw definitely gives you more for less money."

Mike found that SmartDraw automates the creation of charts and diagrams such as process flows, site maps, and more. Unlike other graphics programs that provide users with a blank screen and expect them to draw, with SmartDraw, users select from a template that is specifically designed to create the type of illustration they need. After selecting the appropriate template, users simply enter the information and SmartDraw does the rest: building the graphic automatically using built-in rules and professional design themes to guarantee polished, presentation-quality results in just a few minutes.

"Selling technology solutions is difficult because it's an intangible," said Mike. "You can't hold it in your hands. You have to show clients the concepts of what you're developing and how it's going to work on paper before you can start programming. SmartDraw helps us do this effectively in a credible way."

Mike claims that using SmartDraw can save him hours per project. "Effective wire frames can help save between 4 and 8 hours per project, because the changes are easier to make then if we lead with graphic mockups."

The bottom line?

"I'm completely impressed with SmartDraw," said Mike. "The designs I create in SmartDraw are easy to understand and look professional. Now it's easier to get the clients on board."

Help Videos

	Accessing Video Help inside the Application
	Flow Charts, Shapes
	Editing Charts Manually
	Animate Diagrams
	Add photos to Org Charts
	Create Charts Automatically
	Add Notes to Shapes
	3D Charts

	Create PowerPoint Slides
	Print Oversized Drawings
	Geographic Maps
	Auto Create Web site Site map

Support Coverage

[ helpdesk ]