OrgCharts for Excel vs SmartArt
Compare SmartArt and OrgCharts for Excel to find the best tool to create org charts directly in Excel.
Creating an Org Chart with SmartArt
In Excel, navigate to the Insert tab, then select SmartArt > Hierarchy > Organization Chart.
A SmartArt shape will be created. Enter your text (such as employee name or job title) into the Text Panel or directly into the chart boxes.
Manually create your hierarchy using the Promote or Demote buttons found in the SmartArt Design toolbar to move employees up or down the structure, or use the Shift key within the Text Pane. Add a subordinate, coworker, or assistant to a selected chart box using the Add Shape button in the same toolbar.
Note: You must enter your data and build the structure manually. There's no way to connect it to a data source or Excel table.
- Use the pre-designed styling options found on the SmartArt Design toolbar to apply color themes, 3D effects, and format your chart with various layouts.
Creating an Org Chart with OrgCharts for Excel
In Excel, click the Add-ins button on the Home tab, search for
'OrgChart4XL', and click Add.Create a new table or use existing data (format the data as a table by selecting the range and pressing
CTRL + T). Your table can contain any number of columns with various data, but it must include:- a unique ID column, and
- a Manager column indicating who each employee reports to.
Free Downloads: Get templates ready for customization.
Open the OrgCharts for Excel add-in and follow any sign-in prompts. Then, select your table from the Suggested Configuration dropdown. OrgCharts for Excel will analyze your table, recommend the ID and Manager columns, and suggest fields to display.
Click Apply these Settings to finalize your chart. You now have a fully navigable, searchable org chart that dynamically updates whenever you make changes to your table.
Choose and order the employee information you wish to display in the chart boxes. Apply styling and formatting from the settings page, or make changes directly in your table — they will be reflected automatically in your chart.
Comparison
| OrgCharts for Excel | Microsoft SmartArt | |
|---|---|---|
| Set-Up | Detects key columns and automatically builds a dynamic org chart. | All boxes, text, and hierarchy are added manually. |
| Updating | Provides real-time updates, mirroring changes made in your table. | Changes must be made manually by adding, deleting, or rearranging shapes. |
| Styling | Full control over content and styling of chart boxes — either via the settings page or directly in your table. | Offers only pre-designed layouts and themes. |
| Navigating | Move up and down your chart's hierarchy or locate an employee by clicking them in the table. | No navigation tools. |
| Searching | Built-in search: find employees by any field and jump to them in the chart and table. | No search capabilities. |
| Filtering | Dynamic filtering allows users to display only the employees or teams they need. | No filtering capabilities. |
| Sharing | Org chart is embedded in the Excel file or can be exported as an image or PDF. | Chart can be shared by exporting the Excel file or screenshotting. |
| Cost | 7-day free trial, then $10/month subscription. | Free and included with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. |
Summary
OrgCharts for Excel is built for dynamic, data-driven charts in a familiar Excel environment. It uses your Excel tables to automatically build, update, and customize org charts. It also offers powerful search and filtering tools, allowing you to quickly locate employees and control what information appears in each chart box. These features make it ideal for large organizations or teams with frequently changing structures.
SmartArt, by contrast, is free, built into Microsoft Office, and suitable for small, static org charts that require minimal employee information. It offers a few pre-built layouts and basic formatting options, but lacks integration with data tables. Every box must be created and updated manually, which becomes cumbersome and error-prone as the organization grows. Without search or filtering capabilities, it's also difficult to navigate and time-consuming to locate employee details.
Choose SmartArt if:
- Your org chart is small and rarely changes.
- You're fine with manually editing and aligning boxes.
- You just need a quick visual for a one-time presentation.
- You’re restricted from installing Excel add-ins.
Choose OrgCharts for Excel if:
- Your team is large, complex, or frequently changing.
- You need to manage updates directly from a data table.
- You want built-in search and filtering tools.
- You need to share polished org charts with colleagues.
- You want styling flexibility tied to your data.