Add SmartDraw to ChatGPT

Use ChatGPT to generate fully editable SmartDraw drawings in the context of your conversation. Ask ChatGPT to use SmartDraw to generate a flowchart, an org chart, a mind map, a timeline, or a floor plan, and SmartDraw renders it, returns a preview, and gives you a link to open the drawing in the full SmartDraw editor.

All you need to do is connect ChatGPT to the SmartDraw MCP Server. It teaches ChatGPT 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, and pasted data, renders the drawing, and returns a preview image plus an "Edit in SmartDraw" link, all in one app.

What You Will Need

  • A ChatGPT account on a plan that supports plugins in developer mode or custom apps (Plus, Pro, Team, or Enterprise).
  • A SmartDraw account. You need at least a trial account to get started with the MCP.
SmartDraw and ChatGPT logos

Connect the SmartDraw MCP Server

  1. In ChatGPT, go to Settings → Plugins → Developer Mode and enable Developer Mode if it's not already enabled. This is also available under Settings → Security and login → Developer Mode
  2. After Developer Mode is enabled, in the left panel, select Plugins and click the + icon next to the search field.
  3. A dialog appears. Enter the SmartDraw MCP Server information. The URL is "https://mcp.smartdraw.com/mcp". In the authentication drop-down, make sure No Auth is selected because no authentication will be required.
  4. Click the Create button.
  5. Confirm you want to Connect ChatGPT and SmartDraw

If the + icon is not available on the Plugins screen, you need to turn on Developer Mode or ask your ChatGPT workspace administrator to enable Developer Mode for your account.

You can disconnect the SmartDraw app at any time from the Plugins area.

Connecting SmartDraw MCP server to ChatGPT

Try It

In a new ChatGPT conversation, type any of the following:

  • "Use SmartDraw to draw me a flowchart of a typical hiring process, with branches for hire and no hire."
  • "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 responds with a preview image and a link that opens the drawing in the full SmartDraw editor. From there you can edit, share, and export like any other SmartDraw drawing.

ChatGPT generating flowchart with SmartDraw MCP server

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 a swimlane 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.
Editing AI generated flowchart inside SmartDraw

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 npm install followed by npm start. Node.js is required.

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; allow a few moments, or log out and back in.

Managing the SmartDraw MCP in ChatGPT

Common Questions

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 ChatGPT. SmartDraw only ever sees the VSON that ChatGPT generates and a short title. Read SmartDraw AI Privacy and Data Handling for full details.

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.