Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Creating an Organization Chart.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 12, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
One of the tools available in Excel is the ability to create organization charts. How you create one depends on the version of Excel you are using. Start by displaying the Insert tab of the ribbon. In the Illustrations group, click the SmartArt tool. Excel displays the Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box. At the left of the dialog box click Hierarchy to see the types of organization charts available. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box.
If you are using Excel 2007 there are seven types of hierarchy charts available. In Excel 2010 and later versions the number is fifteen. Regardless of the version you are using, the first type of hierarchy chart available is the traditional organization chart. Click that chart (or one of the others, if you prefer) and click OK. Excel adds the chart to your worksheet, along with a bunch of different tools on the Design and Format tabs of the ribbon.
Organization charts are made up of shapes and lines. Lines are automatically added or removed as you add or remove shapes. If you would like to change the formatting of any of the elements in the organization chart, right-click on the element and choose Format Shape from the Context menu.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6118) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Creating an Organization Chart.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Macros are a great way to process information in a worksheet. Part of that processing may involve moving graphics around ...
Discover MoreExcel doesn't just work with numbers and text. You can also add graphics objects to your worksheets, and then use Excel's ...
Discover MoreWant to draw a few simple shapes or lines on your worksheet? It really is simple; here's how to do it.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
Comments