How To Make a Professional Org Chart in Excel

An organizational chart is a diagram that illustrates the structure of a company or team. It shows relationships between different roles and departments. It’s a useful tool for learning the hierarchy and reporting lines within an organization.

Creating an org chart in Excel is a practical choice due to its built-in tools and ease of use. This guide will show you various methods of making an org chart in Excel.

The page also introduces a quicker alternative using Edraw.AI for a more professional and visually appealing result. Keep reading to explore more!

How To Make an Org Chart in Excel

Excel provides many methods for creating an organizational chart. Below are three effective approaches to help you get started:

Method 1: Using SmartArt

SmartArt offers an easy way to create an org chart directly in Excel. Follow the steps to get started:

Step 1

Launch Excel to get started. Click Insert > SmartArt > Hierarchy > Organizational Chart.

Step 2

Select a shape and use Add Shape to insert managers, subordinates, or colleagues. Click inside each shape and add employee names and job titles.

Step 3

Use the SmartArt Design tab to adjust colors, styles, and layout for a polished look.

Step 4

Once finalized, save your org chart by selecting File > Save As. Choose your desired format, such as Excel Workbook or PDF.

Method 2: Using Excel Templates

Excel’s pre-built org chart templates offer a straightforward approach, saving time with a ready-made structure. Here are the steps:

Step 1

Launch Excel. Next, click File > New > Blank workbook. Search for “Organization Chart” in the template search bar. Select a suitable template.

Step 2

Click the text boxes in the template to replace placeholder names and job titles with actual employee details.

Step 3

If you need more boxes, copy and paste existing shapes or click Add Shape. Use Excel’s formatting tools to change fonts, colors, and alignment, ensuring a cohesive look.

Step 4

Save your completed org chart by clicking File > Save As. Share it via email or export it as a PDF for distribution.

Method 3: Creating an Org Chart Manually With Shape

For more customization, manually building an org chart using shapes and lines gives full creative control. Here’s how:

Step 1

Go to Insert > Shapes, and select rectangles or circles to represent employees. Arrange these shapes on the Excel sheet.

Step 2

Use lines or arrows from the Shapes menu to connect the hierarchy. Double-click each shape to input employee names, roles, and other necessary information.

Step 3

Adjust the size, color, and style of shapes and lines for a clean and professional appearance. When done, save the org chart you created manually.

How to Quickly Make an Org Chart in Edraw.AI

Edraw.AI is an advanced online visual collaboration tool with over 40 AI-powered features. The platform allows you to design professional org charts with ease. You’ll explore two methods for creating org charts in Edraw.AI: starting from scratch and using templates.

Method 1: Creating an Org Chart From Scratch

Starting from scratch allows full customization of your org chart. The method allows you to tailor your chart to your organization’s needs. Follow the steps to make an org chart from scratch with Edraw.AI:

Step 1

Go to Edraw.AI. Log in and click New > Org Chart > New Org Chart to create a new project.

Step 2

Double-click each shape to input employee names, roles, and departments. Use connector lines to link shapes. Adjust lines as needed for clarity.

Step 3

Apply colors, fonts, and styles using the right panel. Choose a consistent theme for a professional look.

Step 4

Click Export to save your org chart. You can export it as a PDF, Image, or Excel or share it directly via a link.

Method 2: Using Edraw.AI Organizational Chart Templates

Using pre-designed templates in Edraw.AI is also a quick and effective way to create a polished org chart without starting from scratch. Follow the steps:

Step 1

Log in to Edraw.AI and click Templates. Type “Organizational Chart” in the search bar or choose Diagram Type > More > Org Chart.

Step 2

Select a template that best suits your organization’s structure. Click Create with template to open it in the editor.

Step 3

Replace the placeholder text with your organization’s details by clicking the text boxes. Update employee names, job titles, and departments.

Step 4

Use the left and right panels to modify colors, fonts, and the layout. You can add or remove shapes as needed to fit your hierarchy.

Step 5

When you have finished customizing, save and share your work with your friends or colleagues.

Why Use Edraw.AI?

Edraw.AI offers intuitive features like drag-and-drop, smart connectors, and AI-powered formatting. The platform is ideal for quick and professional org chart creation. Its wide range of templates and customization options allow you to visualize complex organizational structures effortlessly.

With Edraw.AI, you can easily create an appealing and detailed org chart that suits your business needs. It can save you time compared to manual creation in Excel.

Tips for Making Org Charts in Excel

Creating a clear and effective org chart in Excel can be simplified with a few practical tips:

• Use SmartArt for simplicity: Start with SmartArt if you need a quick and clean org chart. It’s beginner-friendly and offers ready-made layouts, reducing your setup time.
• Keep the design simple: Avoid overloading your chart with too many colors or details. Stick to a simple color palette and use legible fonts to maintain clarity.
• Use Excel templates: Excel offers pre-built org chart templates that save time and provide a professional look. Customize these templates by adjusting text, colors, and shapes to fit your organization.
• Group shapes for easy editing: When manually creating org charts, group related shapes and connectors. This makes it easier to move sections around without breaking the layout.

By following these tips, you can create a well-structured and visually appealing org chart in Excel that effectively communicates your organization’s hierarchy.

Conclusion

Creating an org chart in Excel is simple with built-in tools like SmartArt and templates. For a more professional look, Edraw.AI offers advanced features and customizable options. Whichever method you choose, an org chart can effectively visualize team structures.

With these steps, you can easily create, customize, and optimize org charts for any purpose, enhancing clarity and productivity in your organization.