SmartDraw vs SketchUp

When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

Which CAD software will be more appropriate for your needs – SmartDraw vs SketchUp? You’ll get a certain answer after reading this article.

SmartDraw is an interactive and downloadable drawing software with an impressive range of features which include the mind map, flow and gantt charts etc.

SketchUp is an open source electronic sketching tool that provides features similar to those found in AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, and other popular CAD applications.

Final Verdict:

If to choose the winner, I will recommend SketchUp for most users, as it is very functional, versatile but still simple to learn. With its help users can create complex 3D models using a drag-and-drop interface, add lights and objects, rotate and skew, edit textures and properties without need for any complicated programming.

SketchUp is the winner >

SketchUp Features:

  • Layer manager
  • 2D and 3D designing options
  • Selection of textures
  • Animations support
  • Different lighting effects

What is SmartDraw?

smartdraw interface

SmartDraw is an effective tool for designing, planning, diagramming and so many more. It's perfect for digital drawing projects, comes with various types of templates which make it simpler for you to do your work and the versions of diagrams you require (either for IT sphere or other field work).

This drawing tool can be used for free and offers great features for the users. The best thing about SmartDraw is that it is available for both desktop and online. The online version allows you to use the application from the convenience of your home.

One of the best advantages of SmartDraw is that it has various tools like SmartLayers, SmartTraps, Rulers, Grids, and many others which help the user to draw various complex diagrams with ease. In this regard, there are also various types of templates in the online version to allow the beginners to create their own drawings.

What is SketchUp?

sketchup interface

SketchUp was developed by Trimble Incorporated, a North American mapping and navigation software firm. It comes with many user friendly features such as, gridlines, snap to grid, adjustable snapping while in portrait mode, and toolbar button shortcuts to perform common tasks.

There are also specialized add-ons for extra options such as Auto recolor, Auto colorize, Auto adjust shadows and Highlights, Auto adjust texture, and Auto draw arrows. SketchUp also comes included with over 120 different templates, and you can download and purchase additional ones from the website.

One feature that is very useful for artists is the ability to easily add lighting. Another advantage, useful for specialists is the ability to export and import artwork directly from digital media such as photographs. Finally, one more option that can be very helpful for artists with different experience is the ability to import and edit AutoCAD related data.

Comparison:

smartdraw logo
SMARTDRAW
sketchup logo
SKETCHUP

SmartDraw & SketchUp Features:

  • Ability to add photos
  • Collaborative support
  • Drag-and-drop options
  • Diagram builder
  • Auto-adjusting shapes
  • Customizable tools
  • Ready-to-use smart objects
  • Realistic rendering
  • File import and export
  • Previewing

SmartDraw and SketchUp Price:

STARTING PRICE $8.25/month $119.00/license
FREE TRIAL icon icon

Cross-Platform:

WINDOWS icon icon
MAC icon icon
LINUX icon icon
iOS icon icon
ANDROID icon icon

Support:

EMAIL icon icon
LIVE SUPPORT icon icon
PHONE icon icon
CHAT SUPPORT icon icon

FixThePhoto Choice:

SmartDraw’s advantages have made among the choice of numerous professionals as well as students, due to its simplicity.

If you're starting to dabble in 3D modeling and animation, then SketchUp has got you covered. You can start using it without getting any previous experience, as the program is very intuitive.

Eva Williams

Writer & Gear Reviewer

Eva Williams is a talented family photographer and software expert who is in charge of mobile software and apps testing and overviewing in the FixThePhoto team. Eva earned her Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from NYU and work 5+ years assisting some of the city’s popular wedding photographers. She doesn't trust Google search results and always tests everything herself, especially, much-hyped programs and apps.

Read Eva's full bio

Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

Read Tetiana's full bio

Contents:
SAVE UP TO 66% OFF SAVE UP TO 66% OFF