You can see all positions, hierarchy, departments, and reporting relationships in your organization at a glance! MS Word has amazing built-in tools for creating your perfect organizational chart.
The setback comes when users struggle to leverage this golden opportunity in MS Word. Users often wonder, what does this feature do? How can I do this? Don't worry; this article will explain how to create an organizational chart in Word in minutes.
What is an Organizational Chart in Word?
An organizational chart contains all the information about your company's structure and hierarchy, making it easier to understand. A crisp, clear, and professional organizational chart has greater importance than I can list. It can help you show your team or company's structure, roles, and responsibilities.
The primary perk is that it increases efficiency and understanding in your company. Users' main question is how to make an organizational chart in Word. So, I will focus on MS Word when explaining the process in the subsequent sections. So, sit back as I enlighten you on how to make an organizational chart in Word.
How to Create an Organizational Chart in Word (Step-by-Step)
We all have an idea of how MS Word can help everyone in this tech-savvy generation. Yeah, and, of course, that includes business owners, employers, and employees worldwide. MS Word allows users to make the perfect organizational chart that meets their company's unique needs.
You can add designed boxes and hyperlinks or use the organizational chart template on Word. Now, I know you want to learn how to create an organizational chart in Word, so let's cut to the chase, shall we?
Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open a new blank Word document.
Step 2: Click on the Insert tab on the toolbar.
Step 3: Then click on SmartArt in the illustration group.
Step 4: You will find a variety of graphics on the SmartArt Gallery; find and select "Hierarchy."
Step 5: In the Organization Chart section, click your preferred layout.
Step 6: Click OK.
When you follow the steps above, you will have a new SmartArt graphic on your document. Then, you can add text to the different shapes and boxes to the graphic to represent your company's different departments and positions. You can also add boxes, format and edit texts, or even create an organizational chart with pictures.
The simple steps above should do the trick, but you can make the process easier if you select any of Word's organizational chart templates. Also, I hope you do not think Word has a single, fixed template. No, there are lots of organizational chart templates to choose from!
Where to Find Free Organizational Chart Templates
I know you must've been intrigued by the concluding parts of the previous section, where I wrote about organizational chart templates and their uses. So, you'll want to know where you can find more templates to create the perfect organizational chart for your company.
Alright then! Let us explore some of the best free and professional organizational chart templates.
SmartDraw: With SmartDraw, you get access to a wide variety of free organizational chart templates that you can use to create the best one for you. My favorite chart template on this website is the Hierarchical Organizational Chart. It is more sophisticated, has plenty of features, and is perfect if your organization is large and has a more complex hierarchy.
TemplateLab: Although the features and templates in TemplateLab are not as complex as SmartDraw, TemplateLab has its special perks. You can get a variety of free organizational chart templates, including templates for different businesses, different levels of complexity, and different styles. You should try out TemplateLab's Simple Organizational Chart—it's a good choice for small organizations with simple hierarchy.
WPS Academy: One unique perk of this website is that it offers its users free tutorials along with several templates for organizational charts. Here, you can find numerous templates, and their features are simple and easy to use and understand. WPS Academy's Organizational Chart template is something you should try out! It is most suitable for you if you want to quickly and easily create efficient and informative organizational charts.
Personally, choosing the right template for my organizational chart is easy because I know just what my company needs. The basic things to consider are your business's size, hierarchy, complexity, and the level of customization you need. With all those things checked, you can select the perfect template for your organization.
How to Add Boxes to Organizational Chart in Word
Creating organizational charts on MS Word is always thrilling, but adding boxes, images, and diagrams to your chart is more exciting. In the latter parts of this section, I will include some additional tips on what you can do with a box in your organizational chart. For now, let's explore how to add boxes to an organizational chart in Word.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Create an organizational chart on Word. You can follow the steps above to create a chart using SmartArt or use an organizational chart template instead.
Step 2: Select the box where you want to add a new box. On the SmartArt Design tab, you will find the Create Graphic group. In that group, look for Add Shape and click the arrow next to it.
Step 3: Now, you can choose whether to add the box above, below, or at the same level as the selected box. Click Add Shape After to add a box at the same level as your selected box.
Step 4: Click Add Shape Above to add a box one level above the selected box. Click Add Shape Below to add a box one level below the selected box.
With these steps, a new box will appear in the chart. It's time for the pro tips, as promised!
You can add boxes to your organizational chart by dragging and dropping them from the SmartArt gallery.
To remove a box, right-click the box and select Delete.
You can move a box to any location you want. Simply click the box and drag it to the desired location.
To resize, click the box and adjust the sizing handles.
Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office—WPS Office
Another concern users often have is asking if there is another way I can easily create organizational charts apart from Word. Yes, of course! The best alternative to Microsoft Office is WPS Office.
Apart from creating visually appealing and professional organizational charts, WPS Office is useful in all other aspects of documenting. WPS Office is a great free alternative to Microsoft Office. As a matter of fact, it does all the work that MS Office can do, and it is equally efficient. Here are some perks that you can get from this Suite:
Compatibility: WPS Office is highly compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices. With different operating systems, you can access WPS Office files on your Android, iOS, and devices. Also, you can easily view, edit, and share WPS Office files on other platforms, including Microsoft Office.
Free Download: Unlike MS Office, which demands a paid subscription for access to all features, WPS Office is free to download and use.
User-friendly Interface: Navigating a powerful tool has never been easier! WPS Office's interface is easy to understand and needs no external knowledge to use.
PDF Editor: You must've noticed that it is difficult to edit PDF documents on some platforms. WPS Office, however, allows you to create, edit, and share PDF documents with its powerful features.
WPS Presentation: Like MS PowerPoint, WPS has a powerful presentation tool to create exciting PPT slides. The primary difference between WPS and other platforms is that you can get access to all WPS Office's features for free!
Overall, WPS Office Suite is your go-to option when you need a reasonably priced, effective, and potent replacement for Microsoft Office. Additionally, it is free and includes all the functionality you want for tasks like writing, editing, and creating. So, what are you waiting for? Get the WPS Office package today and unlock your inner creativity!
FAQs: Solving Common Chart Dilemmas
Q: Can I create a multi-page organizational chart in Word?
A: If your chat is complete and exceeds one page, Word will automatically add new pages to contain the additional content. This way, you do not have to squeeze your chart to fit one page, but you can create a clear, multi-paged organizational chart instead.
Q: How can I change the chart's color scheme?
A: Follow these simple steps to beautify your chart with colors
(i) First, select the box in which you want to add a new color.
(ii) Go to the Design tab in the Chart Tools.
(iii) Check the Chart Styles menu and select Change Colors
(iv) Select your desired color.
Q: Is it possible to add hyperlinks to the chart?
A: For now, you can not add hyperlinks to individual elements within the chart on Word. Instead, you can add them to shapes or text boxes placed outside the chart. However, I suggest that you remain updated, as this feature may have been included in newer versions of MS Word.
Summary
Microsoft Word offers one of the best solutions if you want to create an organizational chart. In this article, you have learned how to make organizational charts in Word and the ways to add and format boxes, among other crucial things. Also, I introduced you to the best alternative to MS Office—WPS Office.
Every student, company owner, and employee should have a WPS Office because of its compatibility, user-friendly interface, efficiency, and variety of tools and capabilities, among other things. Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF editors, drawing tools, and more are all available for free with WPS Office. So, get your copy now!
