Creating an org chart in Excel can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. An org chart, short for organization chart, is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the relationships between its parts. With Excel, you can create a professional-looking org chart in just a few steps. You’ll be able to visualize your company’s hierarchy, making it easier to understand and communicate.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Create an Org Chart in Excel
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that creating an org chart in Excel will help you to visualize the structure of your organization. It’s a great tool for onboarding new employees, planning reorganizations, or just keeping everyone in the loop about the company’s hierarchy.
Step 1: Open Excel and Select a Template
Open Microsoft Excel and click on the ‘File’ tab, then select ‘New’ and search for ‘organization chart’.
Templates are a great starting point as they provide a pre-designed structure that you can customize to fit your needs. This saves you time and ensures that your chart looks professional.
Step 2: Enter Your Data
Click on the boxes in the template to add the names and positions of the individuals in your organization.
It’s important to have a clear idea of your organization’s structure before you start entering data. Make sure you know who reports to whom and have all the necessary information at hand.
Step 3: Customize the Design
Use the ‘Design’ and ‘Format’ tabs to change the colors, styles, and layout of your org chart.
Customizing the design allows you to match the chart with your company’s branding or to make it clearer and easier to read.
Step 4: Save and Share
Once you’re happy with your org chart, save it, and share it with your organization.
Saving your org chart as a PDF or image file can make it easier to share via email or on your company’s internal network.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear and professional-looking org chart that you can use to communicate the structure of your organization to employees, stakeholders, or clients.
Tips for Creating an Org Chart in Excel
- Make sure your data is organized before you start. This will make the process much smoother.
- Use the ‘SmartArt’ graphic tool in Excel to automatically create an org chart with your data.
- If you need to show a large organization, consider breaking it down into smaller, department-specific charts.
- Keep the design simple and clean to ensure that the chart is easy to read and understand.
- Regularly update your org chart to reflect any changes in your organization’s structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add more boxes to my org chart in Excel?
Select a box close to where you want to add a new one, then use the ‘Design’ tab to add a shape.
Can I import data from other sources to create an org chart in Excel?
Yes, Excel allows you to import data from various sources, including other spreadsheets and databases.
How do I change the layout of my org chart?
Use the ‘Layouts’ group in the ‘Design’ tab to change the arrangement of the boxes in your chart.
Is it possible to create a multi-level org chart in Excel?
Yes, Excel’s org chart templates support multiple levels, allowing you to show complex organizational hierarchies.
Can I use Excel to create an org chart for a non-profit organization?
Absolutely, Excel’s org chart functions are versatile and can be used for any type of organization, including non-profits.
Summary
- Open Excel and select a template.
- Enter your data.
- Customize the design.
- Save and share.
Conclusion
Creating an org chart in Excel can streamline your organizational communication and provide a clear, visual representation of your company’s structure. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, an org chart is an essential tool for ensuring everyone knows their role and who they report to. Following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking org chart that can be easily shared with your team. Don’t forget to keep it updated with any structural changes within your organization. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Excel org chart pro. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit your organization?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.