You can use Claude to generate SmartDraw diagrams and floor plans without leaving the conversation by connecting to SmartDraw's MCP server.
Ask Claude to use SmartDraw to make a floor plan, flowchart, an org chart, a mind map, or timeline, and Claude will fetch the needed specifications that allow it to generate diagrams as code that SmartDraw will render.
SmartDraw returns a preview and gives you a link to open the drawing in SmartDraw.
All you need to do is connect to the SmartDraw MCP Server. It teaches Claude how to write VSON (the format SmartDraw uses to describe diagrams and floor plans), handles a broad range of inputs including natural language, Mermaid, SVG, CSV, and pasted data, renders the drawing, and returns a preview image plus an "Edit in SmartDraw" link, all in one connector.
What You Will Need
A Claude account on a plan that supports MCP Servers
A SmartDraw account. You need at least a trial to get started with the Skill and MCP.
Add a Connector to the SmartDraw MCP Server
These instructions apply to both Claude on the web and Claude Desktop.
Step 1: Click your profile icon in Claude and go to Settings.
Step 2: In the Settings modal, click on Connectors.
Step 3: Click Add and choose Add custom connector.
Step 4: In the Add custom connector modal, enter the name of the new connector (SmartDraw) and the url for the SmartDraw MCP server: <https://mcp.smartdraw.com/mcp>
No OAuth2 token is required.
Click Add.
Step 5: On the next screen, click the Connect button.
Step 6: SmartDraw is now connected. You can choose whether you need Claude to approve fetching the VSON specification or show the diagram. We recommend choosing Always allow.
If there is no option to add a custom connector, your plan or workspace settings may not allow it. Ask your workspace administrator to enable custom connectors.
You can disconnect the MCP Server at any time from the same screen.
Use SmartDraw with a Prompt
You can help Claude use the connector by referring to it by name. We suggest using the phrase "With SmartDraw" or "Using SmartDraw" in your prompt to make sure Claude knows to invoke the SmartDraw connector.
In a new Claude chat, type any of the following:
"UsingDraw me a flowchart of a typical hiring process, with branches for hire and no hire."
"Build an org chart for a 50-person startup with engineering, design, and sales teams."
"Sketch a floor plan for a 1,200 square foot two-bedroom apartment with an open kitchen."
"Take this Mermaid diagram and rebuild it in SmartDraw: [paste your Mermaid]."
Claude will respond with a preview image and a link that opens the drawing in SmartDraw. From there you can edit, share, and export like any other SmartDraw drawing.
Continue to Edit You Generated Diagram in SmartDraw
Click the Edit in SmartDraw button and confirm Open Link.
This will open the generated diagram in SmartDraw and let you make edits using SmartDraw instead of AI.
If you're already logged into a SmartDraw account the diagram will open in your account and you can name it and make edits. If you're not logged in, it will open in a trial copy of SmartDraw. To be able to access changes you make later, make sure to either log in or create an account.
Once in SmartDraw, you can change colors, move shapes around, add new items, and so on. You have the full power of SmartDraw at your disposal.
What You Can Do
Use prompts. You can use a natural language prompt to generate a diagram or floor plan based on the best publicly available information.
Use existing data. You can also paste in Mermaid blocks, SVG, CSV data, and existing VSON and have SmartDraw generate a diagram using your specific information.
Combine SmartDraw with other connectors. Ask Claude to "Make an org chart from my SharePoint people directory" or "Turn this Google Doc process into a flowchart." Claude pulls the data from the other source and asks SmartDraw to draw it.
Iterate in the conversation. Anything you say after the first drawing refines that drawing. "Add more steps for QA." "Make the kitchen bigger." "Use a darker theme."
Make edits in SmartDraw. Open the drawing in SmartDraw and make edits. The generated diagram can be added to your account like any other document.
FAQ
Do I need a paid SmartDraw account?
A SmartDraw trial works for getting started. Paid and Enterprise accounts allow more usage of MCP and shapes per diagram.
Where does my prompt go?
Your prompt stays in Claude. SmartDraw only ever sees the VSON that Claude generates and a short title.
How long does the drawing stay available?
The VSON SmartDraw renders from is stored for 48 hours so you can open it in the editor. After that, the link expires. The drawing itself, once saved to your SmartDraw account, stays as long as you want it.
What if Claude generates something that does not look right?
Just say so. "That's not quite right, the approval step should come before the review." Claude will rewrite the VSON and ask SmartDraw to re-render.