SmartDraw vs Floorplanner

Learn why users prefer SmartDraw over Floorplanner

Looking for floor plan software that goes beyond simple layouts? While both Floorplanner and SmartDraw allow users to crete basic floor plans, SmartDraw is the better choice for creating complex and specialized floor plans. If you need precision, scalability, and support for professional projects in construction, facilities, or safety planning, SmartDraw is the best choice.

Features SmartDraw Floorplanner Why It Matters
2D Floor Plans Yes Yes Both tools can make basic floor plans.
Editable Templates Yes No Start with professionally created examples, not a blank page.
Layers Yes No Separate electrical, plumbing, HVAC to avoid clutter and mistakes.
Industry-Standard Symbols Yes Limited SmartDraw has more than just the basic floor plan symbols with standard NFPA, HVAC and other symbols for professional projects.
Import Existing Floor Plans Yes Yes Both tools let you build on what you already have.
Shape Data Yes No Only SmartDraw lets you attach pricing and spec to objects for usable project data.
Manifest Yes No Only SmartDraw lets you turn drawings into estimates, proposals, and documentation.
Custom Symbols Yes Limited Only SmartDraw lets you create your own symbols for proprietary equipment from your product catalog.
Export Options PDF, PNG, SVG, JPG, Visio JPG, PNG, PDF SmartDraw offers more export options.
Shareable Link Yes Yes (upgrade required) SmartDraw lets you share without extra costs.
Real-Time Co-Editing Yes No Only SmartDraw lets you collaborate instantly.
Specialized Use-Cases Extensive Limited In addition to residential floor plans, only SmartDraw supports fire pre plans, evacuation plans, facility plans, office layouts, retail planograms, landscape designs, accident reconstructions, and more.
Other Diagram Types Yes No (floor plans only) Only SmartDraw lets you create flowcharts, org charts, and technical diagrams with the same tool.
Customer Support Full Limited (online contact form) SmartDraw offers faster help via online chat and dedicated customer success reps for larger licenses. Important when issues arise for business-critical work.
Integrations with Teams, Slack, and Confluence Yes No Only SmartDraw fits into your existing business workflow.
Version History Yes Yes Both apps offer to track changes.
Overall Best For Professionals who need precision, scalability, and complex plans. Individuals creating basic home layouts or visual concepts.

Why Users Prefer SmartDraw Over Floorplanner

SmartDraw is Better for Professional Projects, Not Just Simple Layouts

While both Floorplanner and SmartDraw allow users to create detailed residential and commercial floor plans, Floorplanner's capabilities are limited when it comes to broader professional use cases. SmartDraw is better for drawing office spaces, warehouse layouts, fire pre-plans, crime scenes, accident diagrams, evacuation maps, retail layouts, landscape designs, and more.

Collection of SmartDraw floor plan examples

SmartDraw Lets You Turn Drawings Into Actionable Plans

Unlike Floorplanner, SmartDraw allows users to attach key data such as model numbers, pricing, and vendor details directly to symbols on their floor plan. With built-in data, you can export manifests, which help you create estimates, proposals, and documentation directly from your floor plan.

Shape data on bathtub symbol

SmartDraw Helps You Stay Organized with Complex Projects

Floorplanner is great for making single, basic floor plans. SmartDraw helps you keep organized and manage complex plans and bigger projects. SmartDraw's layers, for example, let you manage multiple systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) without clutter or risk of errors. SmartDraw also lets you create project plans and timelines in the same tool to help keep any renovation or construction project on track.

Gantt chart construction schedule

Get a More Extensive Template and Symbol Collection with SmartDraw

Only SmartDraw offers users the ability to edit one of the hundred of floor plan related templates in its catalog. There are professionally created examples for residential homes, commercial spaces, offices, hospitals, restaurants, gyms, stores, warehouses, as well as site plans and landscape designs. Floorplanner offers many residential and interior design symbols, but lacks industry-standard symbols needed to complete more specialized and in-depth floor plans. With SmartDraw, users have access to industry-standard symbols, including fire and NFPA, emergency, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more.

SmartDraw floor planning symbols

SmartDraw Helps You Collaborate Better

Both Floorplanner and SmartDraw users can invite others to edit their floor plan, but only SmartDraw users can co-edit a floor plan at the same time. SmartDraw also allows for more export options. For example, SmartDraw lets you export any floor plan to Visio for sharing with professional contractors.

Team collaborating on floor plan in SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a More Complete Tool

In addition to all kinds of floor plans, SmartDraw users also have the ability to create flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, Gantt charts, mind maps, and more. Floorplanner is limited to only floor plans.

Collage of other diagrams types

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SmartDraw vs Floorplanner

Whats is the main difference between SmartDraw and Floorplanner?

The biggest difference is scope. Floorplanner focuses primarily on residential floor plans and interior design while SmartDraw supports a wide range of professional use cases including construction, facilities planning, fire pre-planning, and technical diagrams.

Is Floorplanner easier to use than SmartDraw?

Both tools are easy to get started with. Floorplanner is simpler because it has a narrower focus, but SmartDraw balances ease of use with significantly more advanced capabilities for professional workflows.

Can I create detailed construction or technical plans in Floorplanner?

Floorplanner is best suited for basic layouts and interior design. It lacks features like layers, industry-standard symbols, and data integration needed for more technical or specialized plans.

Does SmartDraw support collaboration?

Yes. SmartDraw supports real-time co-editing, allowing multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously. Floorplanner does not offer true real-time collaboration.

Which tool is better for teams or business?

SmartDraw is better suited for teams and organizations because it offers better collaboration, better integrations with tools like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, in addition to other enterprise-friendly features.

Can SmartDraw do more than just floor plans?

SmartDraw can create many types of diagrams including flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and more. Floorplanner is limited to floor plans only.

Which tool is better for generating proposals or estimates?

SmartDraw has a clear advantage. Its ability to attach data to shapes and generate manifests allows users to create estimates, bills of materials, and project documentation directly from their drawings.

Do both tools allow importing existing floor plans?

Yes, both SmartDraw and Floorplanner allow you to import existing floor plans, However, SmartDraw offers more flexibility in scaling, editing, and building on top of imported files.

Professionals Choose SmartDraw

If you only need to sketch a simple home layout, Floorplanner may be enough. But if your work requires precision, collaboration, and complex plans, SmartDraw is the more powerful choice.