How to Create an Org Chart in PowerPoint Using SmartArt (Step-by-Step)

Organizational charts are one of those slides that seem simple, until you actually have to build one. Between aligning so many boxes, adjusting spacing, and trying to keep that tiny text readable, creating org charts quickly becomes a headache. 

But there's good news: PowerPoint’s SmartArt feature makes creating an org chart much faster. Even if you’re not a designer!

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to create an org chart in PowerPoint step-by-step, plus insider tips to make it look more professional.

But First - Why Are We Using SmartArt?

SmartArt is a built-in PowerPoint feature that lets you create structured visuals (like processes or hierarchies)  without manually drawing shapes.

Now Let's Build Our Organizational Chart

Step 1: Insert a SmartArt Graphic

1. Open your PowerPoint slide
2. Go to Insert → SmartArt
3. In the SmartArt window, select Hierarchy
4. Choose an Organizational Chart of your choice
   You'll see there are options with and without photos and both horizontal and vertical layouts
5. Click OK

You’ll see a basic org chart appear on your slide with placeholder text.

Here is the option we chose for this tutorial:

Step 2: Add Names and Roles Using the Text Pane

The easiest way to build your org chart is through the Text Pane.

1. Click the SmartArt graphic
2. Open the Text Pane (small arrow on the left, or via SmartArt Design → Text Pane)
   
3. Type names and roles directly into the list

• Press Enter to add another person at the same level
• Press Tab to create a subordinate
• Press Shift + Tab to move someone up a level
  

Step 3: Add or Remove Roles Visually

The beauty of SmartArt is that it rebalances automatically. You can now manage the structure to add new levels or additional roles using buttons in the ribbon:

1. Select a box in the org chart
   
2. Go to SmartArt Design → Add Shape
   
3. Choose:
   • Add Shape Below (subordinate)
   • Add Shape Above (manager)
   • Add Shape After / Before (same level)

PowerPoint will automatically reposition everything for you.

Step 4: Customize the Design (Colors & Style)

By default, SmartArt charts are fine. But a little customization goes a long way.

To update the look:

1. Go to SmartArt Design → Change Colors
   
2. Try a simple, high-contrast color set
   

You can also browse our pre-designed Org Charts if you want additional inspiration.

 

Step 5: Resize and Adjust for Readability

Before calling it done:

1. Increase font size where needed, if it's not legible
   
2. Make sure names don’t wrap awkwardly
   
3. Center the chart vertically on the slide
   
4. If your chart feels cramped, it may be a sign you need to split it across two slides.
   
   

Any Other Ways To Customize the Chart?

Yes, if you want even more control, you can convert the SmartArt to shapes once you're done:

1. Select the SmartArt
   
2. Right-click → Convert to Shapes
   

This will allow you to:

• Customize spacing
• Customize different box sizes
• and more
  

But beware: once converted, you lose SmartArt’s automatic layout. Only do this if you’re confident you won’t need to restructure the chart later, or keep a copy of the original SmartArt, so you can go back to it.

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If your goal is efficiency, SmartArt is a useful (and underrated) tool. Start there for your org chart graphic to keep it simple, and easy to refine.

And if you want to check out pre-designed PowerPoint Org Charts, feel free to browse our whole collection.