If you’re choosing between SketchUp and SmartDraw for floor planning and home design, architecture, or diagramming on a Mac, the right tool depends on what you’re trying to achieve and what your level of ability is.
We’ve tested both SketchUp and SmartDraw on the latest versions of macOS to see how they really perform to help make your decision easier.
Here’s the full breakdown.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: SketchUp vs SmartDraw
| Feature | SketchUp | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac Support | ✅ Yes (desktop + web) | ✅ Yes (desktop + web) |
| Apple Silicon Optimized | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | 3D modeling, architecture, interior design | Flowcharts, floorplans, 2D CAD, organizational charts |
| Offline Access on Mac | ✅ (SketchUp Pro only) | ❌ |
| Learning Curve | Moderate to High | Very Easy |
| Price | Free (web), Paid (Pro) | Paid only (can start diagramming for free with it though) |
What Is SketchUp?
SketchUp is one of the world’s most popular 3D modeling programs. It’s widely used in architecture, interior design, furniture layout, and even game design.
Pros for Mac Users:
- Native macOS version (Pro only): SketchUp Pro runs locally on Mac desktops and laptops. However, the free version is only available as a web app.
- Rendering optimization: Delivers fast rendering results for 3D designs.
- Intuitive interface: Drag-and-drop 3D modeling with a huge online asset library (3D Warehouse).
- Great for interior design and construction-level accuracy.
Downsides:
- Learning curve: It takes time to master if you’re new to 3D.
- Limited 2D diagramming tools: Not great for org charts or infographics.
- Free version is browser-only and lacks full functionality.
Tip For Using it on Macs:
SketchUp Pro works brilliantly with macOS features like Stage Manager, Sidecar, and Spotlight, allowing multitasking with floorplans, Safari searches, and asset libraries all at once.
However, the Mac desktop version is only available with the Pro version which costs $33.25 per month.
What Is SmartDraw?
SmartDraw is a diagramming tool often compared to Microsoft Visio. It’s used primarily for organizational charts, process flows, and basic floorplans—not full 3D modeling like SketchUp.
Pros for Mac Users:
- Mac Desktop & Web-app: Choose from either a Mac desktop app or use it any browser.
- Quick floorplans: Includes thousands of templates and prefab symbols.
- Low barrier to entry: If you can drag and drop, you can use SmartDraw.
- Integrated export to Microsoft Office and G Suite.
Downsides:
- No 3D modeling: You can’t build objects or immersive environments.
- No Mobile app: Works only on mobile via web browser.
- Limited architectural precision: Not suitable for construction drawings.
Fresh Mac Tip:
Mac users can use Split View with SmartDraw on one side and Finder or Photos on the other to drag in custom icons, logos, or textures without needing a dedicated import dialog.
Key Differences Between SketchUp and SmartDraw (That Matter on a Mac)
Native macOS Experience
- SketchUp installs and runs beautifully on macOS although its only available in the expensive Pro version – the free version is web only.
- SmartDraw wins hands-down here because the Mac desktop app is available in all versions and it can also be used in a browser.
Toolset
- SketchUp is a full 3D modeling tool. You can walk through buildings, spin furniture in 360°, and simulate light and shadows.
- SmartDraw is for 2D diagrams and infographics. Think flowcharts, office layouts, floor plans, org charts and Venn diagrams.
Floor Plan Capabilities
- If you need accurate measurements, custom textures, material lists and exportable building blueprints, SketchUp is the better choice.
- For quick conceptual layouts or basic interior visuals for presentations, SmartDraw gets the job done faster.
Pricing Comparison
| Feature | SketchUp | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Free Version | ✅ Yes (web only) | ❌ No 100% free version although you can use it for free for 7 days |
| Paid Plans | $119/year (Go), $349/year (Pro) | $9.95/user/month individuals, $8.25/user/month teams, Enterprise starts at $5/user/month. |
| Best Value For | Designers, architects | Business teams, educators |
Use Cases: Which Should You Choose?
Choose SketchUp if you:
- Want to build full 3D environments (homes, furniture, landscapes)
- Are working in architecture, interior design, or construction
- Need precise dimensions and realistic renderings
- Are willing to pay a lot up front for the Pro app.
Choose SmartDraw if you:
- Need to make 2D designs or office layouts quickly
- Are in education, business planning, or operations
- Don’t want to install anything and prefer browser-only tools
- Are collaborating with PC-using colleagues and need diagramming, not design
Best Use Cases
| Use Case | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Professional 3D rendering | SketchUp |
| Simple home layouts | SmartDraw |
| Office floor plans | SmartDraw |
| Interior walkthroughs | SketchUp |
| Fast 2D planning | SmartDraw |
| Custom architectural work | SketchUp |
Bonus Tip: Combine the Two
Here’s something you can do to get the best of both worlds: you can export simplified floorplans from SketchUp as PNG or PDF and then import them into SmartDraw for annotation, labeling, and presentation.
This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: architectural precision from SketchUp and corporate polish from SmartDraw.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Mac Users?
If you’re serious about interior design, architecture, or 3D modeling on a Mac, SketchUp is the clear winner. It’s built for designers and the Pro version runs natively on macOS (not the free version though).
But if you just need to visualize ideas quickly, especially in business or education settings, SmartDraw is faster and simpler and the Mac desktop app is included with all plans.