Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use SmartIcons?

Simply copy a SmartIcon from the master PowerPoint file and paste it into your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document. It remains fully adjustable and you can customize size, fill color(s), and outlines.

Product Usage

Why SmartIcons?

Licensing & Sharing

What versions of Microsoft Office are supported?

SmartIcons work in Microsoft Office 2007 and newer, including all Microsoft 365 versions on both Windows and Mac.

Why can't I find anything like this anywhere else?

Because we invented it. We're the only company in the world that has created truly interactive business graphics for Office using just Office!

Is this some kind of hack or will it break?

No, this uses Microsoft's own official drawing technology - the same engine that powers AutoShapes.

Can I share SmartIcons with my team?

The standard license is for a single user. If you wish to share documents with non-licensed users, you must first convert the SmartIcon to a static image (e.g., "Paste as Picture"). We offer bulk licensing for teams; please contact us for details.

Is this a subscription?

No. It is a one-time purchase that grants you lifetime access to the entire Super Pack 1 collection, including any future updates to this pack.

Why is this better than hiring a designer?

Designers cost $50-200/hour and take days for revisions. SmartIcons let you make unlimited changes instantly. Pay once, use forever.

Do I need design skills to use SmartIcons?

Absolutely not! If you can drag a mouse, you can customize SmartIcons. No design experience required.

Competitors & Alternatives

Business & Partnerships

How does this compare to ThinkCell?

ThinkCell costs $300+ per year, requires training, and has a very limited library of shapes and icons. Oh, and you have to install it...and upgrade it...and detail with all of that. SmartIcons gives you everything for one low price, works immediately, and includes many, many graphics ThinkCell doesn't offer.

What about PowerPoint's built-in charts?

PowerPoint charts are data-driven and complex to set up and customize. SmartIcons are concept-driven - perfect for quick visual storytelling without spreadsheet connections.

Can I white-label or resell SmartIcons?

No, SmartIcons are for end-user consumption only. Each purchase is watermarked with purchaser information for anti-piracy protection.

Do you offer bulk/team licensing?

SmartIcons Super Pack 1 is sold as an individual license and as a 10-pack of licenses. For site or enterprise licenses, please get in touch with us.

Protection for You

How do you prevent piracy?

Every SmartIcons Super Pack 1 purchase is digitally watermarked with your unique purchase ID embedded directly into the file structure. This invisible protection:

• Ensures your investment in original software

• Helps us track and prevent unauthorized distribution

• Provides proof of legitimate purchase

• Cannot be removed without corrupting the SmartIcons

We protect creators who create original content, just like you protect your own work.

Can I just use AutoShapes instead?

AutoShapes are great, but they are limited and stale for storytelling. SmartIcons are sophisticated business graphics with built-in intelligence - like bar charts that maintain proportions or gauges with perfect arc calculations.

What makes this different from icons on websites like Flaticon or The Noun Project?

Those are static images. SmartIcons are living, breathing graphics that adjust to your data story.

Who developed these?

Well, Tendoors LLC. But actually Todd Main, owner of Tendoors. Many years ago, he worked for Microsoft. But not anywhere near the product and engineering group - he worked in technical support, sales, and training over his 11 years at Microsoft.

About

How is Microsoft involved?

Microsoft is not involved. SmartIcons and this website are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation.

Were these created with AI?

No, not at all. AI doesn't seem to be able to understand Office drawing technology and formulas. Each shape took many, many months of prototyping, development, testing, and user-acceptance testing.

Will there be more SmartIcons available in the future? Can I request one?

We are currently in planning for a Super Pack 2. As these SmartIcons take A LONG TIME develop and test, they likely will be available in 2026. We're not currently taking requests (but rest assured, we have a solid list of more business-related SmartIcons in the works).