SmartDraw last week rolled out the latest version of its Windows-based chart and diagramming tool.

Called SmartDraw 7, the new version boasts an improved user interface as well as several new features aimed at making it even easier for designers to create clear, concise, informative graphics and charts.

"This is a major new release," said Paul Stannard, SmartDraw’s CEO. "We revamped the interface, made it easier to use, and concurrently streamlined the look-and-feel while delivering more functionality. We also added thousands of new professionally designed symbols and templates to address every customer need. If our customers asked for it, it's there."

SmartDraw 7, like its predecessors, is designed to aid professionals in creating flowcharts, organizational charts, Gantt charts, mechanical and software diagrams, floor plans, calendars, and any other kind of technical diagram. The new version now has an improved user interface that makes it easier to toggle between features and access the many templates and other aids within the software, the company said.

In addition, SmartDraw 7 offers an automated org chart builder and the ability to automatically add photos to org charts. It also has an easier flowcharter that automatically adds lines between shapes in the chart, and a new floor plan wizard that lets users view the lengths of any line as drawn as well as provides floor plan basics. The new version also has an improved calendar creator that lets users plug in any month and year and automatically draw the proper calendar, as well as a variety of technical diagramming features.