Software Spotlight: SmartDraw 6 opens up artist's toolbox for wealth of projects I review a lot of software (I mean a lot of software), to the point that it becomes rather routine sometimes. I figured that would be the case this time: Look at the program, enjoy a few features, find the flaws and write it up. But this time was a little different. I actually got excited about a program. The scary thing is that it isn't a game, it's a drawing program. I know, you probably think I'm nuts. But, hey, this is a really cool drawing program.

The program is SmartDraw 6, and it can help you draw just about anything and look totally professional doing it. I never imagined you could draw so many things, but SmartDraw handles them all: maps, diagrams, charts, anatomy graphics, floor plans, forms, software design, calendars, clip art, and the list goes on.

SmartDraw 6 comes in three editions: Standard, Professional and Professional Plus. I tried out Professional Plus, which is loaded with templates, examples and special features that make it worth the extra money. SmartDraw Professional Plus is very flexible on installation. You can just install the basics, which only take up about 30 megabytes of hard drive space, or you can install every template and sample collection it has. Choosing the latter option will require a sizable chunk of hard drive space -- about 2 gigabytes. That should give you an idea of the enormous amount of stuff SmartDraw provides.

SmartDraw guides you through whatever tasks you want right off the bat. You can create a new drawing or open a template. The New Drawing window presents several possible projects, including maps, science or math diagrams, floor plans or fliers. From there, SmartDraw displays a large window for the drawing, a long toolbar across the top and a lengthy palette on the left, depending on how many collections you chose to install. It also provides tips and tutorials to guide you through whatever project you undertake.

SmartDraw Professional Plus is loaded with so many features, I couldn't get to them all even after days of experimenting. All kinds of tools are available and the full installation offers hundreds -- if not thousands -- of sample files, clip art, symbols and shapes. All those tools and samples can be intimidating, but SmartDraw is incredibly easy to use. It provides tools to draw all kinds of shapes, including rectangles, triangles, arches and polygons. Even if you can't find the shape you want, SmartDraw provides another tool that allows you to freely draw shapes yourself.

The best part is you don't have to be a master artist to use SmartDraw. Not only do you have tons of shapes and tools to work with, but it's also easy to manipulate elements of the drawing by moving, rotating, resizing or flipping objects. In addition, pre-made objects and drawings are there to help you out. I checked out the maps collection and found an Arkansas county map and even a map of ZIP codes for the state. The anatomy collection offered diagrams of the human skeleton in standing and sitting positions, as well as diagrams of the human heart -- among others. The floor plans collection offered templates for kitchens, bathrooms, landscapes and even air conditioning systems. Hundreds of other collections are available. The Professional Plus edition offers another very cool feature: compatibility with Microsoft Word and Excel. You can import Word or Excel files directly into your drawing, and place them where you like. If you don't have Excel, SmartDraw's chart tool is a great alternative. It provides all kinds of chart types as well as a spreadsheet to input the chart's information.

I can't find much negative to say about SmartDraw 6. The only flaw I found was the physical elevation map under Arkansas in the maps examples was of Alabama. That's a little oops that can easily be fixed, though. The biggest problem with SmartDraw 6 is that it's not Macintosh compatible. What I do like is that it works with older versions of Windows. You would think a drawing program this powerful with this many details would require the latest Windows, but SmartDraw's system requirements call for Windows 95 or later. SmartDraw 6 Professional Plus is one of the best deals I've seen in the way of drawing programs. The ease of use and vast amount of features and samples leave the user with all kinds of creative possibilities. It's nice to have a shakeup once in a while, and there's no better cure for routine than some really cool software. Melissa L. Jones