5 Ways to Create an Organization Chart with Excel Data

Are you tired of manually creating and updating organization charts from Excel data? In this post, we'll explore 5 different methods to effortlessly turn your Excel spreadsheets into professional organization charts.

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🖥️ 5 Techniques

Here's an overview of each option, including their benefits and drawbacks:

1. SmartArt

SmartArt is built into Microsoft Excel and offers simple visual diagrams. However, SmartArt:

• Requires manual data entry and updating.
• Cannot handle dual reporting or dotted line structures.
• Isn't available in Excel 365 (online).

2. Visio Visualizer

Visio Visualizer is an Excel add-in available online and on desktop. While easy to access, it:

• Has strict data structure requirements.
• Limits charts to 100 employees unless upgraded.
• Limited data about employees

Doesn’t support dotted lines or multiple managers.

3. Visio 365 (Visio for the Web)

Available as part of Microsoft 365 commercial plans, Visio 365:

• Requires additional licensing and costs.
• Still doesn’t automatically handle multiple reporting structures.
• May be overly complex for basic needs.

4. Visio Standard

A standalone Windows desktop application that can import Excel data, Visio Standard:

• Is expensive (around $310).
• Does not run on macOS.
• Lacks automatic dual reporting features.

5. Visio Professional

Visio Professional expands on Visio Standard but shares similar drawbacks:

• Higher cost (~$580).
• Windows-only compatibility.
• No built-in automated dual reporting or dotted line support.

🔥 BONUS Option: Lexchart

Lexchart is the easiest, most powerful solution specifically designed for creating organization charts from Excel data:

• Directly import Excel data (no rigid structure).
• Easily handle multiple managers and dotted-line reporting.
• Customize with unlimited additional employee information.
• Automatically update changes and effortlessly export/share charts.

✅ Topics Covered

• How to use SmartArt and its frustrating limitations
• Why Visio Visualizer might work—but isn't ideal for everyone
• Understanding hidden costs and complexities of Visio products
• Flexible, powerful solutions using Lexchart

🚀 Start creating org charts easily

Follow these easy steps to create your organization chart using Lexchart:

1. Save your Excel file as a CSV.
2. Import the CSV into Lexchart.
3. Map your columns to employee and manager fields.
4. Customize and format your chart as desired.
5. Share, export, or collaborate directly within Lexchart.

Lexchart automatically adapts to complex reporting scenarios, including dual managers and dotted-line relationships. Full tutorial is available with registration.

🎯 Try Lexchart FREE for 30 Days

👉 Start your free trial today!

No credit card required—just sign up and experience hassle-free organization charts.