u/Realistic_Policy_728

Hello! We have two rooms in our house with a sort of popcorn ceiling? It's more popcorny on some parts and less on others. It looks more like just a pattern made with a sponge. I tried uploading a photo but looks like attachments aren't allowed. We know about joint compound but that seems a bit messy, requiring sanding and all. Are there other options to smooth out a ceiling? There are also a few cracks, we're not sure how to fix them, fill them in with something or tape? Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!