Flowova vs SmartDraw: AI Flowcharts vs Traditional Diagramming (2026)

Choosing between Flowova and SmartDraw? They represent two different eras of diagramming. SmartDraw has been around since 1994, offering 70+ diagram types with a template-driven approach. Flowova is a modern AI-first tool focused specifically on flowcharts. Here's how they compare.

What is SmartDraw?

SmartDraw is a traditional diagramming software that's been serving businesses for over 30 years. It supports 70+ diagram types — from flowcharts and org charts to floor plans and engineering diagrams. SmartDraw uses an intelligent formatting engine that auto-arranges shapes as you add them, and offers Visio import/export compatibility for enterprise environments.

What is Flowova?

Flowova is an AI-powered flowchart maker built for speed. Describe your process in plain text — or upload a document, image, or PDF — and Flowova generates a structured flowchart automatically. It focuses on making flowchart creation as fast and frictionless as possible.

Feature comparison

Capability	Flowova	SmartDraw
Target audience	General users	Enterprise / business
Creation method	AI text-to-diagram	Template + manual editing
Diagram types	Flowcharts (specialized)	70+ types
AI features	Core functionality	None
Document import	PDF, images, text, code	Visio import
Mermaid support	Full import/export	None
Platform	Web-based	Web + desktop (Windows)
Collaboration	Share links, comments	Multi-user editing
Learning curve	Very low	Moderate

Where Flowova wins

AI-powered creation speed

SmartDraw's workflow: browse templates, pick one, manually edit shapes and connections, adjust labels, rearrange layout. Even with SmartDraw's auto-formatting, creating a 15-node flowchart takes 20-30 minutes.

Flowova's workflow: describe your process in text, click generate, review and adjust. The same 15-node flowchart takes 3-5 minutes.

For teams creating flowcharts regularly, this time difference compounds significantly.

Modern, lightweight interface

SmartDraw carries 30 years of feature accumulation in its interface. Menus, toolbars, panels, and options designed for 70+ diagram types create cognitive overhead when you just need a flowchart.

Flowova's interface is purpose-built for flowcharts. There's one main workflow: describe, generate, refine. The simplicity isn't a limitation — it's a design choice that eliminates distraction.

Document-to-flowchart conversion

Have existing SOPs, process documents, or meeting notes? Flowova can ingest PDFs, images, and text files to extract process flows automatically. SmartDraw requires you to read the document and manually recreate the diagram.

This capability is particularly valuable for organizations modernizing paper-based processes or creating visual documentation from existing text content.

Where SmartDraw wins

Diagram type breadth

SmartDraw's 70+ diagram types cover territory Flowova doesn't touch: floor plans, network diagrams, engineering schematics, org charts, Gantt charts, and more. If your team creates multiple diagram types, SmartDraw's breadth is valuable.

For organizations that need flowcharts alongside floor plans, network topology, and org charts, a single tool covering everything has clear advantages.

Visio compatibility

In enterprise environments where Visio files are the standard exchange format, SmartDraw's import/export compatibility matters. Teams transitioning from Visio or collaborating with Visio users can work with existing files directly.

Flowova exports to PNG, SVG, and Mermaid — useful formats, but not Visio-compatible.

Desktop application

SmartDraw offers a Windows desktop application that works offline. For users in environments with restricted internet access or who prefer desktop software, this is a meaningful advantage.

Practical example: employee onboarding workflow

Creating in SmartDraw:

1. Open SmartDraw, browse flowchart templates
2. Select "HR Process" template category
3. Find closest matching template
4. Replace placeholder text with your steps
5. Add missing nodes, remove unnecessary ones
6. Adjust connections and layout
7. Format colors and styles

Time: 25-35 minutes

Creating in Flowova:

1. Enter description: "New employee starts. HR sends welcome email with first-day instructions. IT provisions laptop, email account, and software access. Manager prepares onboarding schedule. Day one: employee arrives, security badge issued, IT setup verified. Week one: HR orientation, team introductions, initial training. Week two: role-specific training begins. Month one: 30-day check-in with manager."
2. Click generate
3. Review output, adjust labels if needed
4. Export

Time: 5-8 minutes

Both produce usable flowcharts. SmartDraw offers more formatting control; Flowova gets you to a finished diagram faster.

Pricing comparison

Flowova:

• Free: Basic AI flowchart generation
• Pro: $10/month or $60/year
• Lifetime: $169 one-time

SmartDraw:

• Single User: $9.99/month (billed annually)
• Team: $8.99/user/month (5+ users, billed annually)
• Site: Custom pricing for large organizations

SmartDraw's pricing is per-user and subscription-only. Flowova's lifetime option is appealing for individuals and small teams who want to avoid recurring costs.

Making the decision

Choose Flowova when:

• Flowcharts are your primary diagram type
• You want AI to eliminate manual creation
• You have existing documents to convert to flowcharts
• Speed of creation is the priority
• You prefer modern, lightweight tools

Choose SmartDraw when:

• You need 70+ diagram types in one tool
• Visio compatibility is required
• Your organization standardized on SmartDraw
• You need a desktop application for offline work
• Enterprise admin controls matter

The bottom line

SmartDraw is a comprehensive, traditional diagramming tool that covers every diagram type you might need. Flowova is a focused, AI-powered flowchart maker that prioritizes speed over breadth.

If flowcharts are your main need and you value creation speed, Flowova's AI approach saves significant time. If you need a Swiss Army knife of diagramming that handles everything from floor plans to network diagrams, SmartDraw's breadth is hard to match.

Different tools, different philosophies. Choose based on what you create most.

Try Flowova free

See how fast AI can generate flowcharts from your process descriptions. Start creating with Flowova — no account required for your first flowchart.

Related comparisons

• Flowova vs Visio — Enterprise diagramming comparison
• Flowova vs Lucidchart — Full-featured diagramming comparison
• Flowova vs Draw.io — Free diagramming comparison

Related resources

• How to Make a Flowchart — Complete beginner guide
• Flowchart Templates — Ready-to-use templates