Just as the word processor makes it possible for anyone to create beautifully formatted written documentation, SmartDraw, the world’s the visual processorTM, makes it possible for anyone to create presentation-quality visuals just as easily.

1. Getting Started with SmartDraw
February, 2011
Just as the word processor makes it possible for
anyone to create beautifully formatted written
documentation, SmartDraw, the world’s the visual
processorTM, makes it possible for anyone to create
presentation-quality visuals just as easily.
Before the visual processor, visuals had to be created
manually with complex graphics software. Even for
experts, producing a visual like a flowchart was time
consuming and the results were often not
presentation-quality. SmartDraw automates the
creation of visuals to such a degree that anyone can
do it, and get great results in minutes.
SmartDraw includes specialized templates for 70
different types of visuals. Everything from flowcharts
to floorplans.
To get started, simply pick the right template and the
visual processor will help you quickly create,
automatically format, and easily share your visual with
your colleagues and clients.
Start with a Basic Visual Template
When you first open SmartDraw, you’ll notice that the
category Popular is selected and you can choose a
template from one of SmartDraw’s most commonly
used visual types including flowcharts, floor plans,
charts and graphs, org charts, and mind maps.
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2. To select one of these, simply click the symbol representing the visual type and you’ll be taken to the
application screen where you can start creating.
If the visual you want to create is not shown here, click the “More” file folder to view the full list of
basic visual templates or search for a specific template using the search bar the at top.
If you choose one of the diagram types from the left column, you’ll be presented with a basic template
as well as some examples. With SmartDraw, you’ll never have to start with a blank page.
Creating Your Visual
Once you’ve selected a visual template, you will arrive at the Application Screen, where you will be
able to create your visual using a customized set of tools aimed to make creating your visual as
automatic as possible.
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3. The Work Area
Your visual will be built in the Work Area. As you add more symbols to it, the Work Area will
automatically grow to make room.
The Ribbon
The Ribbon contains all of the functions you need for any basic manipulation of the items in your visual
like changing theme color, fonts, and alignments. These buttons never change for any visual. The
functions are organized into some logical categories and located on different tabs. You can navigate
the tabs of the ribbon by clicking on them.
The SmartDraw Button and Quick Access Toolbar
The SmartDraw button opens a menu containing functions such as New, Save, Export, and various
other options for basic document settings.
The Quick Access Toolbar allows you to export your visual in a single click to a PDF, Microsoft Word®,
PowerPoint®, or Excel®.
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4. SmartPanel
In contrast to the Ribbon, each visual has its own unique SmartPanel, with controls specialized to
building that particular visual. Some will have symbol galleries for adding symbols, others have “Add
Text” buttons, and many have specific buttons for adding things like tasks, topics, ancestors, and so on.
Many SmartPanels, employ Automatic Shape Connectors, which means you will not only add a symbol,
but it will also be connected to another symbol already in the Work Area, with perfect spacing and
placement. These give you the ability to produce your visual with record speed.
SmartHelp
Because each visual is different from the others,
SmartDraw has visual-specific SmartHelp focusing on
how to use SmartPanel and the Ribbon to build the
visual for which your template was intended. Many
tasks discussed in SmartHelp also have a link to a
web-based video which shows you how to perform
that task.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Create your entire chart without taking your hands
off the keyboard with quick and easy keyboard
controls.
To add a shape to a flowchart, mind map, org chart,
or any chart that uses SmartDraw’s automatic connectors, simple hold down the Ctrl key and use the
up, down, left or right arrow key. To add a shape below a selected shape, you can also use the “Enter”
key or use “Insert” to add a shape to the right.
Here are some other keyboard shortcuts you may find useful:
Ctrl + Drag Forces a shape to enlarge proportionally
Shift + Ctrl Zoom in (stops at 800%)
Shift + Ctrl + G Ungroup
F1 Help Index
F3 Find Next (Find and Replace dialog)
Alt+F4 Exit / Close SmartDraw
Delete Clear / Delete selected object
Ctrl+A Select All
Ctrl+B Bold Text
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+D Duplicate
Ctrl+F Find
Ctrl+G Group
Ctrl+H Replace
Ctrl+I Italicize Text
Ctrl+K Insert Hyperlink
Ctrl+M Executes Text Entry Mode (only if shape or line is selected)
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5. Ctrl+N New Document
Ctrl+O Open Document
Ctrl+P Print
Ctrl+Q Save changes and exit / close SmartDraw
Ctrl+S Save
Ctrl+T Opens Font Dialog
Ctrl+U Underline Text
Ctrl+V Paste
Ctrl+W Save changes and exit to template selection screen
Ctrl+X Cut
Ctrl+Y Redo
Ctrl+Z Undo
Ctrl + Zoom In
CTRL - Zoom Out
CTRL + Directional Add shape in up/down/left/right (only works when auto connector is
Arrow present)
Enter (Return key) Add Shape Below
Insert Add Shape to the right
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