PlanUp vs. SmartDraw: Features, Usability, and Alternatives
If you’re deciding between PlanUp and SmartDraw, it’s important to know how each measures up and whether there’s an even better solution.
✍🏻 Comparison Summary
PlanUp:
- Designed for quick, simple floor plans
- Offers basic 2D and simple 3D floor plans with minimal customization
- Limited furniture options, mostly kitchen and bathroom fixtures
SmartDraw:
- Versatile tool originally built for flowcharts, now includes floor planning
- Good for basic 2D floor plans
- No 3D floor plan capability
RoomSketcher:
- Highly customizable 2D and 3D floor plans
- Advanced 3D visuals
- Professional redraw service
Choosing floor plan software doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between PlanUp and SmartDraw, showing where each one shines and where they fall short. Then, we’ll introduce RoomSketcher as a flexible alternative for anyone who wants more creative control, better visuals, and an easier way to get professional results.
Overview
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that started as a flowchart maker but now includes floor planning features. It is web-based and works best on a computer with an internet connection.
PlanUp is designed for real estate professionals, especially in the United Kingdom. Its main focus is on creating quick and simple floor plans for property listings.
Ease of Use
SmartDraw is familiar to those who already use it for diagrams or flowcharts. If you are new to the platform, you may find the interface less intuitive, especially for floor plans.
PlanUp is simple and straightforward, using a room-by-room approach. This method is easy for basic layouts, but becomes restrictive if you need to edit individual walls or create complex shapes. PlanUp does not support cloud synchronization, so you must finish your project on the same device where you started.
2D and 3D Floor Plans
SmartDraw provides solid tools for creating 2D floor plans. You can add measurements, symbols, and some furniture, but the customization options are limited. However, there is no 3D floor plan feature, so you cannot visualize spaces in three dimensions.
PlanUp offers both 2D and 3D floor plans. The 3D option is basic, with only one carpet and one hardwood floor to choose from, and you cannot change the viewing angle. The furniture library is limited to essential fixtures, which keeps things simple but may not provide enough detail for some users.
Customization and Flexibility
SmartDraw lets you adjust colors and textures on its symbols, but the process is not always intuitive. The materials library is small, and customizing items can be tricky.
PlanUp keeps customization to a minimum. You can choose between two flooring types in 3D and add basic fixtures, but you do not have the flexibility to personalize your floor plans beyond that.
Who Should Use Each Software?
- SmartDraw is a good choice if you already use it for diagrams or need a tool for simple 2D floor plans. It is best for users who value having multiple diagramming options in one platform.
- PlanUp is ideal for real estate agents who want to create quick, no-fuss floor plans for property listings. It is especially useful for those working in the UK market and who do not need advanced customization.
Both SmartDraw and PlanUp are reliable for creating basic floor plans, but they excel in different ways. SmartDraw offers more diagramming features, while PlanUp specializes in real estate and speed.
If you want detailed customization or advanced 3D visuals, you may need to look elsewhere.
That’s where RoomSketcher truly stands out.
Feature Comparison: PlanUp vs. SmartDraw vs. RoomSketcher
| Feature | PlanUp | SmartDraw | RoomSketcher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop and tablet (no cloud sync) | Web-based (requires internet) | Desktop and tablet (with cloud sync) |
| Drawing Metod | Room-by-room drawing | Draw from scratch or use templates | Draw from scratch, use templates, trace over blueprints, or order floor plans |
| 2D Floor Plans | Yes, with basic fixtures | Yes, with measurement tools and symbols | Yes, with customizable styles, measurements, symbols, and professional branding |
| 3D Floor Plans | Yes, basic with limited customization | No | Yes, high-quality with full customization |
| Furniture Library | Limited (mainly kitchen and bathroom) | 2D furniture and symbols | Extensive, 2D and 3D, wide variety |
| Customization | Minimal | Limited color and texture options | Extensive colors, materials, styles, and angles |
| Redraw Service | No | No | Order floor plans with next-business-day delivery |
RoomSketcher Delivers More Than the Basics
Unlike PlanUp and SmartDraw, RoomSketcher is designed for users who want more than just the basics.
It offers an intuitive interface that makes drawing floor plans easy, even for beginners, and provides powerful tools for professionals who need high-quality results.
The best choice for 2D floor plans
With RoomSketcher, you can create richly detailed 2D floor plans that go far beyond the basics.
The software gives you access to an extensive furniture library, so you can add sofas, beds, tables, plants, and more, not just kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
This lets you show fully furnished layouts, which are perfect for real estate listings, interior design, or renovation planning.
Stand out with 3D visuals
RoomSketcher also goes beyond 2D. Its advanced 3D visualization features let you instantly turn your floor plans into stunning 3D Photos, 360 Views, and interactive walkthroughs, something neither PlanUp nor SmartDraw can match.
Affordable redraw service
If you need professional floor plans in a hurry, RoomSketcher’s redraw service is a game-changer.
Simply send in a sketch or blueprint, and you’ll receive a fully editable project with 2D and 3D floor plans by the next business day.
You can make last-minute changes and regenerate the plans as needed, all at an affordable price.
Seamless cloud synchronization
RoomSketcher makes it easy to work on your projects wherever you are. Thanks to cloud storage, you can start a project on your tablet while on-site and finish it later on your computer.
Get help whenever you need it
RoomSketcher’s customer service team is friendly, fast, and genuinely helpful. Real people are available to answer your questions, and there’s a comprehensive Help Center with articles and tutorial videos.
If you need extra help, simply schedule a 1:1 training or attend one of the weekly webinars. You’ll never feel stuck or unsupported with RoomSketcher.
RoomSketcher is the clear choice for anyone who values customization, professional visuals, and an easy-to-use platform. It’s the ideal solution for real estate professionals, designers, and anyone who wants their floor plans to stand out.
Read the In-Depth Comparisons
PlanUp vs. RoomSketcher
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SmartDraw vs. RoomSketcher
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