Create an Organization Chart easily: Simple Org Chart Guide

Let’s Learn how to create The Easiest Way to Create an Organization Chart with this simple, step-by-step guide. Use SmartArt to visualize your organization chart. Creating an organizational chart (org chart) can seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it’s easier than you might think when you use tools that offer drag and drop functionality. Whether you’re looking to visualize your team structure or just want a clear picture of your company’s hierarchy, all you need are lists of people and their managers. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best and simplest way to create an org chart, complete with customizable styles and options for adding photos. Let’s dive in!

What is an Organizational Chart?

An organizational chart is a visual representation of a company’s structure, illustrating the hierarchy, roles, and relationships between individuals or departments, including the highest-ranking positions. It serves as a roadmap for understanding reporting lines, responsibilities, and team dynamics, particularly in sales teams where clear roles enhance efficiency.

A Brief History

Organizational charts trace back to the mid-19th century, with early examples in railroad companies to manage complex operations. Engineer Daniel McCallum is credited with creating one of the first formal org charts in 1854 for the New York and Erie Railroad. Over time, org charts evolved from static diagrams to dynamic digital tools, reflecting modern businesses’ need for flexibility and scalability.

Seeking the easiest way to create an organizational chart

I’m on the hunt for a user-friendly tool to create professional organizational charts for my sales team. Ideally, it should be intuitive, visually appealing, and capable of handling complex hierarchies with ease. Key requirements include:

• Ease of Use: A drag-and-drop interface or simple data import (e.g., from Excel or CSV) to quickly build and edit charts.
• Customization: Options to add photos, job titles, contact details, and color-code departments or roles.
• Collaboration: Real-time editing and sharing features for team input or presentations.
• Integration: Compatibility with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or HR systems for seamless data syncing.
• Scalability: Ability to manage charts for teams of 50+ people without performance issues.
• Export Options: High-quality PDF, PNG, or interactive formats for reports or client pitches.

I’ve looked at tools like Lucidchart, Visio, and Canva, but I’m curious about other options or hidden gems that might also use org charts effectively. What tools do you recommend for creating org charts? Bonus points for affordable pricing or free tiers suitable for small to medium-sized sales teams looking to learn how to create effective org charts. Please share your experiences, including pros, cons, or any workarounds you’ve found helpful!

Components of Organizational Charts

Effective org charts typically include basic org charts that define roles and reporting lines.

• Roles and Titles: Clearly defined positions (e.g., Sales Manager, Account Executive).
• Hierarchy: Lines showing reporting relationships are essential for a clear traditional org chart.
• Names and Photos are crucial elements in creating an organizational chart that clearly depicts the chain of command.: Personalizing team members for better recognition.
• Departments and employee directories are essential for understanding the chain of command in a business.: Grouping by function (e.g., Sales, Marketing).
• Contact Information: Emails or phone numbers for quick communication.

Vertical or Hierarchical Organizational Chart

A vertical (or hierarchical) org chart is the most common format, displaying a top-down structure. The CEO or head of sales sits at the top, with layers of management and team members below. This format excels in clarifying authority and accountability but may feel rigid for flatter or agile teams.

Limitations of an Organizational Chart

While useful, org charts have drawbacks:

• Static NatureThey may not reflect real-time changes like promotions or turnover in the organization’s structure.
• Oversimplification of the reporting structure can lead to misunderstandings.: Complex team dynamics or informal relationships may be omitted.
• Scalability Issues: Large teams can make charts cluttered or hard to navigate.
• Lack of Context in the organizational structure can lead to confusion and inefficiency.They don’t capture workflows, decision-making processes, or cultural nuances found in the organization’s structure.

How to Craft UML Diagrams

Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams, while distinct from org charts, can complement them by mapping processes or system interactions in sales operations. To create UML diagrams:

1. Choose a Diagram Type: Use case diagrams for customer interactions or class diagrams for CRM system structures.
2. Select a Tool: Opt for tools like Lucidchart, Draw.io, or Enterprise Architect with UML support to easily create an organizational chart.
3. Define Elements: Identify actors (e.g., sales reps, clients) and relationships (e.g., data flows).
4. Design Visually: Use standardized UML notation (e.g., rectangles for classes, arrows for associations).
5. Validate: Ensure the diagram aligns with the sales process or system it represents.

Step 1: Gather Your Data

First things first, you need some data with clear relationships. No, I’m not talking about office romances—unless that’s what you’re trying to map out (hey, no judgment!). What you really need is data showing who reports to whom in your organization. For this example, I’ve got all my org data neatly stored in a Microsoft Excel file.

In my Excel sheet, I’ve listed everyone’s name and their reporting managers in an organizational structure chart in Excel. Titles are optional, but they can be helpful. For instance, Patti is our company president, so she’s at the top of the chart. She has four direct reports, including me, and one of her reports, Nestor, also has his own team.

If you don’t have Excel, don’t worry! This data could come from Word, an email, or even a Notepad file, which can be used to visualize the organization’s structure. The key is making sure the relationships are clearly defined.

Step 2: Copy Your Data

Once your data is ready, it’s time to copy it. Simply select your data, press Ctrl + C, and you’re good to go. The data will be placed on your clipboard, ready to be used in your employee directory or org chart.

Step 3: Head to Bricks.com

Now, let’s put that data to work. Go to Bricks.com (I’ve included a link for your convenience). Bricks is a fantastic tool that leverages AI to help you create org charts and many other visuals quickly and easily, making it a great alternative to Microsoft Word for Mac.

If you haven’t heard of Bricks before, it’s a new service that integrates with various platforms to enhance your ability to create cross-functional org charts. AI into spreadsheets and documents, making it super simple to generate an org chart. Trust me, it’s way easier than doing it in Word, PowerPoint, or Visio, especially with tools that utilize the SmartArt design tab.

Step 4: Create Your Org Chart

Once you’ve signed up and logged in to Bricks, you’ll find yourself in a new chat. On the left-hand side, you’ll see various options, including the ability to create roadmaps, timelines, lists, tables, and more, all of which can be part of a professionally designed org chart. But for now, let’s focus on our org chart.

At the bottom of the chat, type “make an org chart” and hit Shift + Enter. Then, paste the data you copied from Excel into the text pane of your org chart in Word. Bricks will recognize the data and generate your org chart automatically.

Step 5: Customize the Style

Now that your org chart is generated, you can have some fun with it! Bricks offers various styles to choose from. You can swap styles with a simple click and see what works best for your organization. Want to add photos? No problem! Choose a style that includes placeholders for images and upload them directly to create an organization chart.

Step 6: Edit and Update

What if there’s a mistake or you need to make changes? Easy! Just click on any part of the org chart to edit. For example, my title was mistakenly listed as “Cookie Monster” (which, let’s be honest, is somewhat true), but I needed to update it to “Content Creator.” It’s as simple as clicking, typing, and hitting enter.

You can also add new employees or update existing ones to improve your organization’s structure. Bricks keeps all your data in a spreadsheet format, so any changes you make in the org chart will be reflected in the underlying data, and vice versa.

Step 7: Export and Share

Once you’re happy with your org chart, it’s time to export it. Click the download icon in the top right corner, and you can choose to save it as an image (PNG) or a PDF of your organization chart, which visually represents the hierarchy within an organization. This is perfect for sharing in presentations or sending out to the team using basic org charts.

Extra Features: Advanced Customization and Presentation Mode

Bricks also allows you to add more context to your org chart by sending it to a “board” view, where you can add text, charts, and other elements. This feature is great for presentations where you need to provide additional information. You can even enter presentation mode directly from Bricks, making it a one-stop solution for all your org chart needs at the top level.

Some other Platforms to Create an Organizational Chart Online?

Below are some of the easiest online platforms for creating organizational charts, known for their intuitive interfaces and accessibility:

1. Canva:
   • Why: Offers a free tier with drag-and-drop templates, ideal for beginners. No design skills required.
   • How: Choose an org chart template, add names, photos, and customize colors, then download as PNG or PDF.
   • Pros: Visually appealing, user-friendly, and free for basic use.
   • Cons of using basic templates for organization charts.: Limited for complex hierarchies or integrations.
2. Lucidchart:
   • Why: Provides a robust free tier with drag-and-drop functionality and real-time collaboration.
   • How: Import data from Excel or CSV, customize with photos and details, and export in multiple formats.
   • Pros: Integrates with Salesforce and Google Drive, making it scalable for larger teams using an organizational chart template.
   • Cons: Advanced features require a paid plan.
3. Creately:
   • Why: Features simple templates and an intuitive interface, with collaboration tools.
   • How Use pre-built shapes to build charts, add details, and share via links or exports in the design tab.
   • Pros: Affordable, supports UML diagrams and flowcharts too.
   • Cons: Fewer integrations compared to Lucidchart.
4. SmartDraw:
   • Why Combines ease of use with powerful automation for quick chart creation using SmartArt tools.
   • How: Import data or build manually, customize with themes, and export as PDF or PNG.
   • Pros Integrates with Microsoft Office and HR systems to enhance the organization chart.
   • Cons: Free trial is limited; full features require purchase.
5. Draw.io (diagrams.net):
   • Why: Completely free, browser-based, and integrates with cloud storage like Google Drive.
   • How: Select an org chart template, add roles and connections, and save or export.
   • Pros No cost, open-source, and highly customizable organization chart.
   • Cons: Less polished than paid tools like Canva or Lucidchart.

Recommendation: Utilize a free organizational chart tool to visualize your team’s hierarchy effectively.: For the easiest experience, consider using the drag and drop feature available in many org chart tools. Canva is ideal for small teams due to its simplicity and free templates. For more advanced needs, Lucidchart or Draw.io offer greater flexibility and scalability.

FAQs: Creating an Organizational Chart Easily

Conclusion: A Quick and Easy Solution

Creating an org chart doesn’t have to be a chore. With Bricks, it’s quick, easy, and even a little bit fun. Whether you’re updating your team structure or preparing for an all-hands meeting, Bricks has the tools you need to create a professional and visually appealing org chart in minutes. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.