Notangles alternative
Smoov vs Notangles
Notangles is a drag-and-drop timetable planner built by UNSW DevSoc. Smoov takes a different approach - instead of manually dragging classes around, it solves your entire schedule in under a second based on your preferences.
| Category | Smoov | Notangles |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling approach | Constraint-satisfaction solver explores all valid combinations and returns 2-4 ranked options with tradeoff explanations. Set your preferences once and the solver does the rest. | Drag-and-drop interface where you manually arrange classes on a visual timetable. Auto-timetabling feature generates options, but without personal constraint weighting. |
| University support | Works with any Australian university. Allocate+ JSON import supports 15 universities with one-click class population. Manual entry available for all others. | UNSW only. Pulls class data directly from UNSW systems. Students at other universities cannot use it. |
| Work shift protection | Block recurring work shifts, sport training, or appointments as hard constraints. The solver guarantees no class will overlap with your blocked times. | Custom events can be added to the timetable view, but they are not treated as hard constraints by the auto-timetabler. |
| Preference optimisation | Eight weighted preferences (avoid 8am, minimise gaps, protect lunch, finish by 4pm, minimise days, breathing room, protect a day, prefer afternoons) with adjustable weights that the solver actively optimises for. | No weighted preference system. Students manually assess whether a drag-and-drop arrangement meets their personal preferences. |
| Group scheduling | SmoovSync lets friend groups share schedules via room codes and find combinations with maximum shared free time, lunch alignment, and shared campus days. | Friend event sharing lets you see friends' classes on your timetable. Social timetabling features are in development. |
| Privacy | 100% client-side. Data never leaves your browser. No account required for the free tier. | Open-source web app hosted by DevSoc. Pulls data from UNSW APIs. No account required. |
Why students choose Smoov
- Works at any Australian university, not just UNSW
- Solver finds the optimal combination from hundreds of options in under a second
- Work shifts are hard constraints - never violated, not just visually displayed
- Eight weighted preferences let you define exactly what matters most
- Tradeoff explanations tell you what each schedule gains and gives up
- Preference rankings for preference-based enrollment (USYD and similar)
Frequently asked questions
Is Smoov better than Notangles for UNSW students?
It depends on your workflow. Notangles is great if you prefer visually dragging classes around and you only study at UNSW. Smoov is better if you want automated optimisation around work shifts, sleep preferences, and other constraints - the solver finds the best combination without manual trial-and-error.
Can I use Smoov at UNSW?
Yes. Smoov works at any Australian university including UNSW. You can import classes via Allocate+ JSON export or enter them manually.
Is Notangles free?
Yes, Notangles is completely free and open-source, built by the UNSW Developer Society. Smoov also has a free tier covering 4 subjects, 2 schedules, and 3 preferences.