Introduction to Creating an Organization Chart in Excel

Creating an organization chart in Excel can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and some strategic planning, it can be a rewarding and valuable tool for your business. This guide will walk you through the steps of creating your own organization chart in Excel, including the use of built-in tools and add-ins. Let’s dive in!

Understand the Purpose of Your Organization Chart

The first step is to come up with an idea for your organization chart. This does not have to be a major undertaking; it can be a new product, service, or even a new way of doing things. Once you have an idea, you need to outline your business goals, strategies, and plans. This will serve as the foundation for your chart.

Securing Funding and Marketing

After you have a plan in place, the next step is to secure funding. This can be done by attending business events, reaching out to friends and family, and submitting proposals to business incubators and accelerators. Once you have the funding, you can focus on developing a marketing strategy to promote your organization.

Creating the Organization Chart in Excel

Excel offers a variety of charts and tools that can help you create an effective organization chart. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Open the Spreadsheet: Start by opening a new or existing Excel spreadsheet. Go to the Insert Tab: Click on the Insert tab in your Excel ribbon, which is typically located at the top of the screen. Select SmartArt: In the Illustrations group, click on SmartArt. Choose a Hierarchy Chart: A dialog box will appear. Click on Hierarchy, which is the first gallery, and then select an organization chart layout. Press OK. Enter Text: Now you can start entering the text for your organization chart. You can add different levels of hierarchy as needed.

For more tips and shortcuts, consider using KeySkillset, an educational platform that includes over 200 shortcuts and more than 70 formulas. Play with the educational games to improve your Excel skills and muscle memory.

Using the Visio Data Visualizer Add-in for Excel

If you have Excel 2016 or later, or are comfortable working online with the free Excel Online app, you can use the Visio Data Visualizer add-in. This add-in is available for free from the Office Store, and you can install it using the Developer tab in Excel.

Access the Developer Tab: Click on the Developer tab in the Excel ribbon or right-click a blank space in the ribbon to customize the tab. Install the Add-in: Go to the Add-ins icon, search for data visualizer, and click the Add button to install the add-in. Create the Organization Chart: Once the add-in is installed, select Organization Chart 5 from the left side and choose one of the chart types displayed on the right. Use Sample Data: Excel will create an org chart using sample data in a table. You can customize the chart by editing the table and clicking Refresh to update the chart.

With these tools and steps, you can create a professional and effective organization chart in Excel. Whether you’re aiming for a simple hierarchical structure or complex roles and relationships, Excel provides the flexibility to fit your needs.

Conclusion

Creating an organization chart in Excel is a powerful way to visualize your business structure and plans. By following these steps and utilizing the built-in tools and add-ins, you can create a chart that not only looks good but also serves as a useful tool for planning and communication.