You can use ChatGPT to generate fully editable SmartDraw drawings without leaving ChatGPT. All you have to do is connect ChatGPT to SmartDraw's MCP server then in the context of any conversation simply ask ChatGPT to use SmartDraw to generate a flowchart, org chart, mind map, timeline, or floor plan.
ChatGPT will use SmartDraw's VSON specification to generate code that SmartDraw's MCP server can render as a diagram and return a preview in your conversation with a link to open the drawing in the full SmartDraw editor.
Create a SmartDraw App in ChatGPT
To set this up, you'll need a ChatGPT account on a plan that supports plugins in developer mode or custom apps. You may need to contact your plan administrator to enable developer mode or allow custom apps.
Step 1: Click on your profile icon and select Settings.
Step 2: In the Settings area, click on Plugins → Developer Mode
Step 3: Enable Developer Mode if it’s not already enabled.
Step 4: After Developer Mode is enabled, close the Settings dialog. In the left panel, select Plugins and click the + icon next to the search field
Step 5: In the New Plugin modal, add the url for the SmartDraw MCP server under Connection and name your plugin SmartDraw.
The URL for the SmartDraw MCP server to use is:
https://mcp.smartdraw.com/mcpMake sure under Authentication, you select No Auth from the drop down.
Note: You'll also need to check the box by "I understand and want to continue"
Once everything is set. Click Create.
Step 6: Confirm you want to Connect ChatGPT and SmartDraw.t.
You should now see SmartDraw in your Plugins list under Settings. You can rename or disconnect the plugin from here.
Click the three dots to manage the SmartDraw plugin:
Use SmartDraw with a Prompt
In a ChatGPT conversation, you can get SmartDraw to generate a diagram if you include the phrase "using SmartDraw" or "use SmartDraw" or something similar that lets ChatGPT know to use the installed SmartDraw plugin. For example, you can try:
"Use SmartDraw to draw me a flowchart of a typical hiring process"
"Use SmartDraw to build an org chart for a 50-person startup with engineering, design, and sales teams."
"Use SmartDraw to sketch a floor plan for a 1,200 square foot two-bedroom apartment with an open kitchen."
"Take this Mermaid diagram and rebuild it using SmartDraw: [paste your Mermaid]."
ChatGPT will connect to SmartDraw's server to get the specifications needed to generate a diagram or floor plan, create the code SmartDraw needs to build that diagram and then display a preview image of the generated diagram in the context of your conversation. You'll also get 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
You can click the Edit in SmartDraw button to open the generated diagram in SmartDraw and make edits.
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, make sure to either log in or create an account.
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 apps and connectors. If you also have Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or another data source enabled in ChatGPT, ask for things like "Make an org chart from my SharePoint people directory" or "Turn this week's calendar into a mind map." ChatGPT pulls the data 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.
Custom ChatGPT Agents and OpenAI Codex
The SmartDraw MCP Server also works inside custom ChatGPT agents and OpenAI Codex.
Custom ChatGPT Agents
Download the OpenAI Agent Example zip from SmartDraw, extract it, paste your OpenAI API key into the .env file, then run npm install followed by npm start. Node.js is required. The zip file should be downloadable at the bottom of this article.
OpenAI Codex
In Codex, open Settings → MCP Server → Add Server. Name the server SmartDraw, choose Streamable HTTP, and enter https://mcp.smartdraw.com/mcp Save. The server entry may not appear immediately. Make sure to allow a few moments, or log out and back in.
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 more shapes per diagram.
Where does my prompt go?
Your prompt stays in ChatGPT. SmartDraw only ever sees the VSON that ChatGPT 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 ChatGPT generates something that does not look right?
Just say so. "That's not quite right, the approval step should come before the review." ChatGPT will rewrite the VSON and ask SmartDraw to re-render.
Download the OpenAI Example zip below.